A blocked toilet is one of the more stressful household plumbing problems, but most blockages can be cleared quickly with a plunger and a bit of patience, without needing to call a plumber.
How Do You Unblock a Toilet?
To unblock a toilet, use a flange plunger to create a tight seal over the outlet, pump firmly several times, then flush to check the blockage has cleared, repeating or switching to a toilet auger if needed for a more stubborn clog. Working with steady, firm plunges rather than rushed short ones is what actually shifts most blockages.
What You Will Need
- A flange plunger, designed specifically for toilets
- Rubber gloves
- A toilet auger, for stubborn blockages
- Old towels, to protect the floor
How to Unblock a Toilet: Step by Step
1. Stop Flushing Repeatedly
If water is already close to the rim, avoid flushing again, since this risks an overflow. Let the water level settle first.
2. Position the Plunger
Place the flange, the extra rubber flap on a toilet plunger, into the outlet at the base of the bowl, ensuring a full, tight seal with no air gaps.
3. Plunge Firmly
Push down slowly for the first stroke to expel air, then plunge firmly and steadily for ten to fifteen strokes, keeping the seal intact throughout.
4. Test With a Flush
If the water drains normally, the blockage has cleared. If it remains slow or blocked, repeat the plunging process a few more times before trying an alternative method.
5. Try a Toilet Auger for Stubborn Blockages
A toilet auger reaches further into the pipe than a plunger and can break up or hook out blockages a plunger cannot shift, particularly for solid objects lodged further down.
6. Try Hot Water and Washing-Up Liquid
For a partial blockage, adding a squirt of washing-up liquid followed by a bucket of hot, not boiling, water poured from waist height can help break down and flush through the clog.
When to Call a Plumber
If plunging and an auger both fail, or the blockage recurs frequently, it may point to a deeper problem in the waste pipe rather than the toilet itself, and a plumber with drain-clearing equipment is the safer next step.
If you are dealing with slow drains elsewhere in the home too, our guide to unblocking a drain covers sinks and other household drains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to unblock a toilet without a plunger?
Hot water combined with washing-up liquid, poured in and left to sit before flushing, can help with a partial blockage, though a plunger remains the most reliable first option.
Can I use chemical drain cleaner in a toilet?
It is generally not recommended, since many drain cleaners are not designed for toilet bowls and can damage the porcelain or pipework over time.
Why does my toilet keep blocking?
Frequent blockages often point to too much toilet paper per flush, non-flushable items being disposed of, or a deeper issue in the waste pipe that may need professional attention.
Is it safe to plunge a toilet with standing water?
Yes, this is the normal condition for plunging, since the plunger needs water to create suction. Just avoid flushing again if the bowl is already very full.
How do I know if I need a plumber rather than trying it myself?
If plunging and an auger do not clear the blockage, or it keeps recurring, it is a sign of a deeper issue that is best left to a professional.
Wear gloves throughout and avoid flushing repeatedly if the bowl is already close to overflowing.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and property maintenance.
