The Ultimate DIY Guide to Unblocking a Blocked Toilet

If you’ve ever been faced with a blocked toilet, you know that it can be a real headache. Luckily, there is a DIY solution that can often take care of the problem without having to call a plumber.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of unblocking a toilet using a plunger. So if your toilet is blocked and you don’t want to spend money on a plumber, keep reading!

1. Identify the cause of the blockage

The first step in unblocking a toilet is identifying the cause of the blockage. This can be done by looking for clues in the water that has pooled around the toilet.

If you see that the water is clogged with solid waste, then you know that the problem is caused by a build-up of material in the drain pipe.

If, on the other hand, you see that the water is cloudy or has an unpleasant odour, it’s likely that there’s a clog further down in the sewer line.

In either case, before attempting to clear the blocked toilet, you’ll need to identify and remove whatever is causing the obstruction.

2. Clear any debris from around the toilet bowl

Once you’ve identified the clog, remove any material that is visible around the toilet bowl. If it’s a solid clog of waste, use a plunger to clear it out.

Make sure you have enough water in the bowl before plunging so that there’s some pressure on your efforts! It usually takes two or three attempts with the plunger for clogs of this type.

Clear debris from the sewer line if needed. See ‘Call a plumber if needed’

If you’re still unable to unclog your toilet drain after several tries with the plunger, there may be something further down preventing access to it (e.g., tree roots).

3. Pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl to flush out the blockage

If you’ve tried all of the above and your toilet is still clogged, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Pour a bucket of water into the bowl to flush out the blockage. As simple as this is, it will often do the trick – especially if there was only a small clog to begin with.

4. Use a plunger to suction onto the blocked area and push and pull until it clears

If pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger to suction onto the blocked area and push and pull until it clears. This method is often successful for clogs that are caused by build-up in the drain pipe.

To use a plunger, place it over the clogged drain, and push and pull it firmly to create suction. Repeat this process until you can feel resistance – which means that your clog is clearing. Make sure there is enough water pressure on the plunger before plunging into a clogged toilet.

5. If plunging doesn’t work, use a plumbing snake to clear the blockage

If plunging doesn’t work, you can use a plumbing snake to clear the clog. We don’t expect you to have one lying around the house. However, you can purchase one from your local Bunnings (look for a Drain Auger) for around $26, or you can hire a professional grade drain snake from your local Hire company.

Plumbing snakes are flexible and come in different widths, so they can fit snuggly into most toilets and drains. Once inserted as far as it will go into the toilet bowl, give the tool a jiggle – this should help break up any clogs allowing water to flow freely through your drain again.

You can also try a drain cleaning product that will break down clogs and help you clear them with water pressure.

6. Once the toilet is unblocked, pour bleach down the drain to disinfect it

Once you’ve unclogged your clog, pour a few litres of bleach down the drain to disinfect it. This step will kill off any harmful bacteria that may have built up in your toilet due to the clog and help prevent future clogs from occurring again.

7. Call the plumber if needed

If none of the methods above work, it’s time to call in iSpecialise for assistance! iSpecialise are experts at unblocking drains, including inspecting and cleaning drains and clearing blocked toilets. We have powerful tools at our disposal that are designed to unblock even the most stubborn clogged toilets or sewer lines.

In some cases, blocked toilets are caused by major damage to underground pipes from shifting ground due to heavy rainfall or even earthquakes! In such cases, not only does the clog need clearing, but the damaged pipe needs repairing. Usually, a professional plumber will be required to identify the location and carry out the repairs.

Needless to say, your best bet is always to call on professional assistance when dealing with something like this because trying to remedy the situation yourself with the DIY method mentioned above doesn’t always work.

Conclusion

The most common cause of a blocked toilet is an object that has become lodged in the drain. To unblock your toilet, you’ll need to identify what’s blocking it first. You can clear any debris from around the bowl by using a plunger or bucket of water. If this doesn’t work, try plunging again but with more force and suction power – if this still does not work, use a plumbing snake to clear the blockage, which will require professional help. Once your toilet is free-flowing once again flush it down with bleach for good measure!

Hopefully, this guide has given you a few ideas to unblock your clogged toilet without spending money on a plumber.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to try the DIY approach before calling in a professional – you might be able to save yourself some money!

If your toilet is still blocked after trying all these methods, don’t hesitate to call iSpecialise. We have the tools and experience necessary to get your plumbing back up and running in no time!