What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common problem for households. They can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.
The first step you must do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no more water enters the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is normally found near on the floor of your tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not hot) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to try the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake. It was specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Put the tool in the drain hole on your toilet, and twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl again. Then flush it several times to make sure that everything is running smoothly!
| 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. |
FAQs
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
A typical signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source to the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this fails, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to call in an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and resolve any issues that cause disruption to your home.
How often should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning 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 can be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply as the majority of products are easily available in households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
