How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

We've all been there: that sinking feeling when you flush, and the water starts rising instead of going down. A clogged toilet can instantly turn a peaceful bathroom into a source of stress. But take a deep breath. Whether it's a minor blockage or a more stubborn clog, you're not alone, and there are straightforward ways to get your toilet flowing again. 

In this guide, we'll demystify the process of unclogging a toilet, providing you with practical steps and helpful tips to restore your bathroom to its normal working order.

Understanding Common Causes of a Clogged Toilet

Before you grab the plunger or start experimenting with DIY solutions, it's helpful to understand what might be causing your toilet to clog in the first place. 

Identifying the culprit can help you choose the most effective method for clearing the blockage and prevent it happening again. Here are some of the most common reasons why toilets get clogged:

🚽 Excessive Toilet Paper

While toilet paper is designed to break down, using too much at once can overwhelm your plumbing system, leading to a blockage. This is especially true with thicker, multi ply types.

🚽 Non Flushable Items

Items like wet wipes (even those labeled "flushable"), sanitary products, cotton balls, nappies, and paper towels should never be flushed. These items don't break down like toilet paper and can easily get lodged in the pipes, causing significant clogs.

🚽 Accidental Flushing of Objects

Small toys, phone accessories, or other household items can sometimes find their way into the toilet bowl, especially in households with children. These objects can easily block the drain.

🚽 Solid Waste (Poop 🤭)

While it's natural for solid waste to be flushed, unusually large amounts or particularly dense waste can sometimes cause a blockage.

🚽 Issues with the Plumbing System

In some cases, a clogged toilet might indicate a more significant problem with your plumbing system, such as a blocked sewer line or issues with the vent pipe. These issues often need a professional plumber to step in .

🚽 Older Pipes

Older homes with older plumbing may be more susceptible to clogs because the pipes may be narrower or have accumulated buildup over many years.

By understanding these common causes, you can take steps to prevent clogs and address them more effectively when they happen.

Essential Tools for Fixing a Clogged Toilet / Ways to Unclog a Toilet

A clogged toilet can be a frustrating and messy problem, but thankfully, there are several methods you can try to resolve it. Here's a breakdown of common techniques used to unclog your toilet:

🚽 Toilet Plunger

🚽 Hot Water and Dish Soap

🚽 Baking Soda and Vinegar

🚽 Toilet Snake (Plumbing Auger)

🚽 Epsom Salts

Before you dive into unclogging your toilet, keep these important considerations in mind to ensure a safe and effective process, preventing further damage and protecting yourself from potential hazards:

🧤 Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

❌ Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and are harmful to the environment.

📳 If you've tried these methods and the toilet is still clogged, it's best to call a professional plumber.

Remember to be patient and persistent. Sometimes it takes a few tries or a combination of methods to clear a stubborn clog.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet with a Plunger

A plunger is often the most effective and readily available tool for clearing a clogged toilet. Here's a step by step guide to using one properly:

✔️ Choose the Right Plunger

A flange plunger (also known as a toilet plunger) is the best option for toilets. It has a flap that folds out from the cup, creating a better seal around the drain opening. A standard cup plunger, while useful for sinks, is less effective for toilets.

✔️ Ensure Proper Water Level

There needs to be enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the cup of the plunger. If there's not enough water, add some from a bucket. This water helps create the necessary suction. If the toilet is overflowing, remove some of the water with a small cup or container.

✔️ Create a Tight Seal

Position the plunger cup directly over the drain opening. Make sure the flange (if using a flange plunger) is tucked inside the drain hole.

Push down firmly to create a tight seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl.

✔️ Plunge Vigorously

Begin plunging with strong, steady, up and down motions. Maintain the seal while plunging.

Avoid splashing water and continue plunging for about 15-20 seconds.

✔️ Remove the Plunger and Have a Look

After plunging, break the seal by pulling the plunger straight up. 

Watch if the water begins to drain. If it does, flush the toilet to clear any remaining debris.

✔️ Repeat if Necessary

If the water doesn't drain, repeat the plunging process. You may need to plunge several times to dislodge the clog completely. Sometimes shifting the angle of the plunger can help.

✔️ Flush Thoroughly

Once the water drains, flush the toilet to ensure the clog is completely gone. If the water rises again, repeat plunging.

If the toilet flushes normally, congratulations! You've successfully unclogged your toilet.

Tips for Effective Plunging

• A strong, consistent plunging motion is more effective than quick, weak plunges.
• If the clog is particularly stubborn, try adding a small amount of dish soap to the water to help lubricate the drain.
• If you continue to have issues, then it is time to try another method, or call a plumber.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger (DIY Methods)

Don't panic if you don't have a plunger! Several DIY methods can help you unclog your toilet using common household items. Here are some effective techniques:

Hot Water and Dish Soap

Dish soap acts as a lubricant, while hot water helps to break down the clog.

• Pour a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl.
• Heat a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water. Boiling water can crack porcelain.
• Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height, allowing the force of the water to help dislodge the clog.
• Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then flush.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar creates fizzing that can help break up the clog.

• Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Slowly pour two cups of vinegar into the bowl.
• Let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Flush the toilet.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts can help to break down some organic matter.

• Pour one cup of Epsom salts into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Flush the toilet.

Unclogging a toilet without a plunger can take a while, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work right away, you might need to try a few times. Make sure you put on rubber gloves to keep your hands clean. 

If you've tried everything and it's still clogged, it's probably best to call a plumber. Also, if you know something hard or solid got flushed down there, these home remedies might not be enough to fix it.

When to Call a Professional Plumber to Unblock Your Toilet

While many toilet clogs can be resolved with DIY methods, there are certain situations where calling a professional plumber is the best course of action. Recognising these signs can save you time, prevent further damage, and ensure a proper solution.

❌ Recurring Clogs

If your toilet clogs frequently, even after you've cleared the blockage, it means there’s probably an underlying plumbing issue. This could be a problem with your sewer line, vent pipe, or drain pipe that requires professional diagnosis and repair.

❌ Persistent Clogs

If you've tried multiple DIY methods, including plunging, using a toilet snake, and attempting various home remedies, and the clog persists, it's time to call a plumber with their specialised tools and expertise to tackle stubborn clogs.

❌ Sewage Backup

If you notice sewage backing up into your toilet or other drains in your home, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. Sewage backups can pose health risks and indicate a major blockage in your main sewer line.

❌ Foul Odours

Persistent bad smells coming from your toilet or drains, even after cleaning, can be a sign of a blockage or other plumbing problem that requires professional inspection.

❌ Gurgling Sounds

Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or other drains when you flush can indicate a problem with your vent pipe or drain line. A plumber can identify and fix these issues.

❌ Multiple Clogged Drains

If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it suggests a blockage in your main sewer line, which requires the expertise of a professional plumber.

❌ You Don't Have the Right Tools or Confidence

If you are uncomfortable attempting DIY methods, or lack the necessary tools, calling a plumber is a safe and sensible option.

❌ Hard Objects Flushed

If you know a hard object has been flushed, and you are unable to retrieve it, a plumber is best suited to handle this type of problem.

Calling a professional plumber ensures that the problem is resolved correctly and efficiently, preventing further damage and costly repairs.

Choosing the Best Toilet Clog Cleaner Product

There are many block toilet cleaner and toilet clog cleaner products. When choosing, consider:

• Enzyme based cleaners for organic clogs.
• Chemical cleaners for tougher obstructions (use with caution).
• Natural alternatives for eco friendly solutions.

Dealing with a clogged toilet doesn't have to be a nightmare. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can often resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Remember to prioritise prevention to keep your toilet bowl plumbing flowing smoothly. 

If all else fails, don't hesitate to call our Reline Solutions qualified and licensed plumbers, on 0403 355 550 for professional help.