What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it is essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the water supply valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually situated at to the base of tank on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. First, push down gently upon the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it in the toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked the problem, it’s time to use an electric 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. You can also use to use the plumbing snake, which is made specifically to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole of your toilet and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel a resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is vital to turn on the water supply valve on your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several 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
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A typical signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue that cause disruption to your home.
How often should I get my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by experts like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year is beneficial.
These strategies are simple to execute, and most of these products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- 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
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
