Unblocking The Pan: Quick And Easy Toilet Fixes

A blocked toilet is a common household issue that can be resolved in several ways. The first step is to control the damage by mopping up any wastewater that has overflowed. Next, assess the nature of the blockage. If it is a natural clog, a plunger can be used to dislodge the blockage. However, if a foreign object is causing the blockage, a closet auger is a better tool to remove it safely. For stubborn clogs, alternative methods such as using hot water, dish soap, or a combination of baking soda and vinegar can be effective.

Use a plunger

Using a plunger is an effective way to remove "natural" clogs from your toilet. Before you begin, make sure you have the correct type of plunger for the job. Standard plungers, which resemble a half-cut ball, are not suitable for toilets. Instead, opt for a plunger with an extended flange, which will form a perfect seal with the drainage outlet, creating high pressure that will unclog the toilet.

Once you have the right plunger, follow these steps:

• Place some towels or newspaper around the base of the toilet to absorb any potential water spillages.
• If your toilet bowl is full, wait 20-30 minutes for the water level to lower, or remove the water with a small container.
• Ensure there is enough water in the bowl for the plunger to be completely covered.
• Insert the plunger into the toilet water at an angle to allow water to enter the plunger.
• Place the lip of the flange plunger into the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
• Press down and plunge vigorously. Be prepared to plunge repeatedly and don't be afraid to use force.
• After you've plunged all the water out of the bowl, flush the toilet.

If the clog persists, you may need to try plunging again, or attempt another method such as using a drain snake or hot water.

Try a toilet brush

If you don't have a plunger, a toilet brush can be used to unblock your toilet. Insert the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and move it back and forth inside the porthole to remove clogs. It is recommended to have some water in the bowl when doing this. If you are successful, the toilet will begin to drain.

If you don't have a plunger or a toilet brush, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet, followed by half a gallon of hot water. Let the mixture sit overnight. In the morning, the bowl should have drained and you can flush the toilet as usual.

Pour in hot water

Pouring hot water down the toilet is a good way to unblock it without a plunger and it's one of the easiest, hands-off methods of doing so.

To unblock a toilet using just hot water, start by boiling your kettle. Wait a few minutes after the kettle has boiled, then pour the hot water into the bowl and leave it to sit for three minutes. This might be enough to soften and push through any blockage, especially if it's a light blockage.

If the water level in your toilet is already high, you can try using a small bucket or your bathroom wastebasket to pour the water in while standing up. Repeat this process until the blockage is cleared.

If the hot water doesn't work, you can try adding some dish soap to the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then add hot water and let the soapy mixture sit. The soap will act as a lubricant and grease the clog in the toilet drain, helping to get things moving again.

Use a wire coat hanger

If you don't have a plunger, you can use a wire coat hanger to unblock your toilet. This method is similar to using a toilet snake, as it involves a wire entering the drain to push through or extract the clog.

Firstly, you'll need to unwind the coat hanger so that it's completely straight, with the exception of the hook. Then, wrap a small rag or a piece of cloth around the hook to prevent any scratches or damage to the porcelain. Secure the rag with duct tape to prevent it from falling off and causing further blockage.

Now, wearing rubber gloves, gently angle the wrapped end of the hanger into the drain until you feel resistance—this is likely to be the clog. Move the hanger around in a circular motion, twisting and pushing it to dislodge the blockage. Keep going until the water starts to drain, then flush the toilet a few times to clear it out.

This method can be enhanced by adding washing-up liquid or detergent and hot water. First, pour the detergent into the bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, follow the steps above until you reach step six, and pour the hot water into the bowl. Finally, flush the toilet to ensure the blockage has cleared.

While this method is effective for deeper clogs, it's important to be cautious as using too much force can damage the porcelain or ceramic material of the toilet, or even burst the pipe if it's made from weak plastic.

Call a plumber

If you've tried to unblock your toilet yourself, but the problem persists, it's time to call a plumber.

A blocked toilet is a common issue, but it can turn into a serious plumbing emergency if not addressed promptly and effectively. While some blockages can be cleared with a plunger or DIY techniques, others require more advanced solutions and tools that only a professional plumber will have access to.

You've tried DIY methods without success

If you've attempted to unblock your toilet with a plunger, a plumber's snake (toilet auger), or other DIY techniques, and the blockage remains, it's time to call a professional. They have the expertise and specialised tools to address more stubborn clogs.

The toilet is clogged with a foreign object

If a foreign object, such as a child's toy or an electronic device, has been flushed down the toilet, it could cause significant damage to your sewage system and septic lines. In such cases, a plumber should be called to retrieve the item and ensure your plumbing system is not compromised.

The toilet is regularly getting clogged

If your toilet is clogging frequently, there may be an underlying issue that requires advanced diagnosis. Plumbers have access to sewer cameras, which can help identify problems such as tree root intrusion, corrosion, or damage from construction or landslides.

There is an unusual smell

A strange odour coming from your toilet or bathroom could indicate a hidden leak. A professional plumber can diagnose and address this issue, as it could lead to water damage and mould growth if left unattended.

The toilet is constantly running

If the water in your toilet won't stop running, it could be a sign of an issue with the inner components. A plumber will be able to assess the problem and determine if repairs or replacements are needed.

The toilet has loose flooring

If you notice a wobbly floor or loose tiles around your toilet, it could indicate moisture damage caused by a leak. A plumber should be called immediately to fix the issue and prevent further water damage and corrosion.

You suspect your pipes are frozen

In cold temperatures, pipes can freeze, preventing water from flowing through them. A plumber has the equipment, such as a thawing machine, to resolve this issue and restore water flow.

The toilet doesn't fill after flushing

If your toilet doesn't refill with water after flushing, it could be a sign of a valve malfunction. A plumber can diagnose and replace the faulty valve.

The toilet has standing water around the base

Standing water around the base of the toilet, when not caused by overflow or spills, indicates a problem. It could be a sign of a seal malfunction, which requires the attention of a professional plumber.

You see cracks or corrosion

If you notice fractures in the porcelain of the toilet tank or bowl, it's important to call a plumber. Cracks can lead to leaks, and a professional will need to assess the damage and determine if repairs or replacements are necessary.

In summary, while some toilet blockages can be cleared with DIY methods, it's important to know when to call a plumber. They have the expertise and equipment to handle more complex issues, preventing further damage and ensuring your plumbing system functions optimally.

Frequently asked questions