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 uncomfortable and messy and requires 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 by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the water supply valve in front of the toilet. This step ensures that no water will enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is normally found near on the floor of your tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most efficient method for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Start by pushing down on the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 minutes. The suction generated through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape 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 Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with hooks that are bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake, which is made specifically to clear drain blockages. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; this is where the blockage typically occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without damaging your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know if my toilet is blocked?
Some of the more frequent signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous options to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in an experienced plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have many years of experience tackling any plumbing problem and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
When should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out, and most of these items are available in households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re in search of professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
