What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call a plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water on the toilet. This is to ensure that no more water enters the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve is normally situated near the bottom of the tank, on the other 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 with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until all air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused through plunging 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 close enough to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method to pour half a mug of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to try a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with a hook bent on one side or the plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and then twist around, twist, push or pull until you feel resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in your drainpipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on your water valve on your toilet bowl again. 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 Question
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
A common signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you may hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this fails then call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many options to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into 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.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to contact a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal interruption to your house.
What is the best frequency to have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out, and most of these items are readily available to households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re searching for professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
