What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call the plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the water supply valve on the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated at the bottom of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most efficient tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work then try this alternative method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which is made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and then twist and turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result.
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water behind the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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 whether my toilet is clogged?
One of the most obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling through the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several options to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We have years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.
When should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then regular cleaning would be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re seeking professional assistance for those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
