What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common problem for households. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact a plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll guide you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started we must have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off the supply of water behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Start by pushing down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use the plumbing snake. It was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is vital to turn on your water valve on your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!
| 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. |
FAQ
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are many things you can do to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid using oil or grease in the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have many years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and are able to quickly identify and correct any issue that cause disturbance to the home.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to apply, and most of these items are readily available to households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
