How to Unclog a Toilet

How to Unclog a Toilet

The toilet is blocked, what are you going to do? Luckily, we’ve got all the answers and best solutions to get your pipes moving again. You’ll find articles with a multitude of options, but we’re here to give you the most successful tips for how to get a toilet unclogged.

(1) The Additional Flush

This might sound obvious but try flushing again. If the water in the toilet bowl is still flowing and draining away, albeit slowly, an additional flush might dislodge the blockage. Trying this will save you much time and effort with other techniques.

NOTE: Don’t use this method if the water isn’t draining or it is near the top of the toilet bowl.

 

(2) The Plunger

Every home should have a plunger. They’re the ideal tool for unclogging toilets, baths, and sinks. For the plunger to work properly, water needs to be pushed around the system, not air. So, be sure you cover the entirety of the bottom of the toilet and add some water to the bowl to cover the plunger head itself.

With the plunger covered with water, you can easily do a repeated back and forth motion without splashing water around the room. When you’ve done plunging, attempt flushing the toilet.

If the blockage is clear, flush 3 or 4 more times to ensure it’s moved out of the system completely.

If it’s still clogged, repeat the plunging process.

(3) Chemical Drain Cleaner or Enzyme Product

No plunger? Chemical drain unblockers are your next best choice. When you ask how to unblock a toilet, many people will point you in this direction. However, for stubborn blockages, you need to get a powerful product used by plumbers. Enzyme cleaning products are used by professionals because they don’t damage pipes.

Simply pour the product into the toilet and follow the waiting time instructions specified. Often, you’ll be asked to wait overnight, and the toilet will drain on its own once the blockage is cleared.

NOTE: This will only work on organic blockages, not hard items such as toys.

How to Easily Unclog a Toilet

Call an expert!

There are other ways to get your toilet flowing again. However, some require expensive and highly specific tools that you’ll rarely need. Also, others suggest making DIY tools that could end up damaging your system even further.

Calling a plumber is the easiest way to unclog a toilet if the methods above haven’t worked. They’re equipped with specialist knowledge and equipment that can diagnose the issue and resolve it quickly. 

Yes, you will have to pay for their services, but it’s cheaper than some equipment suggested by other ‘how to unblock a toilet’ articles.