A blocked toilet is probably one of the least attractive plumbing issues that you’ll want to tackle yourself. However, while getting a professional plumber Sydney is a viable option, you may simply not be able to wait for them to get there.
It’s worth noting that f the clog is happening on a regular basis then there is something wrong with either the design of your toilet or the drainage. In this instance, you’re better off getting a professional to look at and deal with the situations.
But, if it’s the first time your toilet has clogged you can try the following five methods:
- Dish Soap
Surprisingly liquid dish soap is very effective at breaking up clogs! All you have to do is pour a cup of dish soap into your toilet and leave it to sit there. If possible let it sit for 30-45 minutes before you pull the flush.
Dish soap will coat the sides of your toilet, allowing the pressure of the water to push a clog along, breaking it up in the process.
Of course, if your toilet is already slow draining and the water level is high you’ll need to hold off on pulling the flush, one pull could make the toilet overflow into your bathroom.
- Wire Coat Hanger
Another effective method is using a wire coat hanger. Simply take the hanger apart so that you have a long piece of metal. You can then slide it down the toilet and poke around. It will bend around the pipes and reach a clog. It’s also strong enough to break up the clog, allowing the water to drain, taking the waste with it.
Always use a metal coat hanger! A stick or plastic coat hanger won’t bend in the same way and are likely to break inside your toilet pipe, making the clog worse.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
This is effective in any drain that is clogging or clogged. You’ll need to put a cup of baking soda into your toilet. It’s best to leave it for 15-30 minutes to allow the baking soda to get to the heart of the clog. It will naturally settle through the toilet water and get to the blockage.
You can then pour two cups of vinegar into your toilet. This will react with the baking soda and cause it to fizz, effectively pushing the clog apart. Give the vinegar ten minutes to work and then pour hot water down the toilet, this will help to shift the blockage completely instead of it collecting further along the pipes.
Never use boiling water as this can damage the inside of your drain pipes.
- Hot Water
You can try hot water by itself or use this as a follow-up method to the dish soap. Hot water is surprisingly effective at disturbing and breaking up debris in pipes.
Simply pour it into your toilet from no higher than waist height, you don’t want the toilet contents splashing across your bathroom.
Again, don’t use boiling water.
- Disconnect The Pipe
This is probably something that most people will prefer their plumber does. But, if the clog is stubborn it may be the only way to dislodge it.
You’ll need to remove all the water from the toilet using gloves and a bottle or other container. You can then unscrew the bolts holding the toilet in position and slide it forward, disconnecting the pipe at the back. Be aware of whether the cistern will need disconnecting as well or not.
You’ll then have to manually clean out the pipes and pour a little water down the drain side to ensure they are clear.