A blocked toilet is one of those household issues no one ever wants to face. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also lead to bigger problems like water damage if not addressed quickly. But before you panic, it’s important to know that most blocked toilet issues can be solved with a few simple steps. In this blog, we’ll take you through how to fix a blocked toilet, from DIY fixes to knowing when it’s time to call for a professional repair.

What Causes a Blocked Toilet?

Before we jump into how to unblock a toilet, it’s helpful to understand what causes a toilet blockage in the first place. Some of the most common causes of a blocked toilet include:

  • Waste and Debris Build-up: Over time, toilet paper and waste can build up in the pipes, especially if you’re flushing too much paper at once.
  • Flushing the Wrong Things: Wet wipes, sanitary products, and even cotton balls should never be flushed. These items can cause a serious blockage.
  • Toilet Trap Issues: The S-shaped bend in your toilet’s plumbing system can trap debris, leading to clogs.
  • Tree Roots: Tree roots can invade the sewer lines connected to your toilet. If the roots grow into the pipes, they can restrict water flow and prevent waste from properly draining,
  • Cracked or Broken Pipes: When a pipe cracks, it can cause waste or debris to get stuck in the pipe, leading to clogs. 
  • Old or Collapsing Pipes: Over time, external pipes can deteriorate or collapse, leading to serious plumbing problems, including blockages.
  • Hard Water Build-Up: Minerals from hard water can cause scale and build-up in your pipes, eventually leading to clogs.

While some of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance, others, such as broken or old pipes, require professional intervention. Understanding the root cause of your blockage is key to finding the best solution.

How to Unblock a Toilet

When faced with a blocked toilet, it’s important to stay calm and tackle the issue in a methodical way. Depending on the severity of the blockage, you may be able to solve it yourself with a few basic tools and techniques. Here are several of the best ways to unblock a toilet.

1. Using a Plunger

The plunger can be your first help against a blocked toilet. But did you know there are different types of plungers? For toilets, you’ll want a flanged plunger. This plunger is specifically designed for toilets, with an extended rubber flange that fits into the toilet’s drain.

  • How to use it:
    1. Make sure the toilet bowl has enough water to cover the plunger.
    2. Place the plunger into the toilet, making sure the flange is fully inserted into the drain.
    3. Push down firmly, then pull up sharply. Repeat this motion for 15–20 pumps.
    4. After a few pumps, check if the water starts to drain. If it does, flush to confirm the blockage is cleared.

Plunging is an effective method to unblock the toilet. Just be patient, and you should see results.

2. Hot Water and Dish Soap

If plunging doesn’t do the trick, try using hot water and dish soap. 

  • How to use it:
    1. Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. The soap helps break down the clog and lubricates the pipes, making it easier for the blockage to move. 
    2. Heat a pot of water (not boiling, as it could crack the porcelain) and slowly pour it into the toilet bowl.
    3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. The soap will help lubricate the clog, while the hot water will loosen the waste.
    4. Flush to see if the blockage is cleared.

This method is effective for clearing slow-draining toilets or minor blockages caused by organic matter.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of these two ingredients creates a fizzing reaction that can help break down minor blockages in your toilet pipes.

  • How to use it:
    1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet.
    2. Follow it with two cups of vinegar.
    3. Wait for about 15 minutes as the mixture fizzes and works its magic.
    4. After the fizzing subsides, try flushing the toilet.

This natural solution is a good option for those looking for an eco-friendly and effective way to clear a blocked toilet.

4. Using a Toilet Snake (Auger)

A toilet snake or plumbing auger is another tool designed to clear stubborn blockages. It’s a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into your toilet’s drain and break up blockages.

  • How to use it:
    1. Insert the auger into the toilet bowl and carefully feed it into the drain.
    2. Twist the handle to extend the auger deeper into the pipe.
    3. Once you feel resistance, turn the auger to break up the blockage.
    4. Gently pull the auger out, and flush the toilet to check if the blockage is cleared.

A toilet snake is the best tool for hard-to-reach blockages and can solve problems that a plunger can’t.

5. Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried all of the above and your toilet is still blocked, it is time to call in a plumber. Sometimes, the cause of the blockage could be more serious, such as tree roots invading your pipes, broken pipes, or a collapsed sewer line. With their professional tools and experience, a plumber can accurately identify and fix the problem safely.

Signs You Need a Professional

  • The blockage keeps recurring, even after multiple attempts to clear it.
  • There’s an unpleasant smell coming from the toilet.
  • You notice leaks around the base of the toilet. A blocked drain causes flushing to generate pressure, which forces water past the wax seal, leading to leaks.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to fix a blocked toilet is a skill every homeowner should have. However, if the blockage persists or you suspect a larger issue,  call a plumber right away.

At 24 Hour Trade Services, we’re here to help with any plumbing issue you might face. Call us at 1300 229 897 or submit our online form. From a minor toilet blockage or a more complex plumbing problem, our team of experts is ready to provide assistance.