What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time and can be a frequent household problem. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily need to call a plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started we must 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 step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the supply of water behind the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is located near to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until air escapes from it, then press firmly over the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.
If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked the problem, it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake that is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist, turn, push or pull until you feel resistance; that’s where the blockage usually is. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can make things worse
Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the result.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off your water valve behind your toilet. Then flush it several times to ensure that everything flows freely 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
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
The most frequent signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then utilize a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this fails then call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and correct any issue with the least impact on your property.
What is the best frequency to have my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to carry out and the majority of these items are available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re searching for professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
