What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily need to call the plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it’s important to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off water valves that is behind the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually situated at in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet and begin to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction generated by the movement of the plunger will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working you can try this other method add half a cup of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It may fizz but when it ceases to fizz then pour boiling water down (not overly hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cable until you have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which is made specifically to clear drain blockages. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and then twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging your pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is essential to turn on the supply of water in your toilet bowl once more. You should flush it a couple of 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 do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water fills up to the top of the toilet after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this fails then call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several ways to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and address any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.
When should I get my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by experts like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out in the majority of cases, and these products are easily available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to worrying after trying the strategies, you should contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re looking for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- 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 These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
