How do I unblock a toilet with a plunger?
Here are our top tips for clearing a blocked toilet with a plunger.
STEP 1:
Try to prevent the toilet from over flowing. Avoid repeated flushing, so if the toilet doesn’t clear properly after this attempt then stop there and don't flush again for now.
over flushing could cause flooding as you add more water to the blocked pipe from the toilet bowl. If you know remove the top off of the toilet unit and close the toilet lever. web you close the lever it will keep more liquid from filling up the blocked toilet system.
The lever/flapper appears as a circular ball normally connected to a chain.
The tank holds clean water so don’t worry about putting your hands in if need be to do this step.
STEP 2:
Time to prepare the area for spillages. We recommend using any old towels as a base layer and paper towels or newspaper on top of this to prevent the towels getting too dirty albeit soaking wet maybe! This step will make cleaning up later a lot easier.
As with any kind of water spillage or leaks, bad smells can be a problem so be sure to ventilate the area well and leave windows open where possible. Prevention is better than cure here!
Should you blockage be stubborn, use a pair of rubber gloves and get “stuck in” if you will excuse the pun!
Toilets being not the cleanest of places we recommend the longer the better with gloves, if you have a pair as long as your elbows even better.Best not to wear your Sunday best whilst doing this job. If you are a shoe fan better slip an old pair on just incase!
STEP 3:
Before calling on professional assistance see if you can clear the toilet blockage yourself.
If the cause of the blockage is visible then attempt to remove it by hand, if for some reason you can’t clear it but know what the item is then no need to plunge as it maybe useless. If you know the blockage is a large or solid item like a stick or toy etc then skip the plunger and give Flushed Away a Call Now
STEP 4:
Dont spare any expense a good plunger.
A large robust or heavy duty plunger is always recommended for clearing toilet blockages. Our favourite types include ball plungers or flat seal rubber plungers.
Avoid cheap or very small half cut plungers as they can often be useless in this situation.
Top Tool Tip, to soften the rubber and create a better seal run the rubber under the hot tap for a minute before use
STEP 5:
Let’s get ready to plunge!
Firstly ensure the basin hole is completely covered so water can not escape. For best results make sure the plunger head is fully in the water.
We want to ensure air is not in the plunger head only water to create the rushing effect required to clear the toilet blockage.
Pump pump pump! It’s all about technique so start with a slow smooth consistent plunge, then as you feel the water rushing you can push or push hard and sharply to force the blockage through or loosing it enough to clear. Push and pull and repeat a few times. Its physical work pumping and pulling until the toilet starts to clear.
You could need 15-20 minutes to get success as long as it’s a blockage build up as opposed to a large stuck object!
STEP 6:
If the water level drops and appears to be clear then half flush ONCE.
Once the toilet bowl is drained beware as you may simply have pushed the blockage further down, it’s important to check by doing a short flush, if the water level remains low go for a normal flush. If the water rises even a little you may have to repeat step 5 again a few times!
If all else fails call our 24/7 emergency call-out line CLICK HERE
