How to Unblock Your Toilet
We thought we’d share some top tips on how to unblock a toilet!
Whether your bathrooms kitted out with a standard close coupled toilet, modern wall hung toilet or even a high level traditional toilet, they can all get blocked up at some point.
You’ll know if your loo is blocked up if when flushing, it takes a long time to drain, if water doesn't return after draining or the water rises up towards the toilet bowl rim before returning to the normal level - eek! These are all unhygienic and pretty stinky, but we have some simple remedies for you to give a go.
Identify your blockage
There’s generally three types of blockages.
• Forming stage - water drains slowly
• Complete blockage - water level rises to the brim without falling
• Circulation - upon flushing the toilet remains virtually empty - this means there could be air circulation in the waste pipe
Plunge
Plungers tend to be the go to method, but they're not always what is needed. Many of us will shove a plunger down there and hope for the best - this is not how it should be done!
• Cover the outlet from the bowl with your plunger to prevent air and water passing through.
• Gently push downwards then pull up. Gradually increase the force until water starts to recede. You may need to add some additional water to the bowl.
• Flush to test!
Coat hanger
Plastic is preferred but if it is metal or wire - wrap it in tape before you begin. Unwind the hanger so you're left with a long piece. Gently push the wire up and into the waste pipe and give it a little wiggle. Remove your wire - flush to test.
Baking soda - Vinegar
Here you are going to create your own chemical reaction.
• Pour half a cup of baking soda in the toilet and follow with half a cup of white wine vinegar. Now add 2 to 3 litres of warm water.
• Patiently wait 30 minutes for the chemicals to erode the blockage.
• On your return the water level should be back to normal and any leftover foam will simply flush away.
Dishwasher soap
This method lubricates your clogged pipes. Simply pour half a cup of dishwasher soap into the toilet, give it 30 minutes and flush to test! Hopefully any blocked debri will have slid down with the help of the soap.
Basically the only things that should be getting flushed down your loo are toilet paper (reasonable amounts) and human waste - anything else is a no no! Flushing things we shouldn't may damage your toilet and you may be unaware until it's too late.
Here a list of the top items people tend to flush that shouldn't be going down there!
