How To Unblock Your Toilet – And What Not To Put Down It

A blocked toilet can be a frustrating and unpleasant problem, but with the right tools and techniques, you can usually fix it yourself without needing to call a Penrith plumber. Here are some steps to unblock your toilet, as well as a list of things you should avoid putting down it in the first place.

Steps to Unblock Your Toilet

These are some basic steps to unblock your toilet:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent further water from entering the bowl. The valve is usually located behind the toilet or on the wall nearby.

2. Use A Plunger

A plunger is a simple and effective tool to unblock a toilet. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl and apply downward pressure while simultaneously pulling up. Repeat several times until the blockage is cleared.

3. Use A Toilet Auger

If the plunger doesn’t work, use a toilet auger. This tool is designed to remove stubborn blockages deep in the toilet drain. Insert the auger into the bowl and rotate it clockwise while pushing it in. Once you feel resistance, crank the auger handle counter-clockwise to loosen the blockage.

4. Use a chemical drain cleaner

If the blockage persists, you can attempt using a basic chemical drain cleaner. Always follow the label instructions and wear protective gloves and eyewear.

5. Call a plumber

If none of the above methods work, it may be time to call a professional plumber to fix the problem.

Things to Avoid Putting Down Your Toilet

Some things that are best not to flush down the toilet include the following:

  • Wet wipes – Wet wipes are a common cause of blocked toilets, even if they are labelled as “flushable”. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog your drain.
  • Feminine hygiene products – You should never flush tampons and pads down the toilet as they can expand and block your pipes.
  • Paper towels – Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are not designed to break down easily and can cause blockages.
  • Cooking grease and oil – Pouring grease and oil down your toilet can cause a buildup of fat in your pipes, leading to blockages.
  • Cotton balls and swabs – These can get stuck in the bends of your toilet pipes, causing blockages.
  • Dental floss – Dental floss is not biodegradable and can wrap around other debris in your pipes, causing blockages.
  • Cat litter – Cat litter contains clay and other materials that can clump together and cause blockages.

As you can see, unblocking your toilet can be a simple process if you follow the appropriate steps and use the right tools. However, avoiding putting specific items down the toilet is essential to help prevent blockages. By following our pointers, you can keep your toilets functioning as they should while avoiding costly repairs.

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