What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily require an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin it is essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the water supply valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves in front of the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. First, push down gently upon the plunger until air is removed from it, then press it hard over the toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed to clear the clog, then it’s time to use an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cable until you are left with a thin and long wire with hooks that are bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake, which was specially designed to clear drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Gently try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on your water valve 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 Question
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
The most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this doesn’t work you can call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many ways to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing into your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We have many years of experience tackling various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.
Do I need to get my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to implement and the majority of these items are readily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before being anxious after attempting the methods mentioned above – contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Adelaide , if you’re searching for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
