What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we start we must have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.

The first thing you should do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually located near to the base of tank, on one side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.

Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves before using any tools for unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. Start by pushing down on the plunger until air is removed from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
• Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.

If plunging doesn’t work then try this alternative method - pour half a cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to remove the blockage.

Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed the problem, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you have a long thin wire with an angled hook at one end, or you can use your plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into 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 occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may make things worse

Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result

Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is important to switch on your water valve in your toilet. Then flush it several times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!

Common Questions & Answers

How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?

The most frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.

What should I do if the toilet is blocked?

If you suspect your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow at the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are numerous things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.

When should I call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and resolve any issues without causing any impact on your property.

When should I get my drains cleaned?

It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water, despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.

These methods are relatively easy to execute as the majority of items are readily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re in search of professional help with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

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• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
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• The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
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