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. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to contact an emergency plumber right away. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools such as 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)
• Wire Coat Hanger or Pipe Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.

The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves in front of the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank while you attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated near on the floor of your tank, on one side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for around 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging 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 enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not overly hot) to clear the blockage.

Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire with hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging your pipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions hard as they can result in more damage.

Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the result.

Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that the water is flowing freely!

Common Questions & Answers

How can I tell when my toilet has become blocked?

Some of the more typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.

What should 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 over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then utilize a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this fails, call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Avoid pouring grease or oil 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 flushing your toilet but it still doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have many years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues without causing any interruption to your house.

When should I have my drains cleaned?

It is suggested that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to apply in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before worrying after trying the methods, contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance for those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
• Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
• DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
• From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices