What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always require an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you attempt to clear it. The valve is usually found near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down upon the plunger until all air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 minutes. The suction created through plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic add half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble then stop you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is time to use an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until have a long thin wire that has an angled hook at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake, which is specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist to turn, push, to the point where you can feel a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the results.
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water in the toilet bowl. Make sure to flush it several times to ensure that 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?
A obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect that 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 water flow at the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work then call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, 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 toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and resolve any issues that cause interruption to your house.
Do I need to have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to execute in the majority of cases, and these items are available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
