What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through some simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods 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)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the valve for water flow.
The first thing to do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve on the toilet. This will ensure that no water can enter the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically located near the bottom of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air is released, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 minutes. The suction generated by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and a cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s time to try a wire 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 your plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl once more. Then flush it several times to make sure that 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 Questions
How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?
One of the most frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the toilet after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water to the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this isn’t working, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous actions you can take to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out a professional plumber, such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We have many years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and address any issues that cause interruption to your house.
When should I have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by experts like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and help 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 the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply, and most of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re searching for professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
