What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always require the plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank while you work on unclogging it. The valve usually is located near to the base of tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with 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 for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently on the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down, pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until have a thick, thin wire that has an angled hook at one end. You can also use the plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and then twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet bowl once more. After that, flush it a few 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. |
FAQs
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
The most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply to the valve behind the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this fails then call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and resolve any issues without causing any impact on your property.
When should I get my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have clean your drains by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to implement 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 methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re searching for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
