What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t require the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off the valve for water flow behind the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve usually is situated at in the middle of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down onto the plunger till air escapes from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble then stop, pour hot water down (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is 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 long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake, which is specifically designed for clearing drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is essential to turn on the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl again. Then 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
A frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this fails you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have years of experience with any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues that cause impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to have my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement and the majority of these items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
