When you’re faced with a blocked toilet, it can be a stressful situation that demands immediate attention. Whether you're dealing with a slight clog or a more severe blockage, knowing the right methods to unblock a toilet can save you time and money.
In this blog post, we'll cover how to identify the signs of a blocked toilet, the best methods to unblock a clogged toilet, and when it's time to call in the professionals. Whether you're searching for the best toilet unblocker or need tips on how to unblock a badly blocked toilet without a plunger, we've got you covered.
What Are the Signs of a Blocked Toilet?
A blocked toilet doesn’t always show itself immediately. As the blockage develops, your toilet will begin to exhibit some early warning signs that should not be ignored. Here are the first signs to look out for:
- Slow drainage after flushing: If your toilet is taking longer than usual to drain after a flush, this is often the first indication that something is wrong.
- Rising water levels in the toilet bowl: A blocked toilet drain can cause the water level in the bowl to rise higher than normal.
- Gurgling noises: Unusual gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or nearby drains can signal a blockage.
- Persistent unpleasant odours: Bad smells emanating from your toilet or bathroom could be due to trapped waste in the toilet pipe.
As the blockage worsens, more urgent signs will appear, requiring immediate action:
- Overflowing water from the toilet bowl: This is a clear indication that your toilet is severely blocked and needs to be addressed immediately.
- Water draining slowly: If the water in the toilet bowl takes a long time to go down, it’s a sign that the blockage is getting worse.
- The bowl remaining empty or almost empty: An unusually low water level after flushing can also indicate a problem with the toilet u-bend.
- The water level rises and does not fall: If the water level in the bowl rises after flushing and doesn't return to normal, the blockage could be severe.
(photo from www.freepik.com)
Methods to Unblock a Clogged Toilet:
If you've identified the signs of a blocked toilet, it's time to take action. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to unclog your toilet:
- Plunger: The classic toilet unblocker. Make sure you have a good quality plunger that creates a tight seal around the toilet drain. A few firm pushes and pulls should help dislodge the blockage.
- Washing up liquid and hot water: This method works well for softer blockages, like those caused by a build-up of toilet paper or small amounts of fat or grease. Pour a generous amount of washing-up liquid into the bowl, followed by hot (but not boiling) water. The heat helps to break up the blockage, and the washing-up liquid acts as a lubricant.
- Baking soda and vinegar: A natural and effective way to unblock a toilet. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction helps to break up the blockage. Wait a few minutes, then pour hot water into the bowl to flush everything down. You can repeat the process if it doesn't fully work the first time.
- Coat hanger: For more stubborn blockages, a coat hanger can be used as a toilet u-bend unblocker. Straighten out the hanger, then carefully insert it into the toilet drain to manually break up the blockage by twisting it in different directions. Be cautious when using this method to prevent cracking or chipping the porcelain pipe.
- Call a professional: If none of the above methods work, or if you’re dealing with a severe blockage, it’s time to call in the professionals. A plumber can identify the type of blockage and use specialised tools to clear it, ensuring your toilet is back in working order quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, we always recommend calling a professional to avoid damage and for the most efficient clearing.
How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Repeatedly Clogging:
If your toilet is repeatedly clogged, there’s likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Continuous clogs can be caused by various factors, including the build-up of limescale, flushing inappropriate items into the toilet, or a problem with the toilet u-bend.
- Identify the type of blockage: Understanding what’s causing the blockage is the first step in fixing a repeatedly clogged toilet. Common causes include excess toilet paper, foreign objects, or a build-up of limescale.
- Preventative measures: To prevent future blockages, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Regularly cleaning the toilet bowl and u-bend with a toilet block remover can also help.
- Call in a professional: If your toilet continues to clog despite your best efforts, it’s time to consult a professional. They can use advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
Unblocking a toilet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By recognizing the early warning signs and using the appropriate unblocking methods, you can tackle most blockages yourself. However, for more stubborn or recurring clogs, calling in a professional is often the best course of action. Hydro Cleansing Ltd offers expert toilet unblocking services to help you clear even the toughest blockages quickly and efficiently. Our team of professionals are ready to tackle any toilet blockage, no matter how severe. Call us now or explore more of our services.
