Here's our top tips on how to unblock your toilet

A blocked toilet can be a significant inconvenience, especially when it's badly blocked. It not only disrupts your daily routine but can also pose as a potential health risk.

However, with the right tools, techniques and our top tips, you can effectively unblock your toilet and restore its functionality.

Below we will guide you through the process of drains unblocking, ensuring that you can handle such situations confidently and efficiently.

Understanding the Causes of Toilet Blockages

Before we can delve into the process of drains unblocking, it's essential to understand what usually causes toilet blockages.

The most common culprits include excessive use of toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items like baby wipes, toilet wipes, sanitary products, or build-up of minerals in your pipes due to hard water.

In some cases, blockages may occur due to issues with the sewer line itself.

Tools You'll Need for Drains Unblocking

Unblocking a badly blocked toilet can be sorted at home, but obviously sometimes we do need to call upon the professionals if it happens a few times over a period of time.

Here are some essentials it's worth investing in:

1. Plunger: This is your first line of defence against a blocked toilet. Ensure you have a good-quality plunger that creates an effective seal around the toilet drain.

2. Toilet Auger: If a plunger doesn't work, a toilet auger (also known as a plumbing snake) can help break up stubborn blockages.

3. Rubber Gloves: These will protect your hands during the unblocking process.

4. Bucket and Sponge: You'll need these for cleaning up after successfully unblocking the drain.

Steps for Drains Unblocking

Now that we've covered the basics let's dive into how to unblock a badly blocked toilet:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Start by laying down old sheets/towels or newspapers around your toilet to absorb any water spills during the process. Put on your rubber gloves for hygiene and protection.

Step 2: Use The Plunger

Place the plunger over the drain hole in such a way that it forms an air-tight seal. Push down gently at first then apply more force as needed until you feel the resistance lessen – this indicates that you're dislodging the blockage.

Step 3: Use The Toilet Auger

If plunging doesn't work, it's time to bring out your toilet auger. Insert it into the drain hole until it reaches the obstruction then turn its handle clockwise to break up or retrieve whatever is causing the blockage.

Step 4: Flush The Toilet

Once you've dislodged or removed the obstruction, flush your toilet to check if water flows freely again. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3 until successful.

Preventing Future Blockages

Going forward, after successfully unblocking your drains, it's crucial to take preventive measures against future blockages:

1. Be Mindful Of What You Flush Down The Toilet

Only human waste and regular toilet paper should be flushed down toilets – anything else can lead to blockages over time; even biodegradable toilet wipes are a common cause for blockages.

2. Regularly Clean Your Toilets

Regular cleaning helps prevent mineral build-ups which could lead to clogs in future.

3. Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Calling in drainage specialists can inspect your pipes for potential issues and fix them before they escalate into full-blown problems like severe clogs or leaks.

Conclusion

While dealing with a badly blocked toilet might seem daunting at first glance, understanding how drains unblocking works makes this task manageable even for non-professionals!

Remember always to prioritise safety first when handling plumbing issues at home – use protective gear and don't hesitate to call in professionals if needed.

Get in Touch with Drainage Specialists

If your toilet keeps blocking, it may be time to call in a drainage specialist who can quickly identify the issue and get your plumbing running smoothly again. CDS Ltd offers a trustworthy service to banish all of your toilet troubles.

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