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. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through the ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the water supply valve.
The first thing you should do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water can enter the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is normally situated at to the base of tank, on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently on the plunger until air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic add half a cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes. It may fizz but when it ceases to fizz then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until have a thin, long wire with hooks that are bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake. It was specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Gently try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on your water valve on your toilet. Make sure to 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
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this doesn’t work you can call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of actions you can take to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out a professional plumber like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues with minimal impact on your property.
Do I need to get my drains cleared?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by a professional such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out in the majority of cases, and these products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re in search of professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
