What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call the plumber right away. In this blog, we will guide you through simple steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is located near on the floor of your tank on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently on the plunger until air escapes from it, then press it hard over the toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction caused through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. It may fizz before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which is specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Put the tool in your toilet drain hole and then twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s important to switch on your water valve behind the toilet bowl. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more common signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this fails contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet but it still doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have many years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues with the least disruption to your home.
What is the best frequency to schedule my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to execute, and most of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
