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 uncomfortable, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always require the plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll take you through a few easy steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin it is essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no more water enters the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically located near the bottom of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most efficient tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until air is released, then press firmly over the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 seconds. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until you have a thick, thin wire with a hook that is bent on one side or the plumbing snake that was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply valve in your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
The most typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when water levels rise to the brim 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 the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with any plumbing problem that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues that cause impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by a professional like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to apply in the majority of cases, and these items are available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before worrying after trying the techniques, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
