What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t require an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin, 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 Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is normally located near on the floor of your tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until all air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction created by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work, try this next tactic add half a cup of baking soda as well as one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to clear the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you are left with a thin and long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and twist and turn, push and pull till you experience a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure that 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 do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
A obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of actions you can take to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid using oil or grease in the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience with any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and correct any issue without causing any disturbance to the home.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out and the majority of these items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Say No to Chemical Drain Cleaners: How They Can Damage Your Pipes
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
