How to Unblock a Toilet – Everything You Need to Know!
Blog Handling a blocked toilet can be chaotic and stressful. Our aim is teaching you how to unclog a toilet
December 6, 2024
Handling a blocked toilet can be chaotic and stressful. Our aim is teaching you how to unclog a toilet effectively. Bidding farewell to that unpleasant blockage shall be uncomplicated with a dash of proficiency and a bit of useful information.
Therefore, keep reading if you are ready to address this usual house issue precisely and effectively! With this guide, you can get all the information needed to revive your washroom to superior functioning: easy fixes, no more troubles. Let’s begin and eliminate that blockage efficiently!
Before diving into the unblocking procedure, it is necessary to take some preventive measures to avoid extra mess and harm. In the first place, abstain from flushing the toilet over and over again, as this could lead to backups and overflowing with every flush. Moreover, use a large quantity of dishwashing soap and warm water for washing your hands thoroughly before and after unblocking the toilet. Wear rubber gloves to safeguard your hands from each unhygienic material you may come into contact with. Make sure to clean up afterwards using a toilet brush and clean the base of the toilet with the following:
The following are the different techniques for unclogging a toilet:
It might be practicable to eliminate a few blockages using warm water. In the beginning, shut down the water supply line to your lavatory to prevent cistern refilling. Afterwards, wear rubber gloves to eliminate the standing water to the largest extent possible and put it in a bucket. In the next step, pour half a glass of dishwashing liquid into the bowl to provide lubrication, and then wait for at least 12 minutes.
After 12 to 15 minutes, carefully pour 2-3 litres of warm (but not boiling) water into the bowl. This must create pressure to help clear the blockage; however, do not burn yourself. Hold on for several minutes to check if the water level drops. If it remains the same and there’s sufficient space in the toilet bowl, try the procedure once more. If the clog refuses to go away, it’s time for using a plunger.
Take your plunger and place it in such a way that it completely covers the drain hole at the base of the toilet bowl. If you are unable to form a tight seal with the plunger, try using old rags to seal any openings. To increase the efficiency of your plunger, try running it under hot water first to soften the rubber.
Begin with a soft, gentle push to abstain from driving the blockage deeper down. Press softly down, then pull up. Slowly increase the pressure while pushing and pulling until the water sets out to decrease. Add more water to the bowl if needed and continue repeating the process once again. Before flushing, remove the plunger to check if the flow has returned to normal. Remove the plunger prior to flushing the toilet to check if the water flow has reverted to normal.
Add half a cup of baking soda to the lavatory bowl. Next, warm approximately 2-3 litres of water. Just before it reaches the boiling point, pour in half a cup of white vinegar.
Add the vinegar and water solution to the toilet bowl, then cover the lid. When the vinegar mixes with the baking soda, a chemical reaction will take place, generating a foam build-up. Let the mixture work for approximately 40 minutes, and then flush the lavatory to check if the blockage has been removed.
Don’t apply this technique if your residence has any of the following tanks:
If you have implemented the above techniques and the blockage is still there, you can try a toilet auger. Toilet augers are adaptable tools designed to be pushed into the lavatory to eliminate the blockage. Based on the blockage type, the auger can do any of the following:
Drive the auger into the toilet and continue pushing until you approach the blockage. Next, rotate the auger handle while gently pushing down. This should help break up the blockage. If the auger tip breaks through the blockage, you can pull it out along with the debris from the bowl. Afterwards, flush the toilet to ensure the blockage is fully cleared. If the blockage is due to a hard object packed in the drain pipe, you might need to remove the toilet bowl to access and remove it.
If the other techniques do not give the desired results, a pressure washer might be required, particularly if the blockage is placed deep down the drain pipe. To unblock your toilet using a pressure washer, you will need a specific pipe-cleaning kit, which includes an extended hose and a specialised nozzle attached to the end.
Place the hose’s nozzle end into the toilet. Turn on the pressure washer, and the water jet from the nozzle will pull the hose along the pipe, efficiently removing the blockage.
The following are a few of the easy tips to help prevent your toilet from getting clogged on a frequently:
While managing a blocked toilet with DIY techniques might be efficient, there are certain situations when these exertions do not prove to be beneficial in blockage removal. Comprehending when to call a professional can save you a lot of time and finances and the tension of coping with a possibly chaotic situation. The following are a few of the signs which show that the clogging might need professional intervention:
While DIY techniques can be helpful for small clogs, stubborn blockages might need professional help. 24/7 Emergency Plumber Edinburgh provides trustworthy plumbing services with seasoned professionals ready to handle each toilet-related issue. Spare yourself the trouble and let our professionals tackle the dirty job for you. Schedule a plumbing professional service today by dialling 01312 100505 and enjoy a perfectly functional toilet quickly!
Blog Handling a blocked toilet can be chaotic and stressful. Our aim is teaching you how to unclog a toilet
Blog As a result of a potential ban on gas boilers by the Government of the UK, many homeowners are
Blog Your boiler is essential for your home, providing warmth in winter. It also offers hot water to wash your
If you’re facing any issues or need our assistance for anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We are one of the leading company in Edinburgh proving plumbing and heating services.