A blocked toilet is a common household problem that causes concern and inconvenience. In most cases, the blockage can be unblocked by using a partner, or putty, hot water and dishwashing liquid, or baking soda and vinegar. If these methods don't work, try using a toilet unblocker, such as a plumbing cable. In more serious cases, you should contact a professional who will treat the blockage quickly and safely at home.
How do you know if your toilet is blocked?
A blocked toilet can be easily identified when the water rises higher than usual when flushing and does not settle normally. The water may rise almost to the edge and only settle slowly or stop completely. This is the clearest sign of a blockage in the drain.
Another common symptom is a gurgling or glugging sound during or after flushing. The sound occurs when air tries to pass through a blockage in the pipework. If the water in the toilet bowl moves slowly or bubbles, it is probably a partial blockage, which can quickly deteriorate into a full blockage.
Sometimes the blockage also manifests itself as an odour problem, when the sewage water cannot flow normally. A complete blockage prevents flushing altogether, leaving water and waste in the toilet. In this case, the situation requires immediate action to repair the blockage in the home.
What causes a toilet to become blocked?
The most common cause of toilet blockages is too much toilet paper being flushed at once. Although toilet paper is designed to break down in water, too thick a bundle can form a blockage, especially in bends or narrower areas of the pipework.
Many hygiene products cause serious blockages because they do not break down in water. Wet wipes, tampons, sanitary towels and baby wipes are common culprits. Although some products are marketed as "flushable", they can still cause problems in the plumbing.
Foreign objects such as toys, toothpicks, cotton buds or hairpins sometimes accidentally end up in the toilet, especially in families with children. Cat litter, food waste and grease can also cause blockages. In older properties, pipe build-up and limescale deposits also reduce the diameter of the sewer, increasing the risk of blockages. Structural problems such as depressions or pipe damage can also cause recurrent blockages.
How do I unblock a clogged toilet by myself?
The most effective and safest way to open a blocked toilet yourself is to use a companion or toilet plunger. Place the plunger on the bottom of the toilet so that it completely covers the drain hole. Press down and pull up firmly several times to create a pressure surge that will unblock the blockage. Make sure there is enough water in the toilet up to the rubber part.
Another method that works is hot water and dishwashing liquid. Pour a few tablespoons of dishwashing liquid into the pot and let it sit for a few minutes. Then add a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from a height of about a metre. The weight and heat of the water combined with the detergent can break up the blockage. Wait 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Baking soda and vinegar form a chemical reaction that can help with mild blockages. First pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by two cups of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
If these methods don't work, you can try a coiled cable to open the toilet. Gently push the cable into the drain while turning it. When you feel resistance, you have probably found the blockage. Keep twisting and pushing until the blockage comes loose.
What not to do with a blocked toilet?
Do not flush the toilet repeatedly if the water does not settle. Repeated flushing will fill the toilet and may cause an overflow, leading to water damage. If the first flush does not work, wait and try to clear the blockage first.
Avoid strong chemical drain openers as they can damage pipes, especially in older properties. Chemicals are also hazardous to your health, and if they don't work, it's difficult for a professional to work on a chemical-filled toilet. Chemicals can also react dangerously with other substances.
Do not use inappropriate tools such as wire or other sharp objects that can scratch the porcelain or damage the plumbing. Also, do not try to push the blockage deeper into the plumbing, as this will only move the problem to a harder-to-reach location. If in doubt, it's better to ask for help than to make the situation worse.
When does a blocked toilet need professional help?
If you've tried all the usual methods and can't get the blockage unblocked, it's time to call a professional. Repeated blockages often indicate a deeper problem in the plumbing that requires the tools and expertise of a professional. Simply treating the symptom won't solve the actual cause.
If several drains in the house are blocked at the same time, or water rises up into the shower when flushing the toilet, for example, it is probably a blockage in the main drain. This is a serious situation that requires immediate professional attention. Backflow of sewage is a health risk and can cause significant damage.
Unpleasant odours that do not go away by normal means may indicate ventilation problems in the sewer or more serious plumbing problems. If you hear strange noises from other drains when flushing the toilet, there may be structural problems with the plumbing.
We have on-call plumbers ready to help you fix a burst pipe in your home around the clock. We respond quickly as blockages can get worse and cause water damage. Our professionals will arrive quickly and use the appropriate tools and methods to treat the blockage safely.
