What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you do not always need to call a plumber right away. In this blog we’ll take you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This is to ensure that no water will enter the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated at to the base of tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until all air is evacuated from it. then place it in the toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction caused through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to eliminate 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 time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with hooks that are bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Put the tool in the drain hole in your toilet and then twist, turn, push or pull until you feel a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the supply of water on your toilet bowl once more. Make sure to flush it several times to ensure that 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you might hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source to the valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work then call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several options to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in an experienced plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience tackling any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with the least disruption to your home.
Do I need to get my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out and the majority of these products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re looking for professional assistance for the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
