How to Unblock a Toilet: 5 Simple Methods

12th Nov 2024

We've all been there: you flush the toilet, and – instead of the water disappearing – it rises and threatens to overflow onto the floor. It's a frustrating situation that leaves you worrying about paying pricey plumber call-out fees. But the good news is that you can usually unblock a toilet yourself with a little know-how and the right tools.

In this guide, we'll introduce five simple methods to tackle a blocked toilet – featuring expert advice from Brian Toward, Chief Executive Officer here at Wholesale Domestic. Brian shares his top tips to help you avoid your toilet becoming blocked in the first place and know how to get things flowing again should the worst happen.

Why do toilets get blocked?

Toilets can become blocked for many reasons, and understanding the cause can help prevent further blockages.

One common culprit is using too much toilet paper, which can build up in the pipes over time and stop water from flowing properly. Another cause might be not flushing the toilet after each use, allowing debris to accumulate over time. Flushing things that shouldn't go down the toilet – like baby wipes, sanitary products, or even hair – can also lead to a blockage.

Brian shares some advice: "Most of the time, blocked toilets are caused by what's being flushed. Items like tissue paper might seem harmless, but large amounts can cause a blockage. It's important to only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet – everything else needs to go in the bin."

"If you're not flushing something you shouldn’t but are still experiencing blockages regularly, it might be time to upgrade your toilet to a newer model with a more powerful flush. Dual-flush toilets are great for delivering the right amount of pressure, which can help to clear debris more effectively.”

For more information on what a dual-flush toilet is, see our guide.

What not to flush down the toilet

It's easy to assume that many of your day-to-day household items are safe to flush as long as they're small, but this can cause problems for your plumbing. In fact, in the UK alone, around 65,000 blockages happen each year due to people flushing inappropriate items.

Common toiletries and everyday items like sanitary pads, tampons, wipes, and even kitchen roll can all cause a blocked toilet. These items don't break down in water like toilet paper, which can result in them getting stuck in your pipes and lead to serious blockages.

Brian explains: "Toilets are designed to deliver a powerful flush that removes any waste, but this doesn't mean they can be used to get rid of other items. People often ask whether kitchen roll can be flushed and are surprised to learn that the answer is actually no."

"Kitchen roll is much thicker than toilet paper, so it doesn't break down easily – which can cause clogs in the pipes. The same goes for baby wipes, even if they claim to be flushable! And don't forget about sanitary products – there’s a very good reason the packaging tells you not to flush them.”

Here are some things you should never flush down the toilet:

Sanitary pads and tampons (including applicators and packaging)
Baby wipes, makeup wipes, and cleaning wipes
Kitchen roll and tissues
Hair
Cotton balls and cotton buds
Dental floss
Medications and bandages

Tools you need to unblock a toilet

To unblock your toilet, you'll need to have the right tools on hand. Different toilets may need different tools, so whether you're dealing with a regular model or a macerator toilet, you'll need to be prepared.

Here's what you might need for a standard toilet:

Plunger
Rubber gloves
Bucket
Toilet auger
Pressure washer (with drain cleaning hose attachment)
Baking soda and vinegar
Old towels or rags

To unblock a macerator toilet, you’ll need to use a plunger or toilet auger. Alternative methods like baking soda or using a pressure washer aren’t compatible with these toilets as they can be easily broken or clogged with excess cleaning products.

5 simple methods to unblock a toilet

Now, it's time to tackle the blockage. There are many ways to unblock a toilet, and we'll walk you through a few easy methods to get that blockage under control in no time. If you're wondering how to unblock a toilet without a plunger, there's no need to worry – we've got you covered with several alternative options.

Here are five ways to fix your blocked toilet quickly:

How to unblock your toilet with a plunger

A plunger is one of the most common and effective tools for fixing a blocked toilet. However, make sure you're using a toilet plunger, not a sink plunger. A toilet plunger has an extended piece of rubber called a flange on the end that creates a better seal.

Plungers create suction and pressure, which helps dislodge the blockage and get the water flowing again. While many of us are familiar with what a plunger looks like, it can feel intimidating to use.

Here's how to use one properly to unblock your toilet:

Place the plunger over the drain hole at the bottom of the toilet, ensuring there's a tight seal that makes it more difficult to lift the plunger.
Now, it's time to start plunging. To do this, push down gently into the toilet bowl to avoid splashing, then pull up more forcefully. Repeat this motion 10-15 times.
Remove the plunger and check the water level. If the water starts to drain, you're on the right track. However, to fix a badly blocked toilet, you may need to repeat the process a couple of times.

Brian says: "It's important to use the right technique when plunging. The key is to keep a strong seal and apply even pressure. A few quick plunges should be enough to shift most blockages, but don't be afraid to repeat if the water drains slowly – as this could suggest a smaller blockage somewhere in the system."

How to unblock your toilet with hot water

Hot water can be a surprisingly effective way to unblock a toilet.

Brian explains: "Hot water works really well for softer blockages, especially if the toilet is clogged with tissue. It’s a great method to use if you don't have access to a toilet plunger. Pouring two to three litres of hot water into the toilet can create enough force to move smaller blockages. Just make sure you're not using boiling water, as this can crack the porcelain in and around the toilet bowl."

Here are seven steps to unblock your toilet using hot water:

Start by disconnecting the water supply to your toilet cistern to stop it refilling.
If the toilet's water level is especially high, use a bucket to remove some water to prevent overflow.
Boil a kettle or pot of water and let it cool slightly before using it.
While the water is cooling, pour half a glass of washing-up liquid into the toilet to act as a lubricant and help the blockage shift.
Carefully pour the entire kettle or pot of water into the toilet bowl from a safe height that won't cause splashback. The force of the water combined with the heat should help move the blockage.
Give it a few minutes to see if the water level drops. If it starts to drain, the process is working.
You may need to repeat the process a few times for tougher blockages.

How to unblock your toilet using baking soda

If you're dealing with a blocked toilet and don't have a plunger handy, baking soda and white vinegar can be a great alternative.

"Vinegar and baking soda are great for removing softer clogs caused by tissue paper or other small debris," Brian says. "Mixing the two together causes a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, resulting in a fizzing effect. This helps break down and agitate the debris, making it easier to flush away."

"This method avoids using strong, potentially damaging chemicals or learning to use a plunger, but you'll need to skip this method if you have a cesspit or septic tank. Baking soda and vinegar can disrupt the balance of bacteria that these systems rely on to break down waste naturally."

Here's how to unblock your toilet using baking soda and vinegar:

First, pour around 1 cup (240 ml) of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then, let it settle for a minute or two.
Slowly add 2 cups (around 480 ml) of white vinegar to the bowl. You'll notice it starts to fizz, but don't panic – this is the reaction that helps break down the clog!
Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This time should help loosen the blockage.
Then flush the toilet. If the water drains away, the blockage has likely been cleared. However, you might need to repeat the process if the toilet is still draining slowly.

How to unblock your toilet using a toilet auger

A toilet auger is a special tool designed to tackle deeper blockages that a plunger or hot water can't reach.

Brian explains: "Unlike a plunger, which only works at the surface, a toilet auger lets you reach further into the pipe to physically remove or break up the clog. These tools are especially helpful for hard-to-reach blockages.”

Here's how to unblock your toilet with a toilet auger:

Place the auger tip into the toilet bowl and feed the flexible cable into the drain pipe. Rotate the handle as you go to guide the auger through the pipe's shape.
Once the auger touches the blockage, turn the handle in a clockwise motion. This will allow the tool to break up or hook onto the blockage.
After rotating the auger, carefully pull it out of the toilet. If the blockage is attached to the end of the auger, dispose of it properly in the bin. If it's been broken up, flush the toilet to see if the water drains.
For more challenging clogs, this process might need to be repeated several times to clear the pipes fully.

How to unblock your toilet using a pressure washer

A pressure washer might not be the first tool you think of when your toilet is blocked, but it can be incredibly effective for bigger clogs. Plus, you might already have one at home for cleaning outdoors.

“The high-pressure water can easily break up larger blockages and push them through the pipes, clearing the way for a smooth flush,” Brian says.

“It's important to make sure you're using a pressure washer attachment designed for plumbing or drain cleaning. These are also known as drain cleaner hoses, and you may need to buy this additional attachment if you don't already have one.”

Here's how to unblock your toilet using a pressure washer:

Place the nozzle into the toilet drain, being careful not to scratch the porcelain. Make sure it's firmly in place to avoid splashing.
Start the washer with a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the pipes, then gradually increase the pressure as needed. The high-pressure water should help break up and clear the blockage.
After you finish using the pressure washer, flush the toilet and check whether the blockage has been cleared. Repeat the process if necessary.

How to unblock a macerator toilet

A macerator toilet breaks down waste into smaller particles before flushing it away. This is done using a macerating unit, which grinds up the waste and pumps it through narrow pipes. This makes it ideal for bathrooms where traditional plumbing might not be an option, like in basements or loft conversions.

Unfortunately, these toilets aren't exempt from blockages. Because of its unique design, unblocking a macerator toilet requires a gentler approach to avoid damaging the machinery.

Here's how to unblock a macerator toilet:

Before trying to remove the blockage, turn off the power supply to the macerator. This keeps you safe and prevents any damage to the unit.
Next, remove the cover from the macerator unit to inspect for any visible blockages. Just be careful not to move any of the internal parts while doing this.
If the blockage is in the toilet itself and not the macerator unit, you can use a plunger or auger to clear it. Follow the steps from earlier sections on how to use these tools.
If the macerator is still blocked, something might be inside the unit. To remove it, you may need to open the macerator and remove the blockage by hand carefully – but this should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Once you've removed the blockage and closed the macerator cover, turn the power back on and flush the toilet to see if the problem has been resolved.

Brian explains: "Macerator toilets are a great solution for homes with tricky plumbing layouts, but they're also more sensitive to blockages than standard toilets. Many mistakenly think the grinder can break down items that a regular toilet can't – but even flushing items like wipes, kitchen roll, or too much toilet paper can cause serious problems. If you're seeing frequent blockages, it might be a sign that something inappropriate is being flushed regularly."

"It's important to understand that, while macerator toilets can handle a lot, they're not designed for anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Being careful about what goes down the toilet can save you from a costly repair job.”

Shop toilets at Wholesale Domestic

Now that your toilet woes are behind you, you can breathe a sigh of relief! Whether you've tackled a blocked toilet with a plunger, hot water, or a toilet auger, knowing how to fix the problem yourself can save you time and money. With these simple methods, you're well-equipped to handle most blockages – from minor clogs to more stubborn issues.

If your toilet is outdated and doesn't meet your household's needs, it might be time to think about an upgrade. At Wholesale Domestic, we offer a wide range of toilets, from modern designs to more traditional styles, to suit any bathroom.

We also have a variety of toilet accessories to complete your bathroom, including toilet seats, toilet roll holders, and even toilet brushes to keep things clean. Shop our full range to keep your bathroom functioning smoothly and looking stylish. Or, for more bathroom inspiration and helpful how-to guides, check out our blog.