What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off your water source valve.
The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is typically found near on the floor of your tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected against germs and bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until all air is evacuated from it. then press it hard over the toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction caused through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thin, long wire with hooks that are bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake that is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and then twist around, twist, push at the same time until you sense resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result.
After you have cleared any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve in your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
The most obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is clogged and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water at the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue with minimal interruption to your house.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have your drains cleaned by experts like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and help keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute, and most of these items are readily available to homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
