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 messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily need to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through simple ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves in front of the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is found near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down onto the plunger till all air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops, pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake that is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off your water valve in your toilet bowl once more. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure 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 & Answers
How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?
The most obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet has been blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source at the valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues with the least impact on your property.
How often should I schedule my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by experts like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning can be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply, and most of these items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
