A blocked toilet can be a nuisance, but the good news is that many blockages can be handled with a few household tools and a bit of patience (something we’re sure you don’t have much of when the loo gets clogged, but bear with us).
Knowing how to unblock a toilet yourself can save you time and money—but it’s also essential to understand when it’s time to call in professional help.
In this quick guide, we’ll walk through the most common causes of a blocked toilet, the tools you’ll need for blocked toilet repair, and easy steps to restore flow to your toilet.
Common Causes of a Blocked Toilet
Understanding the typical causes of blockages can help prevent them in the future. The most common blocked toilet causes include:
- Excess toilet paper: Using too much toilet paper at once is one of the primary reasons for toilet blockages. If the paper can’t dissolve or break down fast enough, it clogs the pipes.
- Non-flushable items: While it might seem convenient to flush items like wipes, sanitary products, or cotton swabs, these products aren’t designed to break down in the water, leading to stubborn blockages.
- Excess build-up: Over time, natural waste and mineral deposits can accumulate in your pipes, causing a gradual narrowing that restricts flow and eventually causes a full blockage. This can generally be avoided by keeping those pipes clean and regularly cleaning your toilet, of course, but older loos may still be at risk.
- Foreign objects: Occasionally, unexpected items (such as small toys or accidental objects) end up in the toilet. Anyone with toddlers at home (or even curious dogs who get up to mischief) will know this all-too-real danger. These objects are typically the toughest to remove without help.
With this understanding of blocked toilet causes, let’s look at how to fix a blocked toilet using some basic household tools.
Read related article: Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Tools You’ll Need for Blocked Toilet Repair
Before you get started, gather these essential tools for how to fix a blocked toilet effectively. Head to Bunnings and keep this page handy to check everything off the list:
- Plunger: A plunger creates a seal over the toilet drain, generating suction and force to dislodge clogs. Look for a flange plunger specifically designed for toilets.
- Toilet auger (also known as a plumber’s snake): A toilet auger is an extended tool that can reach deeper into the drain to break up tougher clogs. It’s especially useful for blockages caused by buildup or small objects.
- Drain cleaner: Sometimes it’s just your drains and pipes that have a bit too much gunk hanging around that causes a blockage. Heavy-duty drain cleaners can be very effective here when used correctly.
- Rubber gloves: Unblocking a toilet can be messy, so rubber gloves keep you safe and clean while handling any waste or residue.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unblock a Toilet
Follow these steps for how to unblock a toilet at home, with a couple of different techniques to try depending on the severity of the blockage.
1. Start with a plunger
The good old plunger is the first tool we recommend our clients reach for when dealing with a blocked toilet. It’s chemical-free, pretty easy to use, and a cheap (and extremely handy) bathroom tool to purchase.
To use it effectively:
- Make sure the plunger cup completely covers the toilet drain hole.
- Press down slowly to get rid of any air, then pull back quickly to create suction.
- Repeat this plunging motion a few times, keeping a tight seal, until you feel the blockage start to loosen.
If this simple method works, awesome! You’ve handled a basic blocked toilet repair. If not, it’s time to try the next step.
2. Use hot water and dish soap
For a stubborn clog that doesn’t respond to plunging, a simple mix of hot water and dish soap can help:
- Pour about half a cup of dish soap directly into the toilet bowl, letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes to break down any grease or oils.
- Next, pour in a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water from waist height to create pressure and push the blockage through.
This method can help loosen a tough clog if it’s caused by build-up or trapped materials. However, if you don’t see results after a couple of tries, proceed to the next step.
3. Try a toilet auger for tougher clogs
For a blockage that won’t budge, a toilet auger (or plumber’s snake) can get deep into the pipes:
- Insert the auger into the toilet drain, gently pushing and rotating it to break up the clog.
- Once you feel resistance, give it a few twists, and pull back gently. This should loosen or grab onto the clog.
- Carefully pull the auger out of the toilet and dispose of any debris.
4. Use a chemical drain cleaner
Finally, if the blockage persists or returns after trying the above methods, you might be willing to try some simple drain cleaner (Bunnings has some great and inexpensive ones).
Keep in mind that your typical draino will of course have some chemicals, so be extra careful with kids or pets in the household.
Each drain cleaner will have its own instructions for use on the label, so be sure to follow the steps carefully. Our advice is to vacate the bathroom and shut the door while the durian cleaner is working, and keep the family away from the area.
Once it’s done its job and you’ve flushed the excess down with hot water, air the bathroom out for half an hour or so (and maybe light a nice-smelling candle to get rid of the bleach smell!).
When to Call a Professional
If none of these steps resolve the blockage, or if you notice recurring clogs, strange sounds, or backup in other drains, it’s likely time to call a professional. Repeated blockages can signal a larger issue with the plumbing system that requires expert intervention.
With tools and techniques beyond household supplies, a plumber can assess, diagnose, and carry out a complete blocked toilet repair, so your toilet—and your peace of mind—are restored.
Call Rozelle Plumbing for Reliable Blocked Toilet Repairs in Sydney
Don’t let a blocked toilet disrupt your home life. At Rozelle Plumbing, we offer expert blocked toilet repair services to handle any plumbing emergency and keep things flowing smoothly.
If you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or other plumbing issues, our team is here to help. Call us today or enquire online.
