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DIY Tips to Unblock a Toilet Before Calling a Plumber

Who enjoys getting a blocked toilet? absolutely nobody. There are tonnes of homeowners who encounter this problem and will rush to google to either look for ” a plumber near me ” to get help or look for a blocked toilet emergency plumber.

A blocked toilet isn’t just frustratingly annoying. it is also a messy problem that can suddenly become expensive if you don’t do things right and you suddenly find yourself needing a plumber for a blocked drain in Campbelltown or Sydney.

Having said that, if you want to give it a shot yourself before outlaying any money and hiring a blocked toilet plumber, there are a few DIY techniques you can try.

In many cases, these simple methods can clear the blockage and get your toilet back to working order in no time.

Keep reading for step-by-step tips on how to unblock a toilet yourself. f none of these methods work, don’t panic – our Blocked Toilet Emergency Plumbing Services are available 24/7 to help you out.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before attempting to tackle a blocked drain emergency, you need determine the severity of the blockage. Is the water slowly draining, or is the toilet completely backed up?

For minor blockages, a simple DIY fix can do the trick. Most people manage to unblock most toilet drains at home because it is ” usually ” that someone has gone and dropped a lot of toilet paper down the toilet.

For more severe blockages, you might need a local plumber for immediate assistance.

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Step 2: Try the Plunger Method

Every household has one of these lying around in the garage or the laundry. If you don’t have one, you should get one. They come in handy for all minor blockages, to do with kitchen sinks and toilets. It is called A plunger. A plunger  is your first line of defense when dealing with a blocked toilet.

How to Use a Plunger Effectively:

  1. Choose a flange plunger (one with a rubber extension on the bottom) for better suction. Make sure it is the right size plunger for the size drain you are using.
  2. Place the plunger over the toilet drain, ensuring a tight seal. It must seal otherwise you will not get the full suction effect from the plunger. If there is a leak and you pump vigorously, you could end up splashing toilet water all over the place.
  3. Push down and pull up in quick, firm motions to create suction. Do this for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Check if the water starts to drain. If it does, flush the toilet to clear the blockage completely.


If the blockage persists, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

I bet you never thought about using hot water with dish washing detergent? Hot water and dish soap can help break down minor blockages, especially if they’re caused by grease or small clogs.

Steps:

  1. Pour half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
  2. Follow this with a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water. Boiling water can crack the porcelain.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the blockage.
  4. The water by this time would have cooled down and broke down and soft debris in the drain. Use a plunger to try and move any broken loose debris. Try flushing the toilet then. Repeat the process if necessary.

Step 4: Use a Drain Snake

Sometimes not all plunger situations work. Blockages may stem a little bit more deeper and the suction pressure may not be adequate therefore requiring more effective applications.

If the plunger and hot water you are using do not work or just fails dismally, a drain snake (also called a toilet auger) can help reach deeper blockages in the pipes.

If suck and pull doesn’t work, maybe a firm push will just do the trick

How to Use a Drain Snake:

  1. Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and slowly push it down the drain.
  2. Rotate the handle to break up the clog or hook onto it.
  3. Pull the snake out carefully, bringing the debris with it.
  4. Flush the toilet to check if the blockage is gone.
  5. If you find you have removed a good portion of the blockage and find it is starting to slowly drain, try using the plunger again and see if it does the trick

Step 5: Try a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

This natural remedy is great for minor clogs and also helps deodorise your toilet.

Steps:

  1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
  2. Slowly add two cups of vinegar.
  3. Allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Flush the toilet to see if the clog is cleared. If it is starting to drain, attack it again with a plunger band see if it breaks the blockage loose again.
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Step 6: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Here’s a very unusual method of unblocking a drain in your toilet.

If the plunger, and drain snake don’t work, go for the wet n dry.

A wet and dry vac. For stubborn clogs, a wet/dry vacuum (shop vac) can be surprisingly effective.

How to Use:

  1. Set the vacuum to “wet” mode and remove the vacuum’s filter.
  2. Wrap the hose end with a wet cloth to create a tight seal in the toilet bowl.
  3. Suck out the blockage using the vacuum. Dispose of the debris in a safe and sanitary way. This method sometimes works. You just need to be clean about the disposal of waste
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When to Call a Plumber

This is the part when you have to bite the bullet and understand that you are going to need a blocked toilet plumber. If none of these DIY methods work, the blockage could be more severe, such as:A foreign object stuck in the pipes.

  • A clog in the main sewer line.
  • Tree roots or pipe damage.

At this point, it’s best to leave the job to blocked drain Sydney experts. At Plumber to You, we provide fast, reliable blocked toilet repairs 24/7. Call us anytime, and we’ll get your plumbing back on track.

Preventing Future Blockages

To avoid future blockages, follow these simple tips:

  • Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, tissues, or feminine hygiene products. Just toilet paper and waste goes down the pipe.
  • Limit the amount of toilet paper used in one flush. If it is going to be a lot of paper, flush twice
  • Schedule regular plumbing inspecations to catch potential issues early.

A blocked toilet doesn’t always mean you need to call a plumber immediately. With the right tools and techniques, you can often clear the blockage yourself. Just one thing to remember, DO NOT go pouring chemicals down the drain. These can do more long term than any good. However, if the problem persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber.

Need immediate plumbing assistance? Our licensed plumbers are ready to help! Contact us here for 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

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