What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and can be a frequent household problem. It can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the valve for water flow on the toilet. This step ensures that no water can enter the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve is usually found near to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till all air escapes from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is time to try a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thick, thin wire that has an angled hook at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions too hard, as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the supply of water that is behind your toilet. Then flush it several times to make sure 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. |
FAQs
How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when water levels rise to the brim after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water to the valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many ways to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out an experienced plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have many years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues that cause impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking 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 carry out, and most of these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
