How to Unblock a Toilet

Unclogging toilet with toilet plunger
6 Min Read

A blocked toilet is a common household issue. On rare occasions, stubborn blockages can cause undue stress because they not only result in unsanitary conditions but also disrupt your daily routine.

The good news is that most toilet blockages can be cleared quickly without the need for expensive and time-consuming plumbing services. This detailed guide has all the information you need on how to unblock a toilet.

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What Causes a Toilet to Get Blocked?

One of the main reasons for a toilet to get blocked is that some older model low-flush toilets simply lack the pressure needed to clear the toilet bowl in one flush. Thankfully, this issue has been remedied in newer models.

Toilets can also get blocked when anything except the 3 Ps – poo, pee, and toilet paper – is flushed down the bowl. Further, low quality or even excessive use of toilet paper can result in a blocked toilet.

On rare occasions, dry and hard stools can lead to a toilet blockage.

How to Prevent a Toilet from Being Blocked

Most sanitary and personal care products, such as tampons, nappies, and wipes, are designed to absorb body fluids. This is doubtless a convenient feature.

However, the major downside of these products is that they can expand a lot without breaking up too much. So, you must be extremely cautious about flushing them down your toilet after use. Put them in the trash bin instead.

Our comprehensive blog post, 21 Things You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet, gives simple yet effective toilet blockage prevention tips.

Recommendations for Regular Maintenance

Clean the toilet regularly and check for leaks in the toilet cistern. Even a minor leak can result in a drop in the water pressure. Further, check the water pressure by flushing the toilet and ensure the drain pipes are clear.

Quick DIY Methods to Unblock a Toilet Without a Plunger

Hot Water and Washing-Up Liquid

  1. Remove the excess water from the toilet bowl, and pour some washing-up liquid (about half a mug) into it.
  2. Let the washing-up liquid stand for 20–30 minutes so that the blockage is dissolved.
  3. Pour half a bucket of hot – not boiling – water into the toilet bowl from about your waist height. (The force of falling water can help move the dissolved blockage.)
  4. Leave the toilet undisturbed for 10–15 minutes, then flush it.
  5. Check if the blockage is gone by looking at the water level.
  6. Repeat the process if the toilet is not unblocked.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Unblocking toilet with baking soda

  1. Add one small cup of baking soda to the blocked toilet and wait for two minutes.
  2. Pour two cups of vinegar from the same cup slowly into the toilet. You can see a fizz due to the resulting natural chemical reaction that will break down the blockage.
  3. Let the mixture in the toilet bowl stand for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Flush the toilet and check whether the clog has cleared.
  5. Repeat the process if the clog has not cleared.

Cling Film Method

Cling film to unblock toilet

  1. Wipe the toilet bowl surface dry with a clean towel.
  2. Cover the dry surface with three layers of cling film.
  3. Ensure the film is firmly in place so that the toilet is airtight.
  4. Flush the toilet.
  5. The air pressure due to the flush will push the cling film, making it balloon upwards.
  6. Push down the cling film gently to reverse the suction.
  7. The downward push of the cling film will clear the blockage.

Note: This method is most effective with high-pressure water systems.

DIY Drain Snake

  1. If no professional tool is available, straighten a wire coat hanger, turning it into a drain snake.
  2. On one end, leave the hook intact and wrap a small rag around it to prevent it from scratching the drain pipes and toilet bowl.
  3. Wear a pair of safety gloves and work your new tool down the pipe until it arrives at the clogged area.
  4. Turn it around until the blockage is loosened and the toilet water begins to drain.
  5. Flush the toilet a few times to ensure the loosened material is washed away.

How to Unblock a Badly Blocked Toilet (When DIY Isn’t Enough)

Advanced Home Methods

Repeat the treatments explained above if the blockage is persistent or stubborn.

For instance, instead of using one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar, try using two cups of baking soda and four cups of vinegar.

Likewise, you could also try out using extended soaking with hot water to clear the blockage.

Caution Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Call a Plumber

A plumber unblocking toilet

Persistent blockage, bad smells, and an overflowing toilet bowl are all indications it’s time to call a professional plumber.

In addition, slow water drainage and gurgling sounds are signs that the blockage is serious and only a professional plumber can unblock the toilet.

How to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Else Works

Importance of Staying Calm and Not Flushing Repeatedly

If the blockage is total, it’s best to stay calm. Flushing repeatedly will only worsen the situation, as it can lead to an overflowing toilet bowl.

Instead, shut off the water supply to the toilet cistern so that the overflow can be contained.

How to Safely Use a Toilet Auger (Manual Drain Snake) If Accessible

  1. Wear rubber gloves, and insert the curved hook of the toilet auger into the blocked toilet bowl.
  2. Gently rotate the handle of the drain snake clockwise to direct the auger further down into the drain.
  3. When you cannot crank the handle or feel some resistance on the cable, it means you’ve arrived at the clog.
  4. Gently rotate the handle anticlockwise to retract the blockage from the toilet bowl.
  5. Unhook the debris from the hook and put it in the trash bin.
  6. To dislodge the clog entirely, repeat this process to retrieve the remaining debris.

Why Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Not Recommended to Unblock a Toilet?

The ingredients in chemical drain cleaners are harsh. Further, the process can cause extensive damage to the plumbing system.

In addition, drain cleaners can cause the porcelain of the toilet to crack, resulting in leaks. Pipe corrosion is another hazard of drain cleaners.

How to Unblock a Saniflo Toilet

Special Considerations for Macerator Toilets

  1. Proper installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions is mandatory.
  2. Regular flushing will ensure that the macerator and pipes are clear of debris, which can result in blockages.
  3. The electricity supply to a macerator toilet should never be switched off.
  4. The water temperature should not exceed the macerator’s limits.

Common Reasons for Saniflo Clogs

Excessive toilet paper usage, flushing of wrong items, limescale build-up, and mechanical issues are some common reasons for Saniflo clogs.

Step-by-Step Simple Solutions Before Professional Help Is Needed

  1. Shut off the water supply and wear a protective face mask and rubber gloves.
  2. To avoid electrical hazards, cut off the power supply to the Saniflo system.
  3. Loosen the water pipes and drain the residual water into a bucket.
  4. Inspect the pipes for obstructions after detaching them.
  5. Clear any debris using warm water or a flexible auger.
  6. Reconnect the pipes and reassemble the Saniflo unit.
  7. Turn on the water supply and restore power to the unit.
  8. Test with a flush after the toilet tank has been refilled.

Cost to Unblock a Toilet – DIY Vs. Plumber

Typical Cost in the UK for a Plumber to Unblock a Toilet

Plumbers typically charge a daily rate ranging between £150 and £200. Minor toilet unblocking can be completed in less than an hour and will cost around £60. However, extensive unblocking jobs can cost up to £200.

A Comparison with DIY Methods

Unblocking a toilet with DIY methods is inexpensive and can save money. However, a plumber can unblock a toilet quickly and offer guarantees.

While a DIY method will cost just a few pounds for cleaning agents and plumbing tools, a plumber will charge between £60 and £200, depending on the complexity of the task.

Uncommon Toilet Unclogging Methods Tested: Do They Work?

Bleach

Bleach is an effective stain remover and disinfectant. But bleach cannot break down whatever is clogging the toilet.

Sometimes, bleach may even worsen the problem and release harmful fumes.

Salt

While some “experts” advocate the effectiveness of salt in unblocking a toilet, it’s not a reliable solution.

The chemical properties of salt appear to be effective in breaking down blockages, but, in reality, that isn’t the case. Overall, salt is not a magic fix for a serious blockage.

Coca-Cola

The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola is helpful in clearing minor clogs caused by small debris or grease. But it’s ineffective when dealing with serious blockages.

The downside of using Coca-Cola is that you’ll need to clean the sticky mess that’s left over.

Fairy Liquid (Washing-Up Liquid)

While Fairy Liquid can’t unblock your toilet on its own, it’s effective when used with other fixes.

Since Fairy Liquid can soak into the blockage and lubricate it against the drain pipe, pouring hot water from a height will create the required pressure to break down the blockage, force the debris forwards and clear it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Easiest Way to Unblock a Toilet?

The easiest way to unblock a toilet is to use a heavy-duty toilet plunger. A toilet auger is also equally effective in unblocking a toilet.

What Not to Do When Unclogging a Toilet?

When using a plunger to unblock a toilet, never use excessive force. Aggressive plunging with a toilet plunger can damage the porcelain surface of the toilet or even break it.

Likewise, using chemical drain cleaners can cause extensive pipe damage and is unsafe for humans.

How to Unclog a Toilet Full of Poop and Water?

A toilet plunger is the most effective solution in this instance. Using baking soda and vinegar is the next best option. Pouring hot water over dish soap is also effective.

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