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 can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be resolved with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we begin we must be prepared with these tools at hand:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.

The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank while you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank, on one side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled movement.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.

Step 4: Test baking soda with vinegar.

If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz before it slows down, pour hot water down (not hot) to flush out the obstruction.

Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you have a long thin wire that has hooks that are bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake which is specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions hard as they can make things worse

Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the results.

Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the water supply valve on the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to ensure that all water flows smoothly now!

Frequently Asked Question

How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?

Some of the more obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you suspect that your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply at the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this fails contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of options to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease 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 still isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues without causing any impact on your property.

How often should I schedule my drains cleared?

It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite being careful to not block the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to execute, and most of these items are available in households. When facing blocked toilets before being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re seeking professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
• Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
• Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
• The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
• Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
• Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
• Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection