What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common problem for households. They can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call the plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through a few easy steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, it’s essential to have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.

The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated near in the middle of the tank on the other side.

Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most efficient method for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
• Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.

If the plunge doesn’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to clear the blockage.

Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you have a long thin wire that has a hook bent at one end. You can also use your plumbing snake. It is specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, to the point where you can feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.

Note:

• Never overdo pushing or pulling actions hard as they can make things worse

Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result

Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the water supply valve that is behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure everything flows freely now!

Common Questions and Answers

How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?

Some of the more typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you may hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you think the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.

How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are numerous things you can do to keep your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.

When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried plunging the toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact a professional plumber like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal interruption to your house.

When should I schedule my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by experts like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning can be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to implement as the majority of products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before worrying after trying the strategies, you should contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re in search of professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
• 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
• Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
• Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
• CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
• Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
• Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
• Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
• CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes