What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact an plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is normally located near on the floor of your tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until all air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to clear the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or your plumbing snake, which is specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. there’s usually a blockage occurs. Gently try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the results.
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the supply of water behind your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to ensure 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work you can call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve had years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have clean your drains by experts like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year is beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute and the majority of these products are easily available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before worrying after trying the techniques, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re looking for professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
