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 unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact an plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Close the valve for water flow.

The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off water valves that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is usually found near in the middle of the tank, on the other side.

Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Start by pushing down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic add half a cup of baking soda as well as one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until you have a thick, thin wire that has a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole in your toilet and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance; this is where the blockage typically is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging your drainpipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse

Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the results.

Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the valve for water flow on the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure everything flows freely now!

Common Questions & Answers

How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?

The most frequent indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.

What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow at the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this fails, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are many ways to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue with the least interruption to your house.

How often should I schedule my drains cleaned?

It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to apply as the majority of items are available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
• Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
• Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
• When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
• The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers