What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common problem for households. They can be uncomfortable, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call a plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the valve for water flow.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This step ensures that no water will enter the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve usually is situated at in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until all air is released, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they are close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire that has a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use your plumbing snake that is specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist to turn, push, to the point where you can feel a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions with force as they may result in more damage.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on your water valve in your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure 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. |
FAQs
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to 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 toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails you can call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out a professional plumber, such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
How often should I schedule my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply as the majority of items are readily available in homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be worrying after trying the strategies, you should contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re in search of professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
