A blocked toilet is one of those annoying problems that can happen to anyone at any time, and it shouldn't be a difficult or stressful situation to be in. Unblocking a toilet can be a straightforward, quick fix when you know how to tackle it effectively with the right tools. If you find yourself stuck without a plunger, then don't worry because there can be plenty of other DIY solutions you can do yourself at home without the need of calling out a plumber. But what are the common causes of a blocked toilet? and how do you know if it really is a simple blockage or something that requires a little bit more attention? Keep on reading to find out the most common causes, what tools you'll need and how to unblock your toilet using these tools.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before you start trying to unblock your toilet, it's worth gathering a few simple household items to make the process quicker, cleaner and far less stressful. Most toilet blockages can be cleared using things you likely already have at home, so no need to buy any specialist tools. Having everything ready also helps you avoid mess and means you can move quickly if the water level is rising.
Essentials
- Washing up liquid
- Hot water (not boiling)
- A bucket or large jug
- Rubber gloves
- Old towels or paper towels
Optional (for clogs that don't budge easily)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A toilet brush
- An empty plastic bottle (for pressure method)
Safety Tips
Protect Yourself
It is important to always protect yourself from any splashes and bacteria when dealing with a blocked toilet, always wear rubber gloves because the water can contain harmful bacteria. It is a good idea to wear old clothes too as an extra precaution.
Don't Use Boiling Water
Make sure to use hot water only, not boiling. It might seem like the best option, however boiling water can crack the porcelain of your toilet, so this is the safest option to protect your toilet and yourself.
Never Mix Chemicals
Always avoid mixing different cleaning products and chemicals, especially chemical drain cleaners. You will always run a risk of creating dangerous fumes when mixing substances such as bleach and other cleaners - the safest option is always to simply not mix any products if you are unsure.
Work Slowly
The last thing you need is your toilet overflowing, patience is key here. If the water level of your toilet is already high - give the chosen method some time to work before attempting to flush the toilet again and avoid the risk of toilet water all over your bathroom floor.
When to Avoid DIY Methods
As much as we all love a DIY method, sometimes it is best to contact a professional to avoid making the situation worse. As much as a blocked toilet might seem like a simple issue, if you discover that other things are backing up like your sink or shower, or you find the water level rising quickly, you've already make a few attempts that don't seem to be working or there is a recurring blockage - it is time to call a plumber.
Common Causes of a Blocked Toilet
If you're scratching your head trying to think back of what landed you in this situation or if it really isn't as simple as just a blocked toilet, here are some of the most common things that might have caused it and what you might consider has happened to you.
- Using too much toilet paper
- Flushing non-flushable items
- Foreign objects
- Low-flow toilets
- Mineral build-up caused by hard water.
How to Unblock a Toilet Using Different Methods
Don't own a plunger? No problem. There are a few different methods you can use with items you might be able to find at home that are straightforward and effective when done correctly. Here are some of the most effective methods.
Method 1: Hot Water and Washing Up Liquid
Something we probably all have the easiest access to at home is hot water (not boiling) and washing up liquid, using this method is most effective for light blockages where the water is still draining - just very slowly. Here are the steps:
- Squirt a generous amount of washing up liquid directly into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 20-30 minutes so it can start breaking down the blockage.
- Take a bucket or bowl and fill with hot water from a tap.
- After letting the washing up liquid work its magic, simply pour the hot water into the bowl from a little bit of a height to create some pressure.
- Flush the toilet to see if it has cleared, if not then repeat the steps again.
- If it still hasn't cleared, consider trying one of the following methods.
Method 2: Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Another DIY method would be using baking soda and white vinegar, you might not already have these in your house but they are much cheaper than any special unblocking products you can find. This way of unblocking your toilet is best for any organic build up such as toilet paper or waste and works best for blockages that are slightly more stubborn but not too severe. If this is the method you decide to try, here's how you'd do it:
- Pour one cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl followed by two cups of white vinegar - make sure to add the white vinegar slowly to make sure it doesn't over fizz.
- Allow the mixture to fizz for around 30 minutes so it has time to work and dislodge the blockage.
- An optional step would be to pour a bucket of water down the toilet to help flush it through. Although, this isn't recommended if the bowl is already full of water and the blockage doesn't seem to be moving.
- Flush the toilet to check if it has cleared.
- Repeat if necessary.
Method 3: Toilet Brush
We'd highly recommend wearing gloves for this one. If the blockage is close to the surface and visible, you can try to dislodge it using a toilet brush.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves and make sure there is no risk of the water overflowing.
- Insert your toilet brush into the bowl and push it into the drain opening.
- Move the brush in circular motions to try and dislodge what is blocking your toilet.
- When you no longer feel any resistance or can see the water level lowering, flush the toilet to test if it has cleared.
- Make sure to properly clean and disinfect the brush once finished.
Method 4: Plastic Bottle
If you find the water is still slowly draining but you know something is stuck deeper in the pipe, you can try the plastic bottle trick to try and force the blockage down with pressure.
- Take the biggest empty plastic bottle you can find and fill it with warm water.
- Put on some gloves to keep your hands clean and position the bottle opening into the toilet drain.
- As quick as you can, squeeze the bottle to force water pressure down the drain and into the blockage.
- You may need to repeat this a few times to successfully dislodge the blockage, especially if it is a big one - however avoid using excessive force.
- Flush the toilet to check it has cleared.
- Repeat if necessary.
What if My Toilet Doesn't Unblock?
If you find you've exhausted all of the at home methods and none have worked, this could mean the blockage is deeper in the system and may require professional help. We wouldn't recommend you to repeatedly flush your toilet as this can cause the water level to rise and potentially overflow - give the water time to settle back down to a lower level before trying anything else. If you notice any strange smells or gurgling sounds along with water backing up in other places in your home, the best bet is to call a plumber to check for deeper problems before they become worse.
Unblocking a toilet isn't the most glamorous task, but with the right approach, it's usually a quick fix. By using simple household items, a bit of patience and the following methods above, most blockages can be cleared without the need for a plumber or special tools. The key is to act quickly, avoid making common mistakes and know when to stop and call in a professional to help you save stress and potential damage that can easily be avoided.
Feel free to contact us by phone on 01524 841087 if you have any questions, our team of experts are always happy to help where possible and are available Monday - Friday 8am-5pm.
