What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common household issue. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves that is behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve is usually situated at in the middle of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until air is removed from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused when you plunge back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if close by to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not overly hot) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to try an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire with a hook that is bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake, which was specially designed to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the supply of water on your toilet bowl again. Then flush it several times to make sure everything is running smoothly!
| 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 and Answers
How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?
The most frequent 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 the sound of gurgling from the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow to the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues with minimal impact on your property.
Do I need to get my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get the drains cleaned out by experts like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to implement, and most of these items are available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re in search of professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- 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
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business� Plumbing Issues?
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
