What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call the plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin we must have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.
The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off the supply of water behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is usually located near in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient method for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently to the plunger, until air is released, then press firmly over the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction generated 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 near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with an angled hook at one end, or you can use to use the plumbing snake that is specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions hard as they can result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the results.
After you have cleared any blockages, it is crucial to turn off your water valve on your toilet bowl again. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure 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. |
FAQs
How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?
The most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source valve on the side of the toilet. Then use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work you can call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to stop your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We have years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and address any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.
How often should I get my drains cleared?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by professionals like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning is beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to carry out as the majority of items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the techniques, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
