How to Solve a Blocked Toilet in Cumbria

Having a blocked toilet is a common household problem that everyone dreads. It's frustrating, embarrassing, and can be unpleasant to deal with. But if you're living in Cumbria, you're in luck! Drainage Cumbria is a blocked toilet company in Cumbria that can help you solve the issue. In this guide, we'll explore a few ways to solve a blocked toilet in your home.

Understanding the Problem

Before we jump into the "how-to" guide, let's first understand what causes a blocked toilet. There are several reasons why your toilet may be blocked, including:

• Too much toilet paper: This is the most common cause of blocked toilets. If you use too much toilet paper or flush it in large quantities, it can clog the toilet.

• Foreign objects: Sometimes, people try to flush down things like sanitary products, baby wipes, or other non-soluble items, which can cause a blockage.

• Hard water: If you live in an area with hard water, it can cause a buildup of minerals and limescale, which can reduce the flow of your toilet.

• Old plumbing: In some cases, old plumbing may be the culprit. If the pipes are old, narrow, or damaged, they can cause blockages.

Now that you know what causes a blocked toilet let's move on to the solutions.

Using a Plunger

The first and most straightforward solution to try is using a plunger. A plunger works by creating suction, which dislodges the blockage and pushes it down the drain. Here's how you can use a plunger:

1. Make sure the toilet bowl is filled with enough water to cover the suction cup of the plunger.

2. Place the plunger vertically over the toilet bowl drain, making sure the suction cup fully covers the opening.

3. Push the plunger down and then pull it up quickly. Repeat this motion a few times until you feel the blockage loosening.

4. Flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

If the plunger doesn't work, you may need to try other solutions.

Adding Hot Water and Dish Soap

Another solution you can try is adding hot water and dish soap to the toilet. This method works well for minor blockages caused by soap scum or grease buildup. Here's how you can do it:

1. Boil a large pot of water and let it cool for a minute or two.

2. Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl and add a few squirts of dish soap.

3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to break down the blockage.

4. Flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

Using a Wire Coat Hanger

A wire coat hanger can also be used to clear a blocked toilet. Here's how:

1. Straighten the wire coat hanger, leaving the hooked end bent in a curve.

2. Put on rubber gloves and insert the curved end of the hanger into the toilet bowl. Push it in as far as possible without forcing it.

3. Wiggle the hanger around to dislodge the blockage.

4. Pull the hanger out and flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

Using a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible wire cable with a hook or corkscrew at the end, which can be used to remove blockages. Here's how you can use a drain snake:

1. Insert the drain snake into the toilet bowl and push it in as far as possible.

2. Rotate the snake gently while pushing it forward.

3. If you feel resistance, stop and try rotating the snake in the opposite direction.

4. Once you feel the snake has made contact with the blockage, use a twisting, pulling motion to dislodge it.

5. Pull out the snake and flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Now that you know how to solve a blocked toilet, it's essential to know how to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use fewer toilet papers.

• Don't flush down non-soluble items like baby wipes, sanitary napkins, or facial tissues.

• Avoid pouring cooking oil or grease down the drain.

• Clean your toilet regularly to avoid soap scum and mineral buildup.

• Don't use chemical drain cleaners too often as they can damage your plumbing.

• If you have an old plumbing system, consider upgrading it to prevent blockages.

Contact Drainage Cumbria

If none of the above solutions work or you are not comfortable trying them on your own, don't hesitate to contact Drainage Cumbria. We are a reputable blocked toilet company in Cumbria with years of experience and expertise in drain and plumbing solutions. Our professional team is available 24/7 to help you with any emergency situation. You can call us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.drainagecumbria.uk.

Conclusion

Having a blocked toilet can be frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. With Drainage Cumbria by your side, you can easily solve the problem and prevent future blockages. Whether you choose to use a plunger, hot water and dish soap, a wire coat hanger, or a drain snake, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and take precautions to protect yourself and your plumbing. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.