How To Fix A Blocked Toilet At Home In Cumbria

Being a homeowner in Cumbria comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most dreaded issues for a homeowner is a blocked toilet. When a toilet is blocked, it can cause frustration, inconvenience, and even embarrassment. It is therefore essential to have a plan of action to deal with a clogged toilet.

At Drainage Cumbria, we are a company specializing in unblocking toilets in Cumbria and its environs. In this guide, we will share practical steps on how to fix a blocked toilet at home in Cumbria. We will cover tools and techniques that you can apply to unclog your toilet and prevent future blockages.

Understanding Your Toilet

Before attempting to fix a blocked toilet, it is essential to understand how the components of your toilet work. A toilet is made up of a bowl, a tank, a flush valve, a fill valve, and a trap. The bowl is where waste is deposited, the tank is where water is stored, and the flush valve and fill valve are responsible for regulating water flow. The trap is a curved section below the bowl that is designed to trap water, preventing sewer gas from entering the home.

Symptoms of a Clogged Toilet

The signs of a clogged toilet are quite evident. The most obvious symptom is water backup in the bowl when you flush. Alternatively, water may start rising towards the rim. When this happens, you should not attempt another flush, as it may cause the toilet to overflow.

Tools Needed To Fix A Blocked Toilet

To effectively fix a clogged toilet, you will need a few tools. The essential tools you need are:

• A plunger
• Rubber gloves
• A bucket
• Protective eyewear
• Toilet auger

Plunger

A plunger is the most common and effective tool used for unblocking toilets. It works by creating a vacuum that sucks water and waste out of the toilet bowl. A plunger has a rubber cup that creates suction when pressed onto the toilet bowl opening.

Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are essential when fixing a blocked toilet. They protect your hands from touching any bacteria or waste.

Bucket

A bucket is necessary for removing excess water from the toilet bowl so that you can plunge without making a mess.

Protective Eyewear

Protective eyewear is crucial when dealing with a clogged toilet. Water and waste can splash and cause eye irritation.

Toilet Auger

If a plunger fails to unclog the toilet, a toilet auger is the next tool to use. A toilet auger is used to dislodge blockages that are far down the drainpipe.

How To Fix A Blocked Toilet

Once you have gathered the necessary tools and equipment, it's time to fix that blocked toilet. The following simple steps are easy to follow and safe:

Step One: Gather Your Tools

Ensure that you have all the tools listed above, and put them in a convenient location near the toilet. Wear your protective eyewear and rubber gloves.

Step Two: Turn Off the Water to the Toilet

Locate the water supply valve located behind the toilet, and turn it off. This will prevent water from continuing to flow into the toilet bowl.

Step Three: Remove Excess Water

Using a bucket, remove the excess water from the toilet bowl until you have about half the water level in the bowl.

Step Four: Plunge the Toilet

Place the plunger over the opening of the toilet bowl, ensuring that the cup is fully in contact with the opening. Use a firm and consistent pressure to create a vacuum that will suck out the clog. Continue plunging until the water drains out of the bowl.

Step Five: Flush and Test the Toilet

Once the clog is dislodged, turn the water back on, and flush the toilet. Watch the water as it flushes to ensure that it flows smoothly and does not back up. If the water flows correctly, the clog is clear, and you can discard the rubber gloves and put away the tools.

Step Six: Use a Toilet Auger

If the plunger fails to unclog the toilet, use a toilet auger. Insert the toilet auger into the drain hole and push it down until you feel resistance. Twist the auger while pushing down, then pull out to see if there is any debris attached. Repeat the process until the clog is removed.

Prevention Tips

Preventing a blocked toilet in the first place is key to avoiding the inconvenience and discomfort of a clogged toilet. Here are a few tips to prevent future occurrences:

• Avoid flushing foreign objects like baby wipes, sanitary pads, and cotton balls down the toilet.
• Flush the toilet regularly to prevent build-up.
• Use less toilet paper to avoid blockages.
• Use a drain filter to catch hair and other debris.
• Regularly use a bacterial cleaner to break down any waste build-up.

Conclusion

Fixing a blocked toilet can be messy and frustrating, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be easy and straightforward. At Drainage Cumbria, we are the professionals in unblocking toilets in Cumbria and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 01228 734162 to discuss how we can help you unclog your blocked toilet.

Remember to always protect yourself with protective gear when handling blocked toilets, and know when to stop if your efforts do not succeed. Contact Drainage Cumbria if you need reliable toilet unblocking services in Cumbria, North West England.