Few plumbing problems inspire as much panic as a badly clogged toilet. With water threatening to overflow and a bowl that just won’t flush properly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not – most blockages can actually be cleared without calling an expensive plumber. With the right know-how and some simple tools, you’ll be back to a happily gurgling loo in no time!
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective DIY methods to unblock your toilet. We’ll also cover preventive tips to avoid future blockages and signs of when it’s time to call in the pros. Let’s dive in and get that dunny flowing freely once more.
Dealing With Those Pesky Blocked Toilets
Blocked toilets can be a real headache, turning your bathroom into a no-go zone. But understanding the root of the problem can make tackling it much easier. A blocked toilet happens when something obstructs the pipes, preventing the toilet from draining as it should. This can be due to various reasons, from waste and debris buildup to improper use of the toilet.
Common culprits include excessive toilet paper, foreign objects (thanks to curious kids), and certain types of waste that don’t break down easily.
Recognising these causes can help you fix the current issue and prevent future blockages. So, next time your toilet bowl starts acting up, you’ll know exactly what might be causing the trouble and how to address it.
Common Causes of Toilet Blockages in Australia
Before we roll up our sleeves, it helps to understand what might be messing up your system in the first place. The most frequent culprits include:
- Too much toilet paper, especially the luxuriously plush kind
- “Flushable” wipes (newsflash: they don’t disintegrate!)
- Foreign objects courtesy of curious kids (think toys, crayons, etc.)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls, swabs, and dental floss
These items often cause blocked toilet drains, and understanding what leads to these blockages is crucial to prevent future issues.
Now that we know the usual suspects, let’s move on to clearing that clog.
4 Step-by-Step Methods to Unblock Your Toilet
1. The Trusty Plunger Technique
Ah, the humble plunger – this simple $10 tool does the trick for clogged toilets more often than not. For best results:
- Use a flange plunger (the kind with a smaller extension on the rubber bell) rather than a cup plunger.
- Ensure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger.
- Fit the flange into the bowl’s hole, then pump vigorously 10-20 times while maintaining the seal.
- If you feel the blockage dislodge, continue plunging a few more times, then flush.
2. The All-Natural Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution
If your plunger has failed you, try this eco-friendly dynamic duo for addressing a toilet blockage:
- Pour a pot of boiling water into the bowl.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda, then 2 cups of white vinegar.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture fizz its magic for at least 20 mins.
- Flush and repeat if needed.
3. The Heavy-Duty Plumbing Snake
For more stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake (also called a toilet auger or toilet snake) may save the day:
- Insert the end of the snake into the bowl and crank the handle clockwise.
- Keep cranking until you feel resistance, then push through the blockage.
- Once you’ve broken it up, pull out the cable, flush, and do a victory dance.
4. The Hot Water & Dish Soap Hack
This is a good one to try while waiting for that baking soda and vinegar to work:
- Boil a pot of water, then let it cool a bit (boiling can crack the porcelain!)
- Stir in a few tablespoons of dish soap.
- Slowly pour the solution into the bowl.
- Wait 20 minutes, then flush.
Additionally, you can use a toilet brush to dislodge clogs by moving the bristles back and forth along the edges of the pipe.
What NOT to Do When Unclogging a Toilet
We know you want that toilet unblocked ASAP, but there are a couple of big no-nos:
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. These can erode your pipes, leading to costly damage. Plus, they’re terrible for the environment.
- Don’t use drain snakes or a wire coat hanger if you’re not confident with the technique. Scratching the bowl or damaging the drain is all too easy.
Habits & Hacks to Prevent Future Blockages
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Drano! To keep your porcelain throne clog-free:
✓ Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper
✓ Follow this handy flushing guide:
|
Can be Flushed |
Cannot be Flushed |
|
Toilet Paper |
Wipes (even “flushable” ones) |
|
Poop |
Sanitary products |
|
Pee |
Cotton balls/swabs |
|
Dental floss |
|
|
Tissues & paper towels |
✓ Show your loo some love with monthly clean-outs:
- Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar into the bowl
- Let sit for 20-30 minutes (overnight is even better)
- Give it a good scrub, then flush
Signs It’s Time To Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried all the DIY tricks with no luck, or are noticing any of the following, it’s time to call a professional:
- Toilet water keeps rising, threatening to overflow
- Flushing causes water to back up into sinks, showers, or tubs
- You have multiple fixtures blocked at once (sign of a main line clog)
- Gurgling sounds coming from other drains
If a DIY drain snake doesn’t work, it’s time to seek professional help.
FAQs on Toilet Troubles
Can a blocked toilet fix itself?
While a partial clog may eventually break down and flush away, it’s always better to be proactive. Toilet clogs are common and leaving a blockage untreated can lead to messy overflows and costly problems down the line.
Are enzyme-based drain cleaners safe for toilets?
Enzyme cleaners are generally safe for toilets and septic systems. That said, they can take 24+ hours to fully clear a clog. For faster results, use the methods outlined above.
What’s the best way to unclog a toilet without a plunger?
If you find yourself without a plunger, don’t worry—there are several effective methods to unclog a toilet. Start by pouring some dish soap into the toilet bowl, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to help lubricate the pipes.
Then, carefully pour hot water (not boiling, as it can crack the porcelain) into the bowl from waist height to add pressure and help dislodge the blockage.
Alternatively, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda, followed by two cups of vinegar into the bowl. Allow the mixture to fizz and break down the blockage for about 20-30 minutes before flushing.
These methods can often clear a clogged toilet without the need for a plunger.
Can tree roots cause toilet blockages?
Yes, tree roots can indeed cause significant toilet blockages, especially in older plumbing systems. Roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate even the smallest cracks in pipes, leading to blocked drains.
If you notice persistent slow draining or multiple fixtures backing up, it could be a sign of tree root intrusion. In such cases, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can use specialised equipment to assess and clear the blockage.
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent tree roots from causing severe damage to your plumbing system. Consider using root barriers or planting trees away from sewer lines to minimise the risk.
Key Takeaways for a Clog-Free Throne
Regular maintenance, careful flushing habits, and swift action when clogs do occur, are the keys to keeping your porcelain palace in tip-top shape. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle most toilet troubles on your own, including the common issue of a clogged toilet.
And if the worst happens and you’re faced with a catastrophic clog? Don’t panic – that’s what licensed plumbers are for. Call us now to get your blocked toilet fixed.
