Is there anything worse than having a blocked toilet? A backed-up loo is unpleasant, unsanitary, and not a problem you should ignore! Knowing how to unblock a toilet is a handy skill to have, and addressing the issue promptly is essential to prevent further plumbing complications.

If you’re facing a badly blocked toilet, here are several DIY methods you can try to get things flowing again.

Common Causes of Toilet Blockages

There are a number of reasons why your toilet might be blocked, and chief among them is things other than toilet paper being flushed! A blocked toilet is often caused by:

• Sanitary items such as pads, tampons, cotton balls or condoms
• Wet wipes, which do not break down like toilet paper
• Toys thrown in the toilet by children
• Hair, which can tangle and trap debris
• Foodstuffs like flour, that swell in water, or oils or fats that harden and line the pipes
• Excess amounts of toilet paper

In some cases, a blocked toilet may also be a sign of more significant plumbing issues. These include:

• Tree roots growing into your sewerage pipes
• Incorrect toilet installation causing inefficient flushing
• Deteriorating pipes – many houses in Sydney are still connected to earthenware or clay pipes that break down over time

DIY Methods to Unblock Your Toilet

There are a number of ways you can try unblocking a toilet. How well they work will largely depend on what’s causing the blockage, and you may not yet know the answer to that. If needed, you can try several methods, as one may work better than the others.

Using a Plunger Effectively

Plungers work by creating a vacuum seal over the drain and drawing and pushing blocked items loose as you pump the plunger up and down.

The most common plungers consist of a shallow rubber cup attached to a wooden handle. However, these flat-cupped plungers are designed to be used on flat surfaces, such as when unblocking a sink drain. When used in a toilet, they can be less effective.

A toilet plunger has an extra flange, or protrusion at the end of the bell, which seals more effectively over the toilet pipe.

To use your plunger, submerge it in the blocked toilet, ensuring the flange is extended to create a proper seal. Start by pressing down slowly to avoid any water splashing. Once the air has been expelled, begin pumping up and down more forcefully. This action will push air in both directions, helping to dislodge any clogs. Continue pumping until the clog is cleared.

Dish Soap and Hot Water Method

Sometimes, you need nothing more than dish soap (dishwashing liquid) and hot water to lubricate and break down a blockage, allowing you to flush the clogged items away.

Pour a few squirts of dishwashing liquid in your toilet and allow 10 minutes for it to work its way down. Next, pour down some hot water. Note that the water should be hot, not boiling, as boiling water can damage PVC pipes and rubber seals. And of course, you’ll need to make sure the toilet is not full to the brim with water before you add more. Scoop excess water out of the toilet if necessary before you start.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

If you’re still wondering how to fix a toilet blockage, another way is to use baking soda and vinegar, which fizz when combined and help dislodge particles.

Make sure the toilet is only half full of water so that the bubbling action won’t cause the water to overflow. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the toilet, followed by 2 cups of vinegar. The solution will fizz and bubble. Leave it for around 20 minutes before flushing the toilet.

Advanced Techniques for Stubborn Blockages

The above methods often work for mild clogging, but what about how to unblock a badly blocked toilet? You can try using a tool called an auger, or plumbing snake.

An auger is a long, flexible metal coil with a hand crank on one end and a corkscrew-like tip on the other. Begin by inserting the auger’s tip into the toilet bowl and carefully guiding it into the drain. Turn the hand crank clockwise to extend the coil further into the pipe.

As the auger moves through the drain, it will either push through or latch onto the clog. Continue turning the crank until you feel resistance lessen. Once the obstruction is cleared, retract the auger and flush the toilet.

When to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

It is also possible to use a chemical drain cleaner to unblock a toilet that is clogged with organic materials such as hair, grease or paper. However, chemical drain cleaners are toxic, can be dangerous to use, and can sometimes cause more problems than they solve. At Good Hands Plumbing we don’t recommend their use.

Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially if they are older or made from certain materials like PVC, and the cleaning crystals can solidify within the drain. Additionally, they are a contaminant to the water supply and can cause chemical burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes or are inhaled.

If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Turn on the bathroom fan or open a window for ventilation, and follow instructions carefully. Make sure the toilet is not completely full of water, so any effervescence won’t lead it to overflow.

If you do end up having to call in a plumber, let them know that you’ve used a chemical drain cleaner, so they know to protect themselves from accidental contact.

Remember – we don’t recommend using chemical drain cleaners, and suggest you try other unblocking techniques instead.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Future Blockages

To prevent future toilet blockages, don’t flush or pour anything down the bowl other than toilet paper and human waste!

Make sure that the water level in the toilet tank is set correctly, as too low a water level can result in insufficient pressure to clear the bowl. Clean the toilet regularly to avoid the buildup of organic matter, and minimise the use of chemical cleaners, which may damage pipes over time.

Most importantly, address any minor clogging before it turns into a major blockage!

Knowing When to Call a Professional Plumber

So there you have it – how to unblock a toilet using DIY methods. If after trying several of these methods you still have a badly blocked toilet, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.

You should also speak to a qualified plumber if you find your toilet blocking again and again, because you may have an underlying problem that will only get worse with time. If there is an issue with blocked sewerage pipes, you may end up with nasty backwash or blockages in other parts of the house. Seek help before you end up with a smelly situation!

Let Us Help

If you need help with a blocked toilet and you’re located in Sydney’s inner suburbs, contact Good Hands Plumbing. We’re proud to provide top-notch plumbing solutions delivered by an experienced team that do the job right first time. We’re also a certified B Corp business, looking after the environment, our community and our people.

Find out more about our blocked toilet solutions and other Sydney home plumbing services.