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’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t need to call the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated by using simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start we must be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the valve for water flow on the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is usually situated near on the floor of your tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method add half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; this is where the blockage typically is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your drainpipe.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off your water valve in your toilet. Then flush it several times to ensure that everything flows freely 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. |
FAQ
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
The most typical symptoms 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 might hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working then call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact an experienced plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and resolve any issues without causing any impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleaned?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply, and most of these items are available in households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re seeking professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
