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

Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we begin it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Hook for the Wire Coat or Pipe Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.

The first thing to do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the supply of water on the toilet. This step ensures that no water will enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated near on the floor of your tank on one side.

Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air is removed from it, then place it in the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
• Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.

If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not hot) to flush out the obstruction.

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

If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is the time to employ the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire that has a hook bent on one side or the plumbing snake which is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, or pull until you feel a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your pipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may cause more harm.

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

Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on your water valve behind your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!

Common Questions & Answers

How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?

A obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water levels rise to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear noises of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.

What should I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you believe the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this isn’t working contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are several options to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I call an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried splurging into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and correct any issue that cause disturbance to the home.

When should I schedule my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to apply and the majority of these items are available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
• A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
• The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
• Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
• How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
• CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly