What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call the plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve usually is situated at in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from any germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for cleaning toilets that are blocked. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction generated when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is essential to turn on your water valve behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure that everything flows freely 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
The most obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water to the valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to avoid your toilet getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber about a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have many years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and fix any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
When should I have my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement and the majority of these items are readily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
