What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call a plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we begin it’s important to have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.

The first thing you should do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually situated at on the floor of your tank, on one side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.

Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until all air is released, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction generated by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
• Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to eliminate the obstruction.

Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with a hook that is bent on one side or the plumbing snake which was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist around, twist, push or pull until you feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may result in more damage.

Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the results.

Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the valve for water flow on your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!

FAQ

How do I know if my toilet is blocked?

The most obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.

What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow at the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work then call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.

How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of ways to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I contact a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?

If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve had years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and correct any issue that cause disruption to your home.

When should I have my drains cleared?

It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning could be beneficial.

These methods are relatively easy to execute and the majority of these items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re seeking professional assistance with those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
• When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
• Say No to Chemical Drain Cleaners: How They Can Damage Your Pipes
• Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
• Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
• The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
• Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing