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. They can be unpleasant and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always require a plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is typically situated at in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet 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 clearing toilets of blockages. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until all air escapes from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging vigorously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until have a long thin wire that has hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use the plumbing snake. It is made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and twist around, twist, push or pull until you feel resistance; this is where the blockage typically occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions with force as they may cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve behind your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure everything is running smoothly!
| 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 & Answers
How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
The most common signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow to the valve behind the toilet and utilize a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If that doesn’t work you can call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into 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 for an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have clean your drains by professionals like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to apply and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
