What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through the steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start it’s important to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is normally located near the bottom of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently on the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to try a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire that has a hook that is bent at one end or use it as a plumbing snake. It is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is essential to turn on the valve for water flow in your toilet bowl once more. 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 and Answers
How do I know if my toilet is blocked?
One of the most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling from the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply at the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to stop your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have many years of experience tackling any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues that cause disruption to your home.
Do I need to have my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have clean your drains by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to execute, and most of these products are easily available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
