What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact the plumber right away. In this blog, we will guide you through simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve on the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is usually situated near on the floor of your tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently to the plunger, until air is released, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction created through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake that was specially designed to clear drain clogs. Put the tool in the drain hole in your toilet and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience a resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result.
After you have cleared any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve behind your toilet bowl again. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure 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 Question
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
A obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet 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, shut off the water supply to the valve in front of the toilet and make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We have years of experience dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues with minimal interruption to your house.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by a professional like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out and the majority of these items are available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re searching for professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
