What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll take you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved by using simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off water valves on the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated at the bottom of the tank, on one 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 for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient method for clearing toilets of blockages. Start by pushing down onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mix.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed, then it is the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with a hook bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain blockages. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist around, twist, push or pull until you feel resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water behind the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure 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 and Answers
How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?
One of the most typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the brim after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this fails you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue 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’ve got years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and correct any issue with the least interruption to your house.
When should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite being careful to not block them, then yearly cleaning can be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to implement and the majority of these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance for your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
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- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
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- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
