What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. They can be uncomfortable dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through simple steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it is essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no water will enter the tank while you work on unclogging it. The valve usually is situated at to the base of tank on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently to the plunger, until air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close by to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not overly hot) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thin, long wire with a hook bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake. It is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance; that’s where the blockage usually is. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the supply of water behind the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure that the water is flowing freely!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow at the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this fails, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to avoid your toilet getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We’ve had years of experience dealing with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and address any issues with the least disturbance to the home.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by experts like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to carry out in the majority of cases, and these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
