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

Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily require a plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through some simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be resolved with simple tools and methods like a plunger baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools:

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

Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.

The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no water will enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is usually situated near the bottom of the tank, on one side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Protect your hands from any germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently onto the plunger till air is evacuated from it. then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
• Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close by to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.

If plunges don’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not boiling) to eliminate the blockage.

Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has an angled hook at one end or use to use the plumbing snake which was specially designed to clear drain blockages. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, or pull until you feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Gently try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions too hard, as they could make things worse

Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the results.

Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s important to switch on your water valve on the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure that all water flows smoothly now!

Common Questions & Answers

What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?

A obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you believe your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for professional help.

Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of ways to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.

What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out a professional plumber, such as Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We have years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues with the least interruption to your house.

What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleared?

It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by experts like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite being careful to not block the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to execute in the majority of cases, and these products are easily available in households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
• Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
• Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
• Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
• How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
• 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing