Did you know that around 98% of blocked toilets can be fixed with home remedies? It’s true – fixing a toilet blockage doesn’t have to be hard.
Flushing the wrong things or limescale are common reasons for a clogged toilet. But, most of the time, you can clear the problem fast by yourself.
Identify the Cause of the Blockage
Noticing the signs of a toilet blockage is the first step before choosing the right solution. It helps you find the cause and fix it.
Pro tip: watch how the water drains to get hints.
Signs of a Slowly Forming Blockage
If water drains slowly, it signals a problem in the pipeline—literally. The low water level after flushing shows poor pipe airflow, which can lead to more extensive blockages.
Signs of a Complete Blockage
If water rises in the bowl and doesn’t go down, it’s fully blocked. Turn off the flush to stop the water and avoid spills. The blockage might be from too much toilet paper, wet wipes, or items in the bowl.
Try the Plunger First
A plunger is the go-to for fixing a blocked toilet. It’s your top tool for unclogging. Sometimes, a simple plunge is all it takes to fix the issue.
Prepare the Plunger
Ensure the plunger is under water and covers the toilet’s outlet. This makes a tight seal. It helps to suction properly and deal with the clog.
Plunging Technique
Start by gently pushing and pulling the plunger. Then, as you go on, increase your speed and pressure. The goal is to create a solid suction to move the clog.
Flush and Repeat
Flush after plunging for a bit. If it’s still clogged, keep falling. Take breaks to let the water settle. Some clogs need many plunges to clear.
Using a plunger is usually the best first step for a blocked toilet. It can often solve the problem without a plumber’s help. With a bit of work and patience, your toilet should be good as new.
Use a Toilet Brush as a Makeshift Plunger
No plunger? A toilet brush can actually step in to solve any potential drainage issues. Put the brush in the toilet and block the opening. Then, move it up and down. Giving it a push this way can sometimes clear a blockage, using the water in the bowl.
To make this work, seal the brush around the opening well. Then, push and pull hard. It’s not as good as a plunger, but it might get you out of trouble. Always be thorough with your strokes to seal the hole well.
If the brush trick doesn’t work, other options exist. You could try a plumber’s snake or ask for help from a plumber.
Break Down the Clog with Enzymes
If your toilet is clogged, and nothing else has worked, try using an enzyme-based cleaner. These cleaners have special particles in them that are designed to remove stubborn blockage by breaking them down. Best of all, they do so without harming the environment.
Choose an Enzyme Waste Removal Product
Choose one with the right enzymes when picking an enzyme cleaner for your toilet. Enzyme cleaners are made to dissolve different types of clogs, including those from toilet paper, human waste, and more.
Follow the Instructions
After choosing the enzyme waste removal product, pour it in and let it sit overnight. The enzymes will work on the blockage. This method is safer for your pipes than using harsh chemicals.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
No enzyme products or plungers? You can use baking soda and vinegar to clear toilet clogs. It’s often better than a plunger. Plus, it’s a natural option, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners. The mix of baking soda and vinegar breaks down waste well.
Heat Water
Warm up half a gallon of water, but don’t boil it. Boiling water can damage your toilet.
Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Add 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar to the toilet. Always use the same amount of both ingredients when unclogging.
Pour Hot Water
Pour the water from your waist level to increase the pressure. This step makes the mixture more effective at loosening a clog.
Let it Sit Over Night
Leave the mix all night. By morning, the water should’ve drained. Ideally, let the solution work for 30 minutes before flushing it away. If needed, you can try this up to three times.
Every six months, use this method to prevent clogs. It’s working if you hear a suction sound after trying it. Minor clogs require the full measure at once. For stubborn ones, use baking soda and vinegar slowly.
Still dealing with a clog after all this? Call a pro like those at Woden Valley Plumbing & Gasfitting to get the problem fixed before it becomes an emergency.
Use a Wire Coat Hanger
If the other methods don’t work, try a wire coat hanger, which often works just as well as a plumbing snake. This is good for small blockages in the toilet drain.
Prepare the Hanger
First, straighten a wire coat hanger. Then, wrap its end in a rag and tape it. This step keeps your toilet bowl safe from scratches.
Maneuver the Hanger
Now, carefully insert the covered end into the toilet’s drain. Twist and push it gently to clear the block. The hanger’s flexibility allows it to move around in the pipes well.
Flush and Check
If you think you’ve cleared the block, flush the toilet and see if the water goes down okay. If it’s still blocked, you might need a plumber’s snake for deeper clogs.
How to Unblock a Toilet with a Plumbing Snake
If the wire coat hanger doesn’t work, try a plumbing snake. It’s also called a closet auger and is made especially for toilets. It’s great for tougher clogs.
Get a Closet Auger
A closet auger is a long, flexible tool for toilets. It’s designed to include a metal cable to break up blockages. You can find one at hardware and plumbing stores.
Feed the Snake
Put the auger into the toilet and slowly push it in. Add more cable as you go. If it hits a blockage, gently push a bit more. But, take care not to break the toilet.
Twist and Push
When the auger reaches the clog, twist it. This helps the cable break the blockage. Also, move the auger back and forth. Do this several times. Keep going until the water flows freely.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
If your toilet is blocked and nothing is working, a wet/dry vacuum could help. It’s a powerful tool known as a ‘shop vac’. It can suck the clog out of your toilet.
Start by removing the water in the bowl with the vacuum. Then, put the vacuum hose into the drain. Turn the vacuum on. It might pull out the clog. Wrap an old towel around the hose to seal off the area to make it more effective.
Wet/dry vacuums can handle both dry and wet materials, making them a great option for clearing toilet blockages. However, only resort to this method if other options have failed before calling a plumber. It’s important to note that using a wet/dry vacuum may lead to unpleasant odours, so be sure to thoroughly air out the room.
Key Takeaways
- Most toilet blockages can be resolved with simple home remedies.
- Avoid flushing the toilet to prevent an overflow.
- Try removing the blockage by hand or using a dishwashing liquid and hot water solution.
- Plungers, wire coat hangers, and plumbing snakes are practical tools for unclogging toilets.
- Enzyme-based products and baking soda and vinegar can also help break down blockages.
FAQ
What are the signs of a slowly forming toilet blockage?
A blockage might be forming if you notice water draining slowly from the bowl. The low water level after a flush indicates airflow might be blocked.
What are the signs of a complete toilet blockage?
Seeing the water level rise and not fall tells you there’s a total blockage. In this case, it’s key to stop the flush valve to prevent overflowing.
How do you use a plunger to unblock a toilet?
First, make sure the plunger is completely covered in water. Plunge slowly at first, and then speed up.
Repeat this a few times with breaks in between. Finally, flush to check if it worked.
Can you use a toilet brush as a makeshift plunger?
If a plunger isn’t available, a toilet brush can be used. Insert it fully into the bowl and cover the hole.
Move the brush like you would a plunger, particularly if there’s water in the bowl.
How do enzyme-based waste removal products help unblock a toilet?
An enzyme-based cleaner is good for clogs from organic matter. These products turn solids into liquids.
Pour in the right amount and let it sit overnight. The enzymes break down the blockage, making flushing easier.
How do you use baking soda and vinegar to unblock a toilet?
Heat water, but not too hot, to avoid cracking the toilet. Mix baking soda and vinegar, then pour in carefully.
Letting this mixture sit overnight can dissolve the blockage by morning.
How do you use a wire coat hanger to unblock a toilet?
Unwind a hanger and cover its end with a rag. This prevents scratches on the toilet. Insert and twist it to break up the blockage.
Flush to check if the hanger removed the block.
How do you use a plumbing snake or auger to unblock a toilet?
An auger is great for hard clogs. Insert it and push down the drain. Just keep turning and pushing to clear the block.
The auger can reach deep into the pipe, farther than most Hangers can.
How do you use a wet/dry vacuum to unblock a toilet?
Vacuum out the water first. Then, put the hose in the drain and turn it on. Hopefully, the vacuum’s suction will pull out the clog. Seal with a towel for better vacuuming.
