Simple Steps To Fixing A Blocked Loo
Blocked toilets happen all the time and there are several tried and tested theories you can try to solve the problem of how to fix a blocked loo.
- Firstly, do not be tempted to keep on flushing to the toilet
- Wear a pair of gloves and put some floor covering around the toilet to save your carpet from any splashes
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet located behind the toilet
Take the plunge
Place the plunger into the toilet bowl slowly, ensuring you are covering the entire hole of the toilet.
The plunger should be totally submerged in the water as the aim is to cause a ripple effect in the water without any air getting in.
Push up and down vigorously. The sudden movement in the water should cause movement thus dislodging the blocking object.
You may have to repeat the action several times to unblock.
Coat hanger technique
Cut or ‘unwind’ a wire coat hanger so that you have the benefit of a long piece of wire to push down the toilet.
When the coat hanger comes into contact with the object you should move it around as much as you can to dislodge it.
The auger or snake method
Many people suggest using an auger or ‘snake’ when the question of how to fix a blocked loo is asked.
This is a long wire instrument used by plumbers which has a sleeve around it and a hook on the end of it.
The sleeve guides it down the toilet and the hook can be twisted round to remove the blockage.
Other methods of toilet unblocking
The answer of how to fix a blocked loo can lie with other less well-known methods.
Put some baking soda into the toilet bowl and leave it for 5 minutes.
If the water level starts to go down then you know this action is working, you may have to repeat a few times.
You could also try putting warm soapy water inside to see if this has the same effect.
Certain chemicals are designed to unblock toilets but do not use one if you know the blockage is hard, like a child’s toy, as this will not work.
Using enzymes for organic waste can also unblock a toilet.
Both of these are available to buy off the shelf.
If you are still unsure of how to fix a blocked loo then you could contact your local plumber for more guidance.
