What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. They can be unpleasant and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always require an emergency plumber right away. In this blog, we will guide you through simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off water valves that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank while you attempt to clear it. The valve is typically situated near in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down upon the plunger until air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if close by to prevent 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 then try this alternative method to pour half a mug of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until have a thick, thin wire with a hook bent at one end. You can also use the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and twist and turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; this is where the blockage typically is. Try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the supply of water behind the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure 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. |
FAQ
How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?
The most common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you may hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this isn’t working you can call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve 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 bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have many years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and address any issues with the least impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water, despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year is beneficial.
These strategies are simple to execute and the majority of these products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
