Blocked toilets can happen from time to time and, as a cleaner, it’s your responsibility to ensure the area is left clean and safe for others. However, it’s important to remember that you are not a plumber, and you should never attempt to unblock the toilet yourself. Follow the steps below to handle the situation effectively.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assess the Situation
The first step is to determine the extent of the problem while ensuring your own safety.
- Check the toilet bowl: Is it overflowing, or is water just not draining properly? Make a mental note of any visible issues.
- Look around for hazards: If water is overflowing onto the floor, check to ensure it hasn’t reached electrical outlets or other areas where it could cause additional damage.
- Stay calm: This is a manageable situation as long as you follow the proper steps.
2. Do Not Attempt to Unblock
- Why not? Attempting to unblock the toilet could make the situation worse, damage the plumbing, or even create safety hazards for yourself.
- Leave it to the professionals: Your role is to maintain cleanliness, not to fix plumbing problems. Do not use plungers, drain chemicals, or any tools to try to resolve the issue.
3. Contain and Clean the Area
Your focus should be on ensuring the surrounding area is as clean and sanitary as possible.
- Wear protective gear: Put on disposable gloves to protect yourself from germs and contaminants.
- Clean the affected surfaces:
- Use a mop to wipe any spillage from the toilet, floor, or nearby surfaces.
- Apply a disinfectant cleaning solution to thoroughly sanitise the area.
- Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces like flush handles, door locks, and sinks.
- Neutralise odors: Use air fresheners or deodorisers to reduce unpleasant smells.
- Dispose of waste properly: Place any soiled cleaning materials (e.g., gloves, cloths, or paper towels) into a waste bag. Seal the bag and dispose of it according to your workplace’s waste disposal guidelines.
4. Display an “Out of Order” Sign
To prevent others from using the toilet and worsening the issue:
- Place a clearly visible “Out of Order” sign on the door or toilet.
- Ensure the sign is securely attached and easy to read.
- If you don’t have an official sign, create one using paper and a marker, but make sure it’s professional and legible.
5. Report the Issue
Reporting the blocked toilet promptly is a crucial part of resolving the issue.
- Inform the appropriate person or team:
- Contact your supervisor, maintenance team, or designated plumber, depending on your company’s procedures.
- Contact your supervisor, maintenance team, or designated plumber, depending on your company’s procedures.
- Provide clear details:
- Explain what you observed (e.g., “The toilet is not flushing, and water is backing up into the bowl”).
- Specify the location (e.g., “Ladies’ Bathroom, second floor” or “Disabled toilet near the reception”).
- Mention any immediate hazards, like water overflowing onto the floor.
- Log the issue if required: Many workplaces require you to document incidents in a cleaning or maintenance logbook. Make sure to include the date, time, location, and a brief description of the problem. If your site doesn't have this then please contact help desk directly on 02393600003
6. Perform a Final Check
Once you’ve cleaned the area and reported the issue:
- Ensure the area is safe: Check that there is no standing water, debris, or other hazards that could pose a risk to others.
- Double-check the “Out of Order” sign: Make sure it is visible and secure so others know not to use the toilet.
- Leave the area tidy: Even though the toilet is out of service, the restroom should still look presentable and as clean as possible.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Disposable gloves for hygiene and protection
- Cleaning cloths or absorbent paper towels
- Disinfectant cleaning solution
- Air freshener or deodoriser (if required)
- “Out of Order” sign (or materials to create one)
- Waste bag for soiled cleaning materials
Important Reminders
- You are not responsible for fixing the toilet: Your role is to maintain cleanliness and safety, not to attempt plumbing repairs.
- Safety first: Always wear gloves and handle any spillage with care to avoid contact with germs or contaminants.
- Communication is key: Promptly reporting the issue ensures it can be addressed quickly and professionally by the appropriate team.
By following these steps, you can handle a blocked toilet professionally and leave the area clean, safe, and ready for repair. Thank you for your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards!