How to Unblock a Toilet with Simple Home Remedies

Unclogging a toilet may be possible to do yourself using simple techniques and home remedies. There are a few different ways you can do this. One very low tech method to unclog a toilet is to use a white wine vinegar and baking soda solution, as the chemical reaction can help dissolve the waste. We will explore this and other techniques in a bit more detail shortly…

The first step is to recognise the signs of a blockage, as it could be a few different problems. You may have a blocked toilet if you are experiencing the following:

Slow drainage, it is very easy for blockages to cause slow drainage in the toilet bowl – and it is probably the most common sign of a partial block
Overflowing bowl, a clogged toilet will often cause water to spill over the bowl after flushing the toilet – this usually occurs in more severe blockages
Drain noises, a gurgling sound can occur when there is a blockage – usually, a free-flowing drain will create a seal of air that prevents this sound
Bad smell, sewer gases and tissue, paper and waste clogs can all cause an imbalance of air and water – thus leading to foul smells indoors.

The main causes of a blockage are invariably toilet paper, waste stuck in the drain – but can also potentially be foreign objects and other substances.

If you have a badly blocked sink or any other type of drainage and plumbing problem, we are the right company to call. We will be able to give free advice and fix any drainage or plumbing problem.

You will see our impressive team in action when you get in touch with us for a free quote today.

Professional Tips on How to Unblock a Toilet Yourself

Before attempting to unblock your toilet, make sure you have a pair of rubber gloves. The following are some of the most helpful home remedies for unblocking a toilet – you can try these out with minimal risk before calling a plumber:

Pour hot water into the drain: Hot water in the drain can be the simplest method of unclogging it, as the temperature and flow of water can help break up the paper and other waste. Only use hot and never boiling water, as there is a danger of cracking the ceramic bowl if the heat is too intense.
Put soda and vinegar into the toilet: Take one cup of white vinegar, which you may have in your pantry, and an equal amount of baking soda – then pour it into the bowl. Put the baking soda in first for a better reaction. You can use smaller amounts for minor blockages. A cup is 237 millimetres.
Use a toilet brush: This is another strategy for minor clogs. Using your toilet brush and pushing it into the drain can often simply shunt the blockage down. A back and forth motion, similar to using a plunger, can also work to dislodge more severe blockages.
Try a plunger: Most of the time plungers are effective for tackling small and medium blockages, but they can help severe clogs too. Use the plunger to cover the hole in the bowl and create a seal. Simple up and down movements will help to suck the clog free. Plungers are cheap to get.
Get a wire coat hanger: Bending a wire coat hanger and twisting it into a shape that can go down the U-bend will help poke through a blockage, which can either let water flow through from the bowl and release the clog or help you ‘scoop’ the paper and waste back through the other way.

When using the soda and vinegar method, you can get a bit more bang for your buck with a dash of washing up liquid. Washing up liquid can help break down clogs, similarly to how dish soap breaks down dirt, grease and grime on plates.

Preventing a Toilet Clog

In most cases, a toilet clog is avoidable. One example is to use less toilet paper wherever possible. If you do need to use more toilet paper then simply flush the toilet whole there is enough room in the bowl – this should stop the build-up of a clog over time and also prevent overflows.

Disposable wipes are a longstanding cause of blockages in toilets and drainage systems in the UK. Supposedly ‘flushable’ wipes can clog a toilet even when small amounts are used – so avoid using these if you have problems with blockages. Another way to reduce paper use is to install a bidet or bidet attachment.

Never flush anything other than human waste or toilet tissue down the drain.

How to Unblock a Toilet the Professional Way

If the above tips do not work, you may need a professional solution to unblock a toilet. With no call-out fee or other hidden charges we are a great choice, we can also offer flexible appointments to suit our customers’ busy schedules.

Our engineers and plumbers are available in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Horsham, Sevenoaks, Redhill & Ashford. This enables us to respond quickly across all parts of the South East.

Finding cost-effective and reliable plumbers can be difficult. But, as top providers of unblocking and plumbing services in the southeast region of the UK, we offer excellent rates and quality work. Our team has been in high demand since 1989.

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