What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started we must 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 the valve for water flow.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water behind the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is situated near on the floor of your tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air is released, then place it in the toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction that is created through plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they are close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working then try this alternative method - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you are left with a thin and long wire with an angled hook at one end or use to use the plumbing snake. It was designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve that is behind your toilet. Then 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?
A obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off water flow to the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We’ve had years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get cleaning your drainage system by experts like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply and the majority of these items are available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance for problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
