How to Unblock a Toilet: The Ultimate DIY Guide

How to unblock a toilet: it’s a challenge we all have to face at some point. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to fix a blocked toilet. Once you’ve identified the cause of the blockage, you can grab any plumbing tools you need and get to work on sorting out the problem.

Don’t Panic

A blocked toilet is one of those things that always seems to happen at the worst possible time, and when you see the water level rising, it’s easy to panic. Keep calm: repeatedly flushing the toilet in the hope it’ll sort the issue out will likely make matters worse.

When you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, your first instinct might be to call the plumber, but don’t pick up the phone so fast – there are some effective DIY methods you can use to fix a blocked toilet fast. Read on to discover our top tips and exactly what you need to get rid of that clog and your loo fully functioning again.

How to Unclog a Toilet: Identify the Cause

There are several possible causes for a blocked toilet, but here are some of the most common:

In the case of a clogged mainline, you will likely need to call a professional. However, for most other causes you can usually unclog a toilet yourself with the right strategy.

Not sure how to identify the cause of your blocked toilet? These are a few things to look out for:

Water draining from the bowl very slowly

This indicates that a blockage is forming, but not fully blocking the output. Thankfully, it’s easier to clear a blocked toilet at this stage. Turn off the flush valve in your tank to stop water from flowing into the bowl.

After flushing, the water level in the bowl stays very low

The airflow in your piping may be reduced or blocked. Turn the flush valve, then investigate what is causing the clog.

The water level in the bowl rises and does not fall

This means there is a complete blockage that the water cannot pass. In this case, it’s particularly important to turn the valve to stop the flow of water into the bowl.

If your toilet is connected to a septic tank rather than a sewer, the tank might be full. In this case, you’ll need a professional to empty it. If you notice water coming up through any other drains in your home, this means that your main line may be blocked and you should call a plumber.

DIY Methods to Unblock a Toilet

So, how do you clear a blocked toilet? Your first instinct might be to reach for the plunger. This is absolutely an effective method, however, there are other ways you can unclog a toilet without a plunger if you don’t have one handy.

If the water level is already high, you can remove some of the water using a container. Empty this water into an external drain, rather than into a sink or other indoor facility  – keeping things hygienic is of the utmost importance!

Put on rubber gloves. This is a good safety precaution (and will also make things a bit less unpleasant for you), you might also want to put on old clothes in case of any splashing or overflow. Put some newspaper or kitchen paper down around the toilet bowl for the same reasons. It’s also worth having a basin or bucket handy so you can easily dispose of any material you remove from the toilet.

Using Hot Water to Unblock a Toilet

You can start by trying to ease the blockage with hot water. This is the most straightforward method to unblock a toilet.

Step 1: Add hot water

Remove some excess water if necessary. Pour in half a cup of hot water (hot, but not boiling to avoid damaging the porcelain). Pour the water in from waist height whilst standing up to put extra pressure on the blockage.

Step 2: Repeat and add washing up liquid

Do this two or three times, about ten minutes apart. The hot water will help to dissolve any fat, grease or waste matter in the blockage. You can also add in some washing liquid as it will help to dissolve the blockage.

If you’ve tried this method and it hasn’t removed the blockage, it’s time to reach for the plunger!

Using a Plunger to Unblock a Toilet

Using a plunger is one of the most reliable ways to unblock a toilet. It’s always a good idea to have one on hand in case of an emergency.

Step 1: Fully submerge the plunger

To work properly, you will need your plunger to be fully submerged in water. If you need to, you can pour in a few extra cups to get the water level higher.

Step 2: Fully cover the outlet

Your plunger should also fully cover the outlet. If your plunger does not cover the outlet, you can plug the gaps with old rags. If you need to make your plunger more pliable, you can run hot water over it.

Step 3: Plunge and repeat

Start with a slow plunging motion, then gradually increase your speed. Repeat this process a few times, a few minutes apart. Then flush to see if the issue is resolved. If you’ve tried a few times without success, you can try one of the methods below for unblocking a toilet without a plunger.

How to Unclog a Toilet Using a Homemade Solution

Before rushing out to buy a chemical solution, you can make your own with a few household items. 

Step 1: Heat some water

When the water is hot but not boiling, add half a cup of white vinegar. Combine the mixture with half a cup of baking soda. This mixture will help to clean and descale your toilet and remove any residues. It will also help to dissolve the blockage.

Step 2: Pour solution and wait

Add the mixture into the toilet bowl, close the lid, and wait half an hour. Then flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

Using a Wire Hanger to Unclog a Toilet

If you don’t have an auger handy, you can use a wire hanger as an alternative. While this won’t be as effective, it may still work to remove or perforate the blockage.

Step 1: Prepare a hanger

Unravel the hanger so that it forms a long, narrow rod. Secure some cloth over the tip of the hanger to avoid damaging the porcelain.

Step 2: Remove the blockage

Push the hanger into the bowl until it meets the blockage. Try to remove or tear through it.

Use a Waste Removal Product to Unblock a Toilet

If none of these methods has worked, you can try a waste removal product. You can find enzyme-based or chemical-based products, depending on your preferences or your pipes. An enzyme-based option might be best as it won’t damage piping  – it’s also more environmentally friendly.

These products will only work on organic waste, so if a solid object is blocking the toilet, you may need to have the bowl removed. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber.

Step 1: Safety first

If you use a waste removal product to unclog a toilet, it’s important to take some precautions. Wear rubber gloves and make sure it doesn’t come into contact with your eyes. Ventilate the room well, and don’t flush the toilet immediately after using it as this can create dangerous spray.

Step 2: Pour and wait

Pour half a cup of the product into the bowl. Wait half an hour and flush to see if the blockage has been removed. If necessary, repeat the process.

Preventing Blockages

There are a few useful habits you can adopt to help avoid blockages in the first place:

How to Unblock a Toilet: FAQs

Still not sure which method to use to unblock your toilet? Our FAQs might help.

How do I unclog a toilet fast?

If your toilet is clogged but not fully blocked, try using hot water to ease the blockage. Add a little washing-up liquid to make it more effective.

How do I clear a blocked toilet when hot water doesn’t work?

If your toilet is fully blocked, try using a plunger or toilet auger to remove or tear through the blockage.

How do I unclog a toilet without a plunger?

If you don’t have a plunger handy you can use hot water, a homemade or shop-bought solution, or a toilet auger to fix a blocked toilet.

Do rats come up toilets?

Rats can sometimes come from a sewer into a toilet, but it’s very unusual and very unlikely to be the cause of your blocked toilet.

Need to stock up on plumbing supplies? We’ve got you covered for all your plumbing, bathroom and blockage needs at Woodie’s.

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These methods serve as a guide only. We encourage you to take full caution when undertaking any project within the home.