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. They can be unpleasant and messy and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily require an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved by using simple tools like plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we get started it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.

The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank as you attempt to clear it. The valve usually is situated near to the base of tank, on one side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently to the plunger, until all air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled movement.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not overly hot) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is time to use an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you have a thin, long wire with a hook bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions too hard, as they could make things worse

Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result.

Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the valve for water flow on your toilet. Then flush it several times to make sure that the water is flowing freely!

FAQ

How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?

One of the most common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.

What can I do if the toilet is blocked?

If you think your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work then call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are several actions you can take to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.

What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem of a toilet that is blocked?

If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact an experienced plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and fix any issues that cause disruption to your home.

When should I schedule my drains cleared?

It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by professionals like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.

These techniques are fairly simple to implement, and most of these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the techniques, call 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

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• The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
• Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
• How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
• Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
• DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains