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 uncomfortable, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques 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)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve on the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is typically situated at the bottom of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently to the plunger, until air is removed from it, then press it hard over the toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction generated through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not hot) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire with an angled hook at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake that is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and twist and turn, push or pull until you feel a resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the water supply valve that is behind your toilet bowl once more. You should flush it a couple of 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?
One of the most obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is clogged and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off your water source at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact 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 getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet but it still won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have many years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues that cause disruption to your home.
How often should I have my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by experts like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing 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 drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning can be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to carry out in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the strategies, you should contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- 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
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
