What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start 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: Close the water supply valve.
The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off the water supply valve in front of the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is normally situated at in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient method for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging vigorously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction generated through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, 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. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire with an angled hook at one end or use the plumbing snake that is specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Put the tool in your toilet drain hole and then twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result
After you have cleared any blockages, it is important to switch on the supply of water on the toilet bowl. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure everything is running smoothly!
| 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. |
FAQ
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
One of the most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work then call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, 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 the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out a professional plumber, such as Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We have years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal impact on your property.
How often should I schedule my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have your drains cleaned by a professional like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to execute as the majority of items are readily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the strategies, you should contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional assistance for problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
