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

Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques 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)
• Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Shut off your water source valve.

The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is situated near to the base of tank on one side.

Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Start by pushing down on the plunger until air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
• Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.

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

If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic add half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Let this mixture settle for around 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed the problem, it’s time to try a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion but without causing any damage to the pipeline.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could cause more harm.

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

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve on your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure everything flows freely now!

FAQs

How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?

A common indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.

What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then use a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this fails then call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are numerous things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I call a professional plumber for an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s a problem with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have years of experience in dealing with any plumbing problem and can quickly diagnose and address any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.

Do I need to get my drains cleaned?

It is recommended that you get the drains cleaned out 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. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to implement as the majority of products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be worrying after trying the strategies, you should contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

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• D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
• A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
• Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
• CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes