How to unblock a badly blocked toilet: Effective methods

While handling a blocked toilet can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, it is a typical household problem that can be fixed with the correct method. Knowing how to solve the issue quickly will save you time, money, and aggravation, whether the cause is foreign items, too much toilet paper, or other clogs. This article offers thorough, exact directions on how to unblock a badly blocked toilet. Following these guidelines will help your toilet to be completely operational once more.

Finding the source of the blockage

You have to find any hurdles first before starting. Common offenders include:

  • Excessive toilet paper
  • Foreign goods (such as hygiene items, toys)
  • Waste accumulates here
  • Build-up of minerals
  • Finding the cause will enable you to decide how best to unblock your toilet.

Basic instruments and resources

Having the required tools on hand will streamline and speed the procedure. These will be required:

  • Rubber glues
  • Slungger
  • Toilet auger (snake of the plumber)
  • Bucket
  • Used towels or rags from past years
  • Dish soap
  • Boiling water

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Step-by-Step Guide to Unblocking a Toilet

1. Prepare the Area

Put on rubber gloves: Wearing rubber gloves helps to guard your hands from germs and bacteria.

Place old towels around the toilet: Setting old towels around the toilet will help to catch any water that could leak over during operation.

Have a bucket ready: Prepare a bucket if the toilet bowl seems to be overflowing from extra water scooping.

2. Apply a plunger

Choose the right plunger: A flange plunger, which has an extended rubber flap, is ideal for toilets.

Position the plunger: Place the plunger over the toilet drain, ensuring a tight seal.

Plunge firmly: Maintaining the seal, rapidly push down and then draw up. Several repetitions will produce suction and help to dislodge the blockage.

Check for success: Flushing the toilet will help you to find whether the obstruction is removed. Otherwise, start the process again.

3. Dish soap and hot water

Should the plunger prove worthless, consider this:

Add dish soap: Spoon a lot of dish soap into the toilet bowl. This facilitates pipe lubrication and clearance of obstructions.

Pour hot water: Pour softly, carefully hot, not boiling water into the toilet bowl. Heat and soap will so help to dissolve the barrier.

Wait and test: Try flushing the toilet following fifteen to twenty minutes of sitting with the solution.

4. Apply a toilet auger (plumber’s snake)

A toilet auger can work well for more difficult obstructions:

Insert the auger: Feed the auger into the toilet drain until you come upon the blockage.

Crank the handle: Turn the handle clockwise to break up or remove the blockage.

Remove the auger: Take off the auger gently and discard any trash.

Flush the toilet: Flushing the toilet will help you to see whether the obstruction is cleared.

5. Call a professional plumber

Should all else prove insufficient, it could be time to give a licenced plumber call. Frequent blockages can point to more major plumbing system issues calling for expert repair.

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Preventing future obstacles

Treating blockages is more difficult than preventing them. These ideas will help your toilet run properly: 

  • Use less toilet paper: Urge family members to flush more often and use less toilet paper. 
  • Avoid flushing foreign objects: Just flush the toilet paper and human waste. Sort other goods including wipes and sanitary products in the rubbish.
  • Regular Maintenance: Planned frequent plumbing maintenance will help to identify possible problems early on.

Frequently asked questions

How can I find out whether my toilet is seriously blocked?

Usually accompanying a badly blocked toilet are gurgling noises and terrible smells; water rises and does not drain upon flushing.

Are chemical drain cleaners appropriate?

While chemical drain cleaners can be effective, they can also damage your pipes and harm the environment. Consider them as a last resort; follow manufacturer recommendations exactly.

How often should I clean my toilet to avoid blockages?

Six-month examinations and cleanings of your toilet and plumbing system constitute routine maintenance that helps to avoid obstructions.

Conclusion

Unblocking a badly blocked toilet need not be a challenging task. Your toilet will run as it ought if you use the right tools, techniques, and preventative measures. Recall that you should not hesitate to seek a qualified plumber for help should you run across ongoing problems. This information will enable you to aggressively tackle toilet clogs and maintain a clean, efficient plumbing system in your house.