What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you should do when confronted with a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve on the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is normally situated near in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire with an angled hook at one end, or you can use to use the plumbing snake, which is specially designed to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the results.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water in the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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 can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the toilet after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think the toilet is clogged be sure to avoid flushing it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this isn’t working you can call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several ways to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We have years of experience with various plumbing issues and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue with the least disruption to your home.
When should I schedule my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have your drains cleaned by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year can be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to implement as the majority of products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be being anxious after attempting the techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
