What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to contact an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through the ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve on the toilet. This step ensures that no water will enter the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically situated at in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. First, push down gently onto the plunger till all air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging quickly up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction that is created through plunging back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not overly hot) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked the problem, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire with an angled hook at one end or use the plumbing snake that was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist and turn, push or pull until you feel a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is important to switch on your water valve behind your toilet bowl again. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure 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 do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
Some of the more typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling through the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve behind the toilet and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many options to keep your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues that cause interruption to your house.
When should I have my drains cleaned?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system functioning smoothly. However, if you frequently suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite being careful to not block the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute as the majority of products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Melbourne , if you’re looking for professional assistance for the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
