Blocked toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. While it's always best to call in a professional plumber like Newcastle Plumbing for serious plumbing issues, you can try some simple DIY methods to unclog a blocked toilet. In this article, we'll go through some of the best DIY methods for unblocking a toilet, and explain how you can fix a clogged toilet on your own.
Understanding the Causes of Toilet Blockages
Before we get to the methods for unblocking a toilet, it's important to understand the common causes of toilet blockages. Toilet blockages can be a common and frustrating issue in any household.
Causes of Toilet Blockages:
- Flushing inappropriate materials such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and excessive toilet paper can cause blockages.
- Build-up of waste material in the pipes and blockages in the sewer line can also cause toilets to get blocked.
Understanding the common causes of toilet blockages can help prevent them from occurring in the future. In this section, we'll discuss the causes of toilet blockages and how Newcastle Plumbing can help resolve them.
Basic Tools and Materials Needed for Unblocking a Toilet
To unclog a toilet, you'll need a few basic tools and materials. These include a plunger, rubber gloves, hot water, a drain snake, and a bucket. You may also need some dish soap or baking soda and vinegar to help dissolve any blockages.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Plunger
A plunger is the most commonly used tool for unblocking a toilet. Here's how to use it step by step:
- Put on your rubber gloves and position the plunger over the toilet bowl, ensuring it's airtight.
- Use the plunger in an up-and-down motion, creating suction to dislodge the blockage.
- Repeat the process until the toilet unblocks and the water level in the bowl goes down.
Using Hot Water and Soap to Unblock a Toilet
Another effective method for unblocking a toilet is to use hot water and soap. Here's how to do it:
- Add a few cups of hot water to the toilet bowl, but not so much that it overflows.
- Add a few squirts of dish soap or a cup of baking soda and vinegar to the bowl.
- Wait for a few minutes to allow the hot water and soap to dissolve the blockage.
- Flush the toilet to see if the blockage has been cleared.
How to Use a Drain Snake to Unblock a Toilet
A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to remove stubborn blockages from the toilet's pipes. Here's how to use it:
- Insert the drain snake into the toilet bowl and push it down until it reaches the blockage.
- Rotate the drain snake while pushing it forward to dislodge the blockage.
- Pull the drain snake out of the toilet bowl, being careful not to spill any waste material.
- Flush the toilet to see if the blockage has been cleared.
Blocked toilets can be a frustrating and messy problem, but there are simple DIY methods you can try to fix the problem on your own. However, if you're unsure or uncomfortable with performing any of these methods, it's always best to call a professional plumber like Newcastle Plumbing to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. With the right tools and techniques, you can unblock a toilet and get back to your daily routine in no time.
