Don’t Be Stuck With A Blocked Toilet
Imagine after using a toilet, and you can’t get rid of the deposit because it simply won’t flush, or the water level in the bowl rises. These issues might leave you confused as you may not have the slightest idea on how to fix them.
There are some simple techniques, which, when applied, can effectively fix even a gnarly toilet blockage, especially if you know what are they and how to use them properly. To help you learn how to clear up toilet blockage efficiently, A London based plumber has outlined some easy guides below:
Stop the Toilet Bowl from Filling-Up
If there is a risk of the toilet overflowing, then quickly take off the lid of the tank and then close the flapper. The flapper releases water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If your flush is about to turn into a flood, take off the top of the toilet flusher before you stop the flapper. Afterwards, position one hand close to the flusher for easy access while you use the other free hand to push the flusher. With this, you can stop any potential overflow.
Get the Right Plunger
When you have successfully stopped the toilet from overflowing, then it’s time to get your plunger ready. To get the best result from a plunger, you will need it to cover the toilet bowl adequately. It’s better to use a funnel-cup plunger because they have a flange extending off the bottom of the rubber cup.
Warm Up the Plunger
Soft and flexible plunger work better than the hard and stiff ones. The best way to make your plunger soft and supple is to run it through hot water before using it — the hot water will soften the plunger and make it seal properly on the toilet bowl.
Plunge Correctly
Stick the plunger in the toilet bowl and form a seal over the exit hole with it. Give the pullback as much energy as the downward push of the plunger. Continue the upward and downward thrust with the plunger for some time.
With the steps outlined above, you should have successfully unblocked your toilet.However, if the toilet is not unblocked by this time, close the flapper to stop water from entering the bowl.Repeat the plunging and flushing until the toilet is cleared up.
There are tricks plumbers use to clear-up blocked drain London and toilets as well. We have compiled a few of them to make toilet unblocking easier for you.
Add hot water and dishwasher detergent
Before you start plunging, pour a few drops of water into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The heat generated by the hot water will help soften and breakdown some debris or particles blocking the toilet — thereby making your plunging easier. Sometimes, the hot water could even unblock the toilet and eliminate the need for a plunger. This solution could help you when you’re not at home – probablyat a friend’s — and you do not want to face the embarrassment of asking for a plunger.
Adding a little amount of dishwasher detergent could also break-up the deposits in the toilet.
Use baking soda and vinegar
If you put a cup of baking soda into your blocked toilet and slowly add a cup of vinegar to it, a chemical reaction releases bubbly gas. This step will help breakdown the deposits blocking the toilet.
Using an auger for harder blocks
If you have tried using a plunger severally and it doesn’t work, then you should try a toilet auger. A toilet auger is cable-like and can be inserted into the toilet hole to help loosen the blockage.
The Auger is simple to use. You need to snake the cable down the hole and turn the crank at the end from which you’re holding it until it stops moving. This tool will either break up the deposits or hook onto it. If you have successfully hooked the deposits, pull it up and then discard the deposits. Repeat this process until you’re sure all deposits have been dislodged, then flush the toilet. Ensure that you put on gloves while using the auger.
When Should I Call a Plumber?
There are cases where you have tried all you can to unblock your toilet or drains, and it still doesn’t clear-up. If the water in your sink or toilet is always there after flushing, it’s due for a plumber to look at it. A significant characteristic of a blocked main line is water backing up in odd locations after flushing. A plunger or auger may not get the job done.
How to Avoid Blocked Toilets
It’s better to avoid having a blocked toilet than fix one. A large percentage of the cause of blocked toilets are as a result of toys, and other items flushed down by children.
If you have children, teach them not to drop their toys, and other solid items into the toilet. It is also essential to clean the edges of the toilet bowls. Stuffed-up jets can prevent your toilet from flushing properly, which in turn prevents the clearing out of the toilet bowl.
Cleaning your toilet weekly with a brush will prevent the build-up of depositsthat could block it. If you haven’t cleaned your toiletin a long time, the chances are that you have a significant build-up of deposits.Although, you can use a wrench or screwdriver to make the cleaning easier.
The possibility of toilet blockage occurring is high, as one cannot expunge the factors causing it to happen. There are moments when you can’t or don’t want to unblock the toilet yourself; contact an emergency plumber to help you out.
