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. It’s unpleasant and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t require an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through a few easy steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved with simple tools and methods like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valve.
The first thing you should do when facing a clogged toilet is turning off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This is to ensure that no water will enter the tank while you attempt to clear it. The valve is typically located near the bottom of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. Start by pushing down upon the plunger until air is released, then place it firmly on the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction caused through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a 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 as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit but when it ceases to fizz then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook bent on one side or your plumbing snake which was specially designed to clear drain blockages. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push at the same time until you sense a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Make an effort to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion but without causing any damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure 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. |
FAQs
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
One of the most typical indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you think your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source at the valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We have many years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and address any issues that cause interruption to your house.
When should I have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to apply, and most of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods mentioned above – contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re in search of professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
