What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved with the use of simple tools 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 Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically found near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most efficient tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down onto the plunger till all air is released, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method to pour half a mug of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down then pour boiling water down (not overly hot) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s time to try a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent on one side or the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the supply of water that is behind your toilet bowl once more. After that, flush it a few times to ensure 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source to the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this isn’t working, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many options to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have many years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem that we can quickly detect and correct any issue that cause disruption to your home.
When should I have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply and the majority of these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to 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 help with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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