How To Unblock A Toilet: A Step-By-Step Guide

July 22, 2022

Fixing a blockage in your toilet drain is never fun but while there are several causes of blocked toilets, most blockages can be resolved with simple home remedies. We've put together the easiest remedies to help you restore your toilet to proper working order. Before you attempt any of these methods, it's important you avoid flushing your toilet, as it could overflow and leave you with a huge mess.

Table of contents:

1. Find the Problem

If you can see the blockage, remove it while wearing a pair of gloves.

2. Use Dishwashing Liquid and Hot Water

If you can't see the blockage, mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with half a bucket of hot water and pour it into your toilet bowl. Let the water sit for a few minutes and then assess the situation.

3. Use a Plunger

If the hot water and dishwashing liquid didn't work, use a heavy-duty plunger to try and unblock your toilet. Place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the bowl and submerge it in water. Press down on the plunger several times, slowly but firmly.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

If you don't have a plunger, don't worry! There are other things you can try to unclog your toilet drain:

Baking Soda

If your toilet bowl hasn't filled with water, a solution of baking soda and vinegar might be all it needs. Empty any excess water from the bowl into another container, before pouring a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet. The chemical reaction of these compounds will help to loosen the clog, and it's important you leave it for about half an hour to do its work before pouring warm water into the bowl. You can repeat the process if you still have issues.

Epsom Salts

To unblock your toilet with Epsom salts, mix two parts baking soda with 1/4 part Epsom salts and a few tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Pour your mixture into small containers and leave them to harden overnight, before dropping one into your toilet with some warm water and leaving it for a few hours.

Wire

Sometimes, the options above might not work against a significant clog. Breaking a larger clog down can be a real challenge, especially if you don't have a plunger or a plumbing snake. If you have an old metal wire or coat hanger, this can serve as a great alternative to a plumbing snake. Simply bend one end of your wire into a hook and push it into your toilet until you reach the clog. Move the wire and pull it out slowly; as you pull, the clog should break up into smaller pieces. Repeat until your toilet drains, and then pour hot water into the bowl.

How do you Unblock a Badly Clogged Toilet?

If your blockage is too deep to unblock using these simple home remedies, a plumbing drain snake or auger can effectively clear the clog. An auger is a coiled wire that's able to twist and turn throughout your drain. Its flexibility means it can locate and loosen even the deepest blockages.

Alternatively, you could try using enzyme-based chemicals to break down a bad blockage, but it's important to remember this doesn't work on objects, hair or other organic matter, and can take some time to be effective.

Important: Don't use chemical drain cleaners like Drano in your toilet. They won’t reach clogs in your toilet system as they're heavier than water. The chemicals can also damage your drain pipes.

When do I Need to Call a Plumber to Fix my Blocked Toilet?

If your home remedies haven't worked, or your toilet is badly blocked, it's time to call the professionals.

Your plumber has the skills and expertise needed to unblock your toilet with minimal risk of damage. They'll also have the tools and training necessary to perform the work efficiently and effectively and to repair any defaults or complications found while fixing the clog. As clogs can often be the symptom of a larger problem, such as sewer line trouble, a plumber will be able to determine whether there's more to it than meets the eye. A licensed plumber will also carry professional insurance, so you'll be covered for any damage that might arise during the course of the job.

Got a blocked toilet? Call Top To Bottom Plumbing

When you've got a bad toilet blockage, get in touch with the professionals at Top to Bottom Plumbing. Our friendly, professional team has a fantastic reputation throughout Townsville for outstanding customer service and great value for money. With our experience, equipment and expertise, you'll be confident we'll be able to offer quality plumbing repairs when you need them. Call us today on 07 4779 7722 to speak to our team, to learn more about our services, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote for your next job.

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Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them

By Top To Bottom Plumbing • July 29, 2025

Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them When it comes to protecting a property, the roof is the first line of defence against the elements. Yet many property owners overlook the importance of timely maintenance and repairs until small issues become major headaches. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, addressing roofing problems early can prevent costly damage to interiors, structural elements, and personal belongings. Professional roofing services don’t just patch holes—they deliver thorough assessments, quality materials, and skilled workmanship to keep roofs safe, functional, and looking their best. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few common roofing issues and how roofers tackle them. Leaky Roofs: Why Professional Repairs Are Essential A leaking roof is one of the most common—and damaging—issues a property can face. Even small leaks can cause structural damage, mould, and stained ceilings. Because water often travels before appearing indoors, it’s important to have a professional accurately find and repair the true source. Professional roofers take a thorough approach to ensure leaks are properly resolved: Locate hidden entry points using inspection tools. Replace damaged flashings or tiles that allow water to enter. Apply high-quality sealants and membranes to restore watertight protection. With expert repairs, a leaking roof can be transformed from a persistent problem into a reliable shield against the elements. Storm Damage Assessment: Restoring Safety & Integrity Severe weather can batter roofs with high winds, hail, and torrential rain, often leaving behind obvious and hidden damage that threatens a building’s integrity. Even minor storm impacts can create weaknesses that lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, including leaks, mould, and structural instability. Professionals know what to look for after a storm to catch damage early and prevent further issues: Inspect for lifted or missing tiles and metal sheeting. Check seals and flashings for breaks that let water in. Assess structural damage or weakened roof trusses. Thorough post-storm assessments help document damage for insurance claims, prioritise urgent repairs, and ensure the roof is restored to provide reliable protection for occupants and their belongings. Dealing with Rusted or Corroded Metal Roofing Metal roofing is known for its durability and long lifespan, but it’s not immune to corrosion, especially in areas exposed to salt air or high humidity. Over time, rust can develop and spread if left untreated, weakening roof sheets, compromising fixings, and eventually leading to leaks or structural failure. Professionals provide tailored solutions to address corrosion effectively: Inspect for rust spread and depth of damage. Treat minor rust with anti-corrosion coatings. Replace severely corroded sheets or fasteners. Sagging Roof Structures: Hidden Dangers Uncovered A sagging roof isn’t just unsightly—it’s a warning sign of serious underlying problems. Possible causes include water damage weakening timber supports, structural overload, or long-term neglect. Left unaddressed, sagging can lead to partial collapse. Professionals approach this carefully: Conduct detailed inspections to assess the extent and cause. Replace or reinforce damaged structural components. Ensure repairs meet all building standards for safety. Comprehensive structural repairs restore the roof’s appearance and integrity, helping ensure the building remains safe and secure well into the future. Blocked or Damaged Roof Gutters & Drainage Systems Roof drainage is often overlooked until problems become impossible to ignore. Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes can cause water to overflow in the wrong places, damaging fascia boards, walls, and even the foundations of a building. Overflowing water can also lead to unsightly stains and encourage mould growth around the home. Professional roofing services ensure: Thorough cleaning of gutters and downpipes to restore flow. Repairs or replacements for cracked, rusted, or sagging sections. Recommendations for guards or regular maintenance schedules. Reliable gutter maintenance and repairs help prevent costly water damage and ensure the entire roof drainage system stays effective in all weather conditions. Poor Roof Ventilation & Its Impact on Your Home Roof ventilation is critical for managing heat and moisture in roof spaces. Without adequate ventilation, a home can experience excessive heat buildup in summer, condensation issues in winter, and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Over time, poor ventilation can also contribute to mould growth and higher energy costs as heating and cooling systems work harder. Professionals assess existing ventilation and offer tailored solutions such as: Installing ridge vents, whirlybirds, or eaves vents to encourage natural airflow. Balancing ventilation to prevent moisture build-up that can damage insulation and structural components. Providing advice on best practices for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Properly designed and installed ventilation improves comfort year-round and helps extend the lifespan of the roof by reducing heat stress and moisture-related damage. Ageing & Weathered Roofing Materials: When to Replace All roofing materials deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and temperature changes. Older roofs can develop issues like cracked or broken tiles, faded or corroded metal sheets, or weakened underlays without reliable protection. Professionals help determine when repairs are no longer enough and replacement is the better option: Detailed inspections to evaluate overall condition. Advice on the remaining lifespan and risks of delaying replacement. Planning re-roofing projects that improve protection and add value. Roofers specialise in delivering safe, efficient roof replacements using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh weather and extend the life of the roof for years. The Value of Professional Roof Inspections & Maintenance Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs after a failure. Regular professional inspections catch small problems before they escalate, helping property owners avoid unexpected disruptions and expensive damage. Professional maintenance typically includes: Checking for loose or broken tiles, flashings, and ridge caps that can let water in or be dislodged in high winds. Inspecting sealants and joints for signs of cracking or wear that compromise waterproofing. Clearing gutters and drains to prevent blockages that cause water to overflow and damage walls or foundations. Assessing overall roof condition to identify early signs of ageing, corrosion, or structural movement. Offering expert recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or future maintenance to keep the roof performing its best. Protect Your Property with Expert Roofing in Townsville At Top to Bottom Plumbing, we know a roof is more than just shelter—it’s peace of mind for your family or business. Our roofers in Townsville deliver thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and quality installations tailored to the local environment. If you’ve noticed leaks, storm damage, rust, sagging, or other roofing issues, don’t wait for them to worsen. Get in touch via our contact page to learn more about our services.