Unblocking A Toilet With A Wire Coat Hanger: A Step-By-Step Guide

If your toilet is blocked, don't panic! There are several ways to unblock it using a wire coat hanger. Firstly, it's important to protect your toilet bowl from scratches. Use a plastic-coated hanger or wrap tape around the metal hanger so it doesn't mark the porcelain. Next, unwind the coat hanger to create one long piece of wire, then bend it into a curve. Push the wire up into the toilet and wiggle it gently to clear the blockage. Be careful not to push too forcefully, as you don't want to scratch the toilet. Keep pushing the wire until the toilet is unblocked, which may take several minutes. Once the toilet is unclogged, discard or thoroughly clean the hanger.

How to prepare a wire coat hanger to unblock a toilet

If you have a blocked toilet and don't have a plunger, you can use a wire coat hanger to unblock it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a wire coat hanger to unblock a toilet:

Step 1: Straighten the wire coat hanger

Start by untwisting the coat hanger to straighten it out. You can use a pair of linesman pliers or any tool that can cut wire. Cut the hook off the coat hanger and straighten it out into a long rod. If you don't have any tools to cut the wire, you can simply unwind the coat hanger until it is completely straight, except for the hook at the end.

Step 2: Bend the end of the wire into a curve or a small hook

Bend one end of the straightened wire to form a U-shape or a small, one-inch-long hook. This curved or hooked end will help to break up and grab onto the blockage.

Step 3: Protect the toilet bowl from scratches (optional)

If you are using a metal coat hanger, you may want to take steps to prevent scratching the toilet bowl. You can use a plastic-coated metal hanger or wrap the wire with tape to create a protective layer. Alternatively, you can use a gentle approach when inserting and manoeuvring the wire in the toilet to avoid scratching.

Step 4: Attach a rag to the end of the wire (optional)

To prevent any minor damages to your toilet, you can attach a small rag or piece of cloth to the end of the wire. Completely wrap the rag around the hook or curved end of the wire. This will help to dislodge the blockage without causing scratches or other issues.

Now that your wire coat hanger is prepared, you are ready to start unblocking your toilet. Gently insert the wire into the toilet drain and begin to push, pull, and twist the hanger to break up and remove the blockage. Remember to be careful and gentle to avoid scratching the toilet bowl.

How to insert a wire coat hanger into a toilet

If your toilet is blocked and you don't have a plunger, you can use a wire coat hanger to unblock it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to insert a wire coat hanger into a toilet to unblock it:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the coat hanger. Untwist the coat hanger so that it becomes a long, straight piece of wire. If you are using a metal coat hanger, you should bend it into a curve to allow the length of the wire to navigate the curves within the waste pipe. This will also help to prevent scratching the porcelain of your toilet. If you are using a metal coat hanger, you can also wrap the end in tape to prevent scratches. If you have a plastic-coated coat hanger, this will not be necessary.

Once your coat hanger is prepared, it is time to insert it into the toilet. Push the wire up into the toilet canal and try to clear the blockage. Be careful not to push too forcefully, as you do not want to scratch the toilet bowl. Gently wiggle the wire to push the blockage clear. You may need to twist, push, and pull the wire to break up the blockage. This process may take several minutes, and you may need to be patient as you work to clear the way.

If you are using a rag or plastic bag on the end of the hanger to prevent scratches, be careful not to push it too far into the toilet, as it may become dislodged.

Once the blockage is cleared, you can discard the hanger or clean it thoroughly.

Remember, this method is only recommended if you do not have a plunger available. If you have a plunger, it is usually the best tool to use to unblock a toilet safely and effectively.

How to use a wire coat hanger to unblock a toilet

A blocked toilet is an unpleasant but common occurrence. If you don't have a plunger, you can use a wire coat hanger to unblock it. Here's how:

Prepare the wire coat hanger

First, get a wire coat hanger. If possible, use a plastic-coated hanger to avoid scratching the toilet. If you only have a metal hanger, wrap it in tape to protect the toilet bowl from scratches. Untwist the coat hanger so that it is straight, except for the hook at the end.

Prepare the toilet

Before you start, put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect yourself from any lingering germs. If the toilet bowl is full, bail out some of the water so that you can get your hand into the bowl without water flowing over the sides.

Unblock the toilet

Take the wire coat hanger and wrap a small rag around the hook at the end. This will help to prevent scratches. Push the hanger into the toilet and gently wiggle it to navigate the curves of the waste pipe. Keep pushing the hanger into the toilet until you feel resistance from the blockage. Then, twist, push, and pull the hanger to break up the blockage. Be careful not to be too aggressive, as you could scratch the toilet bowl.

Finish the job

Once you have cleared the blockage, discard the wire coat hanger or clean it thoroughly. Flush the toilet to check that the water is draining properly. If the toilet is still blocked, you may need to repeat the process or try another method, such as using baking soda and vinegar.

Other ways to unblock a toilet

• Hot water and washing-up liquid: First, turn off the water supply to your toilet to prevent the cistern from refilling. Then, wearing rubber gloves, remove the stagnant water and place it in a bucket. Pour half a cup of washing-up liquid into the bowl and wait 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, pour 2-3 litres of hot (but not boiling) water into the bowl, which should create pressure at the blockage.
• A plunger: Cover the outlet hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl with a plunger. If you can't create a tight seal, use old rags to plug any gaps. You can make your plunger more effective by running it under a hot tap first to soften the rubber. Start with gentle action to avoid pushing the blockage further down, then gradually increase the force until the water starts to recede.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then, heat 2-3 litres of water in a saucepan. Before the water boils, add half a cup of white vinegar to the pan. Pour the vinegar and water mix into the toilet bowl and close the lid. The mixture will generate a lot of foam, so allow it to work for 30 minutes, then flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.
• Toilet auger or plumbing snake: A toilet auger is a flexible tool that can be pushed into the toilet to remove the blockage. Depending on the type of blockage, the auger can perforate, destroy, or extract it. Push the auger into the toilet until you reach the blockage, then use the handle to rotate the auger while pushing downwards. If the auger pierces the blockage, you can pull it out from the bowl.
• Water pressure: This method should not be used if your toilet is connected to a septic tank or cesspit. Push the pressure hose nozzle into the bowl, then turn on the water pressure. The hose will be propelled deeper into the pipe by the water jet, and the water jet will break up the blockage.

How to prevent a blocked toilet

While there are many ways to unblock a toilet, including the coat hanger method, it is always better to prevent a blockage in the first place. Here are some tips to avoid that troublesome blockage:

• Keep your toilet squeaky clean. Regular cleaning helps to prevent limescale and other debris from building up and causing blockages.
• Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Stick to human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as cotton buds, wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels. These items are not designed to break down in water and can cause serious blockages.
• Avoid flushing large amounts of paper at once. Even toilet paper, when flushed in large quantities, can cause blockages. So, remember, less is more!
• If you have children, keep toys and other small items well away from the toilet. Kids are curious, and small objects can easily be flushed away, causing a blockage.
• Adopt a "lid down" rule. Keeping the lid closed when the toilet is not in use can help prevent accidental drops of items such as shampoo bottles or toys, reducing the risk of blockages.
• Food does not belong in the toilet. Leftover food should go in the bin, not the toilet. Food can cause blockages, especially if it is fatty or greasy.
• If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener. Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in your pipes, leading to blockages. A water softener will help keep your pipes clear and blockage-free.
• Keep an eye out for any foreign objects that could accidentally fall into the toilet during repairs or renovations. These objects can cause blockages, so it's important to be vigilant.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your toilet clog-free and avoid the hassle and mess of dealing with a blocked toilet. Prevention is always better than cure!

Frequently asked questions