Picture this: you’re having a relaxed Sunday morning, the sun is shining, and the coffee is brewing. Suddenly, reality hits like a ton of…well, you know. The tranquillity is shattered by the dreaded gurgle of a blocked toilet, and guess who’s been bestowed with the honour of unclogging it? Yep, you guessed it: you, the unsuspecting hero of your very own domestic disaster movie.

Gloved person unblocking a toilet with a plunger.

Welcome to the glamorous world of DIY plumbing where we’re going to teach you how to unblock a toilet. Grab your cape (or maybe just a pair of rubber gloves) because it’s time to embark on the noble quest of unblocking your porcelain palace.

Steps to fix a blocked toilet

Unclogging a toilet is like a game of plumbing roulette – you never know what’s going to come out on top. We have found that navigating a blocked toilet disaster requires a blend of resourcefulness, patience, and a touch of humour. Here’s your survival guide: 

1. Assess The Situation

Before diving in (figuratively, not literally), assess the severity of the blockage. Is it a minor clog or a full-blown plumbing apocalypse? 

  • Observe the water level: Look at the water level in the bowl. If it’s unusually high or overflowing, you likely have a blockage. If the water level is normal but drains slowly, there might still be a partial blockage.
  • Check for signs of overflow: Look around the base of the blocked toilet for any signs of water pooling or seepage. Overflowing water can cause damage to the surrounding floor, so it’s important to address the issue promptly.
  • Listen for gurgling noises: If you hear gurgling sounds coming from the clogged toilet or the plumbing system when you flush, it could indicate a blockage further down the drain pipe.
  • Inspect the flush: Flush the toilet and observe how the water behaves. If it rises to the rim and doesn’t drain away properly, there’s likely a blockage preventing proper flow.
  • Assess the cause: Consider what might have caused the blockage. Common culprits include excess toilet paper, sanitary products, or foreign objects such as toys accidentally flushed down the toilet.
  • Consider previous issues: If this isn’t the first time your toilet has been blocked, it might indicate an underlying issue like invasive tree roots or a broken or collapsed drain.

2. Gather Your Tools

Arm yourself with the holy trinity of toilet unclogging: rubber gloves, a plunger and a sense of determination. 

3. Plunge Away

Start with the trusty plunger. Use it vigorously, making sure to create a tight seal around the drain. Remember, it’s all about the push and pull.  

4. Chemical Warfare (if necessary)

If plunging fails, consider employing chemical drain cleaners. Proceed with caution and follow the instructions meticulously to avoid turning your bathroom into a toxic wasteland and risking chemical poisoning.

5. Know When To Retreat From the Toilet Blockage

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the toilet remains stubbornly clogged. It’s important to know when to throw in the towel (preferably not the one you’ve been using) and call in professional reinforcements who have been trained on how to unblock a toilet.

A note about the hazards of unblocking toilets

  • Unblocking a toilet can be messy! Raw sewerage is bad for your health. On contact with your skin it can cause infections, and breathing in aerosolised sewage can cause lung disease and other illnesses. Accidental ingestion can cause all kinds of health dramas, including gastrointestinal upsets at a bare minimum (just what you DO NOT need when you have a blocked loo). Commercial-grade disinfectant should always be used to clean up after dealing with raw sewerage.
  • Entering the drain is licensed plumbing work. This means that the use of any implement inside the drain by anyone other than a licensed plumber is illegal and must only be done by a licensed plumber.
  • Putting anything down the toilet could break your toilet suite. Do not put any mechanical drain cleaning device such as a drain snake in the toilet pan. Best practice is to remove the toilet suite first to avoid damage.
  • Mechanical drain cleaners should only ever be operated by a trained professional such as a licensed plumber. Mechanical drain cleaners can be dangerous and incorrect usage can result in significant injuries and property damage.

What if the clogged toilet returns?

If this isn’t the first time your toilet has been blocked, or your efforts to clear the blockage are unsuccessful, it’s best to call a licensed plumber. We have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and resolve the problem safely and effectively.

A blocked toilet might indicate an underlying issue such as tree root intrusion in the sewer line or improper installation. Our team are seasoned pros. We’ve seen some… stuff. From toilet leaks to blockages, cistern repairs to full toilet suite replacement, toilets and taps are our bread and butter.

Remember, you’re not the first person to face a blocked toilet, and you certainly won’t be the last. Embrace the absurdity of the situation and take solace in the fact that this too shall pass (pun intended). The longer you leave it, the more complex the job. Calling in a Salmon Plumber now will save you big time.

Got a blocked Crapper? Call in the Snapper.
Contact Salmon Plumbing today.