What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is shutting off the supply of water behind the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve is normally situated near in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. Start by pushing down upon the plunger until all air is removed from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction generated through plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake which was specially designed to clear drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Make an effort to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that all water flows smoothly now!
| 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
How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
Some of the more frequent signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source at the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this isn’t working contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several options to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with minimal impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleared?
It is recommended that you get clean your drains by professionals like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite being careful to not block them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to implement as the majority of items are available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before being anxious after attempting the techniques, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
