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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.