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’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call a plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off your water source valve.
The first step you must do when confronted with a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no more water enters the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated at the bottom of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently onto the plunger till air escapes from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction generated by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire with a hook that is bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake. It is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and twist to turn, push, or pull until you feel resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging your pipe.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the water supply valve behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of 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. |
FAQs
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more frequent indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this isn’t working, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many actions you can take to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue without causing any disturbance to the home.
How often should I schedule my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to implement, and most of these items are readily available to households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re in search of professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional