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

Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to contact the plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through some simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

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

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.

The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off water valves that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated at the bottom of the tank, on one side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.

Protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until air is removed from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction generated when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm 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: Try baking soda with vinegar.

If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down then pour boiling water down (not hot) to clear the blockage.

Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire that has an angled hook at one end or use the plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole of your toilet and twist, turn, push or pull until you feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Don’t push or pull actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.

Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result.

Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the supply of water on your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that the water is flowing freely!

Frequently Asked Question

How do I know if my toilet is blocked?

One of the most frequent signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you believe your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work you can call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for professional help.

How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are numerous options to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.

What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve a toilet that has become blocked?

If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out a professional plumber like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We’ve had years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and correct any issue that cause disturbance to the home.

When should I have my drains cleaned?

It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by professionals like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to apply and the majority of these items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
• CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
• Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
• Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
• 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
• The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
• The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
• Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
• The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services