A blocked toilet is a plumbing emergency. It can lead to an unpleasant smell, cause a mess and prevent you from using the bathroom. Although you can take steps to prevent a blocked toilet by being careful what you put down it, blockages can still happen. Below are some simple steps you an take to unblock a clogged toilet.
Use a Plunger
Because a plunger is such a reliable tool, it is often the first thing you will reach for when faced with a blocked toilet. However, unless you know how to use the plunger properly, it is unlikely you will get very far. Insert the plunger into the bowl of the toilet until it completely covers the exit hole. While it is important you apply pressure to force the plunger downwards to form a firm seal, it is important that you pull on the plunger with equal force. You should vigorously thrust the plunger backwards and forwards in the toilet bowl and then flush the toilet.
If the water in the toilet bowl begins to drain as it normally does, you have successfully cleared the toilet. If the water from the flush collects in the bowl, simply close the flapper on the toilet to prevent water from entering the bowl. Repeat the plunging until the clog is cleared and the water in the bowl drains back down to a normal level. Submersing a plunger in warm water before use can help to soften the rubber, which will help it to form a good seal within the toilet bowl.
Add Washing Up Liquid
If you are still having problems with plunging the toilet, it may be necessary to take a further step. Add some washing up liquid to a pan of boiling water. Stir it well before pouring it into the toilet bowl. Leave it to settle for a few minutes before you begin to plunge the toilet. The heat from the solution combined with the grease attacking qualities of the washing up liquid should help to get the blockage moving.
Use Chemical Treatments
If you do not feel confident enough to plunge your toilet or if your attempts to use a plunger have failed, you should consider using chemical treatments to clear your toilet. Drain cleaners can be bought from most supermarkets and are designed to react with blocked material, breaking it down and clearing the pipe. You should however be very careful when using chemicals to clear a toilet as they can release toxic fumes and cause allergic reactions. You should wear gloves and protective goggles when using these chemicals to protect yourself.
If you are suffering from a blocked toilet, it may be best to call an emergency plumber.
Share16 June 2016
We needed to get a new granny flat built, as ours was starting to look shabby and had a roof leak we couldn't stem. We knew it would need some upgraded features so that we could start renting it out for extra income. I spent a lot of time researching which features get the best rental returns and how to get the granny flat built as quickly and effortlessly as possible. I read a lot from a lot of online sources and interviewed other home owners who have new granny flats so we could get the best structure built. This blog has tips for people looking to build new granny flats for their home.