How to Clear a Blocked Toilet in Cumbria

Blocked toilets can be a major hassle for any household or business, causing unpleasant odors, hygiene issues, and potential water damage. In Cumbria, where the weather can be harsh, a blocked toilet is even more of a headache to deal with. Fortunately, Drainage Cumbria is here to help. As a leading blocked toilets company in Cumbria, we have the expertise to clear any blockage quickly and efficiently. In this landing page, we will guide you through the steps of how to clear a blocked toilet in Cumbria, from identifying the problem to tools you can use, and when to call in the professionals.

Common Causes of Blocked Toilets

Before we delve into how to clear a blocked toilet, it's important to understand what causes them in the first place. Some of the most common causes of blocked toilets include:

• Flushing inappropriate items: Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, but many people flush other items down the toilet such as wet wipes, sanitary products, dental floss, or even food waste. These items can quickly clog the toilet, leading to a blockage.

• Hard water deposits: In Cumbria, hard water is common due to the high levels of minerals in the water supply. Over time, these minerals can build up in the toilet and cause blockages.

• Tree roots: For older properties, tree roots can be a serious problem as they can grow into drains and cause blockages.

• Poor toilet design: Some toilets are not designed with enough flushing power or the proper trap size, leading to frequent blockages.

Signs of a Blocked Toilet

The first step in clearing a blocked toilet is to identify the signs. Here are some common signs that your toilet is blocked:

• Slow draining toilet: If your toilet bowl is slow to drain or makes a gurgling sound, this could indicate a blockage in the pipes.

• Water rising in the bowl: If the water in the toilet bowl rises higher than usual or overflows, it's likely that the toilet is blocked.

• Unpleasant odor: If there is a lingering unpleasant odor after flushing the toilet, this could indicate a blockage.

• Flushing difficulty: If you have to flush the toilet multiple times to get it to work properly, this could indicate a blockage.

Tools You Can Use

Now that you know the signs of a blocked toilet, it's time to get to work. There are several tools you can use to clear a blocked toilet, depending on the severity of the blockage. Here are some common tools you can use:

• Plunger: A plunger is a classic tool for clearing a blocked toilet. It works by creating a vacuum that dislodges the blockage. To use a plunger, place it over the toilet bowl drain and push down and then pull up quickly, repeating the motion until the blockage clears.

• Toilet auger: A toilet auger, also known as a snake, is a tool that can be used to break up and clear a blockage. To use a toilet auger, insert the auger into the toilet bowl and slowly turn the handle while applying pressure until the blockage clears.

• Chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be effective for clearing minor blockages, but they are not recommended for frequent use as they can damage the pipes.

Steps to Clear a Blocked Toilet

Now that you have the tools, it's time to clear that pesky blockage. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Make sure you have the necessary tools: Before you begin, make sure you have a plunger or toilet auger on hand.

2. Turn off the water supply: Before you attempt to clear the blockage, turn off the water supply to the toilet to avoid any overflow.

3. Remove excess water: Use a cup or bucket to remove excess water from the toilet bowl. This will help to avoid any overflow when you begin using the plunger or auger.

4. Use a plunger: Place the plunger over the toilet bowl drain and push down and then pull up quickly, repeating the motion until the blockage clears. If the plunger doesn't work, move on to the next step.

5. Use a toilet auger: Insert the toilet auger into the toilet bowl and slowly turn the handle while applying pressure until the blockage clears.

6. Test the toilet: Once the blockage has cleared, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to ensure that it is working properly.

When to Call in the Professionals

If the above steps don't work, it may be time to call in the professionals. Drainage Cumbria is a blocked toilets company in Cumbria that has the expertise to handle even the most stubborn blockages. Our team of trained professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment to quickly and efficiently clear blockages, so you can get back to your day-to-day activities. Call us today at 01228 734162 to schedule an appointment.

Conclusion

Clearing a blocked toilet in Cumbria can be a hassle, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done quickly and efficiently. At Drainage Cumbria, we have the expertise to handle any blockage, no matter how stubborn. By following the steps outlined in this landing page and using the right tools, you can save time and avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to only flush appropriate items down the toilet and schedule regular maintenance checks to avoid any future blockages.