There’s never a good time to plunge a toilet, but blockages seem to happen at the most inopportune moments. Fortunately, you can clear most blocked toilet problems yourself before calling us.
Follow these steps, and you could have the blocked toilet problem cleared up before the in-laws come over for dinner.
Method 1 – The Good Old Rubber Glove Method
1. Flush only once. If it’s not flushing the first time, don’t flush again. This will cause more water to be pumped into the toilet bowl. If the toilet becomes blocked, the first flush will not cause the bowl to overflow, but the second flush might.
2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Toilets are inherently unsanitary places to work, but a good pair of rubber cleaning gloves will protect you from any germs within.
3. If you can see the cause of the blockage, put on a pair of rubber gloves and remove it from the toilet if possible.
Method 2 – Dish Soap and Hot Water Method
1. Add a little dish soap. Just place a few squirts in the toilet.
2. Pour a pot or half a bucket of tap-hot water from about waist level into the bowl. (The reason you pour from waist level is because the weight of the water can help to clear the blockage, or erode it away if some amount of water is getting through.
The water should be no hotter than a hot tea you can drink comfortably, but not boiling, since very hot water can crack porcelain. A little water won’t work––you want to raise the temperature of the water passing around or pressing on the blockage.
3. Let the water and dish soap sit for a few minutes. Sometimes doing this will soften a blockage enough for the blockage to loosen and clear on its own.
4. If the water has not gone down, give the coat hanger method a try.
Method 3 – Wire Coat Hanger Method
1. If the soap and bucket method fails to unblockage the blocked toilet, a wire coat hanger may clear the obstruction. This will generally work if there is an obstruction in the first few inches of the drain.
2. Unravel the coat hanger. Twist the top ends of the coat hanger apart until they are no longer connected. (To avoid damaging the porcelain tightly wrap one end with a rag).
3. Stick the wrapped end of the wire into the drain. Once the wire is in the drain, twist it, push it, and manoeuvre it in a circular motion to clear the drain.
Hopefully these methods will have cleared your blocked sink. If not were always here to help 24hrs a day, feel welcome to call us 01202 300040.
FAQs
How can I unblock a toilet myself?
To unblock a toilet yourself, start by using a plunger. Ensure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger’s cup, then plunge vigorously for several minutes to create suction and dislodge the blockage.
Why do all my toilets keep clogging?
If all your toilets keep clogging, it could indicate a blockage in your main sewer line or an issue with your home’s plumbing system. This is often caused by tree roots, debris build-up, or other obstructions in the main line.
What should I do if both my bath and toilet are clogged?
If both your bath and toilet are clogged, it suggests a blockage in the shared drain or main sewer line. Start by using a plunger on both the bath and toilet to try and dislodge the blockage.