What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll take you through simple ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is found near the bottom of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Protect your hands against germs and bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction generated when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops, pour hot water down (not overly hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire that has a hook that is bent at one end or use it as a plumbing snake. It was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the water supply valve on the toilet bowl. 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
The most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is clogged and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this 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 numerous things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have your drains cleaned by professionals like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out as the majority of items are available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
