What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call a plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through the steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs 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 without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until all air is released, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for 15 to 20 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end, or you can use your plumbing snake, which was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve in your toilet bowl once more. Make sure to 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 Question
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water to the valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this isn’t working you can call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling 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 for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues and can quickly diagnose and fix 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 your drains cleaned by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to execute and the majority of these items are available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re seeking professional assistance for those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
