There’s a sudden, alarming rise of water. Your heart drops. Panic sets in. It’s a scenario many of us dread: a blocked toilet. In these stressful situations, it’s crucial to know how to unblock a toilet swiftly and effectively. Here, we’ve prepared a detailed, step-by-step guide to assist you in navigating this tricky endeavour.
Step One: Preparation
Firstly, don’t keep flushing in the hopes that the problem will magically resolve itself – overflows are not pleasant and best avoided. Instead, put on some gloves, grab a plunger, and gather some old towels or rags.
The gloves are for your protection, the plunger is the tool of choice for the job, and the towels are for any accidental splashes or spills. Consider them your first line of defence in the battle of how to unblock a toilet.
Step Two: Using a Plunger
Now that you’re prepared, you can start the process of unclogging your toilet. This might sound rudimentary, but the correct usage of a plunger is often misunderstood. Place the plunger in the bowl and ensure that it completely covers the drain hole. Create a tight seal and start applying a strong but steady pressure.
The key here is persistence. Maintain a rhythm of pressure and release. You’re trying to dislodge the blockage with the force of the water, not the plunger. Often, knowing how to unblock a toilet is more about patience and technique than brute strength.
Step Three: Trying an Auger
If your plunger doesn’t get the job done, don’t despair. The next step in our how to unblock a toilet guide is to use a toilet auger. Also known as a plumbing snake, this is a flexible, coiled tool that you feed into your toilet to break up the blockage.
Once inserted into the drain, twist the handle, so it moves down the pipe. Be careful not to be too forceful, as you don’t want to damage your toilet. The goal is to reach the clog and break it up so that it can be flushed away.
Step Four: Chemical De-cloggers
If physical methods haven’t worked, chemical de-cloggers are the next option in our how to unblock a toilet tutorial. These solutions are designed to break down the material causing the clog.
However, please read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully – these are powerful chemicals, and misuse can be dangerous. Ventilation is key, as the chemicals often produce fumes. After using a chemical de-clogger, let it sit for a while, then flush the toilet.
Step Five: Call a Plumber
If all else fails, it’s time to call in a professional. There’s no shame in admitting defeat in the fight against a blocked toilet – some clogs are stubborn, and professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to handle them.
While knowing how to unblock a toilet is a useful skill, sometimes the issue might be more complicated, like a problem with the sewer line. In these cases, a professional plumber is required.
Call Plumbform for no-fuss plumbing solutions
Unblocking a toilet can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s manageable. And remember, preventative maintenance is always easier than dealing with a clog. Regular cleaning and being mindful of what you flush can go a long way in keeping your toilet functioning smoothly.
Plumbform provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Brisbane and bayside areas. From blocked toilets and leak detection to gas plumbing, roofing/guttering and everything in-between, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
