What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and can be a frequent household problem. They can be uncomfortable messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact an plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated by using simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin it is essential 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: Close the valve for water flow.
The first step you must do when confronted with a blocked toilet is shutting off the supply of water on the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is typically situated at in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Start by pushing down onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction created by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work then try this alternative method to pour half a mug of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a long thin wire with hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and verify the result
After you have cleared any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve behind your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to ensure 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
One of the most typical indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the brim after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling from the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any interruption to your house.
When should I schedule my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have the drains cleaned out by professionals like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute and the majority of these items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods, 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
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is Essential for Maintaining Clean and Healthy Environment?
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
