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

Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through the ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be resolved by using simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we get started it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:

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

Step 1: Close the valve for water flow.

The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water on the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is normally situated at to the base of tank, on one side.

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

Your hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until air is released, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction created by the movement of the plunger will assist in removing any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled movement.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble, and when it stops, pour hot water down (not at a boil) to eliminate the blockage.

Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed, then it is time to try a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire that has a hook that is bent at one end, or you can use to use the plumbing snake that was specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Install the snake in the drain hole of your toilet and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Gently try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damage to the pipeline.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could create more problems.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the results.

Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is vital to turn on the supply of water behind your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to ensure that everything flows freely now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?

The most common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.

What should I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you believe your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off water flow to the valve behind the toilet and employ a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of options to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.

When should I call an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?

If you’ve tried to flush your toilet but it still doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to call in a professional plumber, such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem and are able to quickly identify and address any issues with minimal impact on your property.

How often should I get my drains cleared?

It is recommended that you get the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to apply as the majority of items are readily available to households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re seeking professional assistance for your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
• Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
• The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
• Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
• Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
• Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages