What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common problem for households. They can be uncomfortable dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you do not always need to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through the ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin it is essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.
The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off water valves behind the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is normally situated at to the base of tank, on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. Begin by pressing down upon the plunger until air is removed from it, then place it in the toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble then stop, pour hot water down (not overly hot) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is 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. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you are left with a thin and long wire with hooks that are bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake, which was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result.
After you have cleared any blockages, it is vital to turn on your water valve that is behind the toilet bowl. Make sure to flush it several 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
The most typical indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow valve on the side of the toilet. Then utilize a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber about the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We’ve had years of experience tackling various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal disruption to your home.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have clean your drains by professionals like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water, despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to execute as the majority of items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
