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, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you should do when facing a clogged toilet is turning off the water supply valve 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 is typically found near in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently on the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet and begin to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to remove the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with a hook bent at one end, or you can use your plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off your water valve on the toilet bowl. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that all water flows smoothly 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to tell when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply at the valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this isn’t working then call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging into 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 get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We have years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and address any issues with the least interruption to your house.
What is the best frequency to have my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to apply, and most of these items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re searching for professional assistance for those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
