How to Clear Blocked Toilets in Cumbria: A Comprehensive Guide by Drainage Cumbria

Are you experiencing a blocked toilet in Cumbria? You're not alone! Blocked toilets are a common plumbing issue in homes and businesses in the Cumbria area. Whether it's due to too much toilet paper or foreign objects being flushed down the toilet, it's definitely not an enjoyable experience. However, the good news is that with the right tools and techniques, you can easily clear a blocked toilet yourself without having to call a plumber. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the different methods of unblocking a toilet, so you can get back to using it without any issues.

Introducing Drainage Cumbria

Before we dive into the different methods of unblocking a toilet, let us introduce ourselves. Drainage Cumbria is a leading blocked toilets company in Cumbria, North West England. We've been providing reliable and affordable plumbing services to the local community for over ten years now. Our team of experienced plumbers is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to handle any plumbing issue, including blocked toilets. If you need professional help in unblocking your toilet, don't hesitate to give us a call at 01228 734162.

Understanding the Toilet

The first step in clearing a blocked toilet is to understand how it works. A toilet consists of four main components: the bowl, the water tank, the flapper valve, and the plumbing pipe. The bowl is where waste and water are deposited, while the tank holds the water that will flush the bowl. The flapper valve is responsible for releasing the water from the tank into the bowl. Finally, the plumbing pipe carries waste and water away from the toilet and into the sewage system.

Method 1: Using a Plunger

One of the most common and effective ways to clear a blocked toilet is by using a plunger. Here's how you can do it:

1. First, put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and germs.
2. Next, place the plunger over the toilet bowl's drain and press it down firmly.
3. Push and pull the plunger up and down rhythmically, keeping a tight seal around the drain.
4. Continue plunging for at least 20 to 30 seconds until the blockage clears and the water starts to drain.

If the blockage is severe, repeat the process a few more times until it clears. Remember to use a plunger that has a flange, as it produces a better seal around the drain.

Method 2: Using an Auger

If the plunger method fails, you can try using an auger. An auger is a flexible cable that you can insert into the toilet's plumbing pipe to break up the blockage. Here's how you can use it:

1. Insert the auger cable into the toilet bowl's drain and start turning the handle in a clockwise motion.
2. Slowly push the auger cable through the drain until it reaches the blockage.
3. Once the auger reaches the blockage, turn the handle in a counterclockwise motion to break it up.
4. Continue pushing and pulling the auger cable until the blockage clears.

Be careful not to use too much force, as it can damage the toilet bowl or plumbing pipe. If you're not confident in doing this yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber.

Method 3: Using Soap and Hot Water

If you don't have a plunger or an auger, you can try using soap and hot water to unclog the toilet. Here's how you can do it:

1. Add a few drops of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
2. Pour a pot of hot water into the toilet bowl from a height of about three feet.
3. Wait for a few minutes to allow the soap and hot water to soften and break up the blockage.
4. Use a plunger to flush the toilet and see if the blockage clears.

This method is suitable for mild blockages, but it's not the most effective. If you're still experiencing a blocked toilet even after attempting this method, it's best to call a plumber for assistance.

Method 4: Using a Wire Hanger

If you don't have any of the tools mentioned above, you can try using a wire hanger to unblock the toilet. Here's how you can do it:

1. Unwind the wire hanger and straighten it.
2. Bend one end of the hanger into a small hook.
3. Insert the hook into the toilet bowl's drain and use it to break up the blockage.
4. Once the blockage clears, flush the toilet to check if it's running correctly.

This method is not recommended, as it can scratch the toilet bowl and plumbing pipe, leading to further damage.

Conclusion

Unblocking a toilet is something that nobody wants to deal with, but it's something that happens to most of us at some point. By following the different methods discussed above, you can easily clear a blocked toilet in Cumbria without spending a fortune on a plumber. However, if you feel uncomfortable performing any of these methods yourself, don't hesitate to give Drainage Cumbria a call at 01228 734162. Our team of experienced plumbers is always ready to assist you with any plumbing issue you may have.