How To Clear A Partially Blocked Toilet In Cumbria

Are you experiencing a blocked toilet in Cumbria? Dont fret! You can unblock it yourself without the need for expensive plumbing services. At Drainage Cumbria, we understand how frustrating a blocked toilet can be, especially if DIY-ing it seems a bit challenging. In this guide, well take you through some of the most efficient ways of unblocking a toilet in Cumbria.

Who Are We?

Drainage Cumbria is a leading blocked toilets company in Cumbria. We are dedicated to providing quick and reliable drainage services to residents and businesses in Cumbria and surrounding areas. Our team of skilled technicians has years of experience in providing drainage solutions to various issues, including clogged toilets.

If youre experiencing a blocked toilet in your home, do not hesitate to contact us. Our phone number is 01228 734162, and our email is [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website, drainagecumbria.uk, to learn more about our services.

Understanding Your Toilet

Before we dive into the various ways to unblock your toilet, its crucial to understand how your toilet works. A toilet bowl is designed to have a trapway that leads to the waste pipe. The trapway is typically a narrow passage that can easily get blocked by waste materials or foreign objects.

When you flush the toilet, the water in the tank flows into the bowl and creates a siphoning action that pulls waste and water down the trapway into the waste pipe. A blocked trapway can cause a partial or complete blockage, which can lead to water overflowing from the bowl.

Identifying a Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet is easy to identify. Here are some of the most common signs of a blocked toilet:

• Toilet water rises and takes too long to go down after you flush
• Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet bowl
• Water overflows from the bowl when you flush
• Foul smells emanating from the toilet

If you notice any of these signs, its essential to unblock the toilet as soon as possible to prevent water damage.

Using a Plunger

A plunger is the most common tool used to unblock a toilet. Its an easy-to-use tool that creates suction to push water down the trapway, dislodging any blockages. Here are the steps to using a plunger:

1. Firstly, put on rubber gloves and place the plunger bowl over the toilet bowl drain.

2. Push the plunger down gently to force out any air in the cup and create a vacuum.

3. Apply upward and downward pressure with the plunger, being careful not to break the seal between the plunger and toilet bowl. Continue plunging for about 30 seconds.

4. Lastly, flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared. If not, repeat the process again.

Using an Auger

If the plunger doesnt work, try using an auger. An auger, also called a toilet snake, is a long, flexible tool that can reach deeper into the trapway to dislodge any blockages. Heres how to use an auger:

1. Firstly, put on rubber gloves and insert the augers tip into the toilet bowl drain.

2. Crank the handle to extend the augers length and push it down the drain.

3. Once you feel resistance, twist the handle to help dislodge any blockages in the trapway.

4. Continue extending and cranking the handle until you feel the blockage dislodge. You can tell by the wash of water passing freely down the trapway.

5. Lastly, clean the auger thoroughly, dispose of any waste, and flush the toilet to test whether its unblocked.

Using Caustic Soda

If the plunger and auger dont work, try using caustic soda. Caustic soda is a powerful cleaning agent that can dissolve any organic material causing the blockage. However, its hazardous, and you should take extra precautions when using it.

1. Firstly, put on rubber gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles. Mix about 3 cups of caustic soda with 4 liters of cold water in a plastic pail.

2. Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl carefully and close the lid. Leave it for about 30 minutes or according to the manufacturers instructions.

3. Lastly, flush the toilet with hot water until the blockage clears. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and rinse the pail thoroughly.

Preventing a Blocked Toilet

Toilet blockages are preventable. Here are some tips to prevent a blocked toilet:

• Avoid flushing non-degradable items such as feminine hygiene products, wipes, and diapers down the toilet.

• Teach children not to flush toys or other objects down the toilet.

• Use a low-flow toilet that uses less water per flush.

• Regularly clean your toilet to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits, which can clog the trapway.

Conclusion

A blocked toilet can be frustrating and embarrassing, but its not the end of the world. At Drainage Cumbria, we understand the importance of prompt and reliable solutions to blocked toilets. If you are unable to unblock your toilet using the methods outlined above or require professional expertise, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of well-trained technicians is always ready to help in Cumbria and North West England.