What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and can be a frequent household problem. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t need to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is situated near in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction created through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to remove the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook bent at one end. You can also use the plumbing snake. It is specifically designed for clearing drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole in your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Make an effort to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging your drainpipe.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the supply of water behind your toilet bowl once more. 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. |
FAQ
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
The most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow to the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are many 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 in the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and address any issues that cause interruption to your house.
When should I have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system running smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before worrying after trying the methods, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re seeking professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
