Unblocking a toilet can be a common issue that many people face, especially in shared living spaces like student houses. It can be an unpleasant experience, but fear not! I’m here to provide you with some helpful tips on how to unblock your toilet in your student house. Let’s get started:
Use a Plunger
A plunger is a simple and effective tool for clearing a blocked toilet. Follow these steps:
Position the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl.
Push the plunger down gently and then pull up quickly, creating suction.
Repeat this plunging motion several times until the water starts to drain.
Flush the toilet to ensure the blockage is fully cleared.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
This method can work well for minor blockages. Here’s what you need to do:
Heat a pot of water on the stove or use hot tap water.
Add a generous amount of dish soap to the toilet bowl.
Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height.
Let the soapy hot water sit for a few minutes to help break down the blockage.
Flush the toilet to check if the blockage has cleared.
DIY Toilet Snake
If the plunger and hot water methods don’t work, you can try making a simple toilet snake using a wire hanger. Follow these steps:
Straighten out a wire hanger, leaving the hook intact.
Create a small hook at the end of the wire.
Insert the hooked end into the toilet drain and gently maneuver it around.
Be careful not to scratch the porcelain of the toilet bowl.
If you encounter resistance, try twisting and pushing the wire to dislodge the blockage.
Once the blockage is clear, flush the toilet to ensure proper drainage.
Enzyme-based Drain Cleaners
These cleaners can help break down organic matter causing the blockage. Here’s how to use them:
Purchase an enzyme-based drain cleaner from a local store.
Follow the instructions on the product for the recommended dosage.
Pour the drain cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it sit for the specified time.
Flush the toilet multiple times to ensure the blockage is fully cleared.
Be cautious and follow safety guidelines mentioned on the product packaging.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. To minimise the chances of future blockages, here are some additional tips:
Be mindful of what you flush
Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing items like sanitary products, wipes, or excessive amounts of toilet paper, as they can contribute to blockages.
Regular cleaning
Clean your toilet regularly to prevent the buildup of grime and debris that can lead to blockages.
Educate your housemates
Make sure everyone in your student house understands proper toilet usage and the importance of avoiding items that can cause blockages.
If none of these methods work or if you’re uncomfortable attempting to unblock the toilet yourself, it’s best to contact a professional plumber. They have the expertise and tools to handle more stubborn blockages safely.
I hope these tips help you in unblocking your toilet in your student house! Remember to approach the task with patience and caution. Good luck!