How to unblock a toilet?

We’re going to give you step by step instructions on how to unblock a toilet, and some tips for if it is stubbornly blocked. Don’t miss these tips.

We’re going to give you step by step instructions on how to unblock a toilet, and some tips for if it is stubbornly blocked. Don’t miss these tips.

The toilet is something that we usually take for granted, until it blocks. When the toilet blocks it can be a real headache because cleaning and unblocking it is not a particularly pleasant job.

The blockage could be caused by disposing of items like wipes, sanitary towels or too much toilet paper down the toilet. When the toilet drains are not working properly there can sometimes be persisting unpleasant smells in the bathroom.

How to unblock a stubbornly blocked toilet?

Plungers are still the best way to unblock a toilet. We need to bear in mind though that if the toilet is full to the brim, we will need to take some of the water out to be able to use the plunger without splashing or without the toilet overflowing.

Step 1. The first thing to do is to stop any more water entering. Close the tap behind the toilet by turning it anticlockwise until no more water runs in.
Step 2. To unblock the toilet you will need some rubber gloves, a plunger, toilet paper and a bucket of hot water.
Step 3. Use the plunger to try unblocking the toilet. Place the cup of the plunger at the base of the toilet and move it up and down to make pressure. Continue this action for a few minutes to see if the blockage dissolves and the water starts to flow normally.
Plumbing auger. If the manual plunger doesn’t work, you could try using a plumbing auger. Place the auger down the hole in the toilet and turn the handle while pushing further in. When you feel the blockage, continue turning the auger until you break up the blockage.
Step 4. If the plunger does not work, try pouring hot water down the toilet. Heat some water in a pan (without boiling it) and pour it into the toilet from sufficient height to create pressure. Wait for a few minutes to see if the blockage breaks up.
Step 5. If neither the plunger nor the hot water work, you can resort to chemical products, such as a liquid declogger. Follow the instructions on the product label to use it properly and safely.

Household remedies for unblocking a toilet.

Hot water and soap. Pour some liquid soap or washing-up liquid into the toilet and leave it to work for a few minutes. Then pour one or two cupfuls of hot water (not boiling) into the toilet and wait for the water and soap to work before trying to unblock the toilet using the plunger or toilet brush.
Baking powder and vinegar. Mix half a cupful of baking powder with half a cupful of vinegar and pour it into the toilet. Wait for the mixture to start bubbling for a few minutes before using the toilet brush to unblock the toilet.
Bleach. Bleach helps to decompose waste, and consequently we can use it in the same way as the liquid soap or washing-up liquid. Use 2 or 3 cupfuls of bleach. After a couple of minutes pour a cupful of washing powder in. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then flush the toilet.
Homemade plunger. If you do not have a plunger at home, you could try making one yourself. You will need a large plastic bottle (such as a two litre refreshment bottle) and some scissors. Cut the bottom off the bottle and use the top (with the lid on) as the plunger cup. Place the top part of the bottle in the toilet and push and pull to create vacuum pressure to unblock the toilet.

Products to unblock the toilet

Apart from the homemade products described above, there are many chemical products available on the market to help us unblock the toilet. We do need to be careful when using them though. We should always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect our eyes from splashes. Take note of the following recommendations: