What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you do not always require an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started we must be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first step you must do when confronted with a blocked toilet is turning off water valves in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no more water enters the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is normally located near to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool to use for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging quickly up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
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 air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. It may fizz but when it ceases to fizz you can pour hot water down (not hot) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake. It is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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 when my toilet has become blocked?
A common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling from the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this doesn’t work contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out an experienced plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have many years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and fix any issues without causing any interruption to your house.
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning could be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply, and most of these products are easily available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re looking for professional assistance for those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
