Unclogging Your Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet can be frustrating and inconvenient, but it’s one of the most common household plumbing problems. The good news? Most clogs are easy to fix without needing a professional.

Whether it’s too much toilet paper or something that shouldn’t have been flushed, knowing how to unclog the toilet the right way can save you time, stress, and money. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple steps to get your toilet working again, fast.

Step-by-Step: How to Unblock a Toilet

Most toilet blockages can be cleared with a few basic tools and a little patience. Follow these simple steps to get things flowing again:

Step 1: Stop the water from rising

• If the water looks like it’s about to overflow, lift the cistern lid and push the flapper down to stop more water from entering the bowl.
• Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve behind the toilet if needed.

Step 2: Use a plunger

• Use a flange plunger (the one with an extended rubber flap) for the best seal.
• Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger head.
• Place the plunger over the hole and push down firmly, then pull up without breaking the seal. Repeat for 15–20 seconds.
• If the water starts to drain, you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Try hot water and dish soap

• Pour a cup of dish soap into the bowl and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Follow with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water poured from waist height.
• Wait and see if the water level starts to drop—this can help break up soft blockages.

Step 4: Use a toilet auger

• A toilet auger (also called a plumber’s snake) can help reach deeper blockages.
• Carefully feed the cable into the toilet bowl until you feel resistance.
• Turn the handle slowly to break up or hook the blockage, then pull it back out.

Step 5: Try baking soda and vinegar (optional)

• Pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 2 cups of vinegar into the bowl.
• Let it fizz for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Follow with hot water to flush it through.
• This works best on partial or slow-draining blockages.

If none of these steps work, it might be time for step 7, call a blocked toilet plumber.

When DIY Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, no matter how many steps you try, the toilet just won’t unblock. That’s a sign the blockage could be deeper in the pipes or part of a larger plumbing issue.

Here’s when it’s time to stop and call your local plumber:

• You’ve tried all the steps without success
• Water backs up into other drains
• There’s a strong sewer smell or gurgling sounds
• The toilet overflows repeatedly

Trying to force it can crack your toilet or damage the pipes. Instead, call a local plumber you can trust.

Common Causes of Blocked Toilets

Blocked toilets usually happen because of:

• Too much toilet paper – clumps causes blocked drain.
• Flushing non-flushables – wipes, nappies, cotton buds, and sanitary items should go in the bin.
• Low-flow toilets – older or water-saving models may not clear properly.
• Build-up over time – gradual waste and paper accumulation.

How to Prevent Future Toilet Blockages

Stopping a toilet from blocking in the first place is always easier than fixing it. A few simple habits can help keep your toilet running smoothly:

• Only flush the right things
  Stick to human waste and toilet paper – nothing else. Wipes, tissues, paper towels, sanitary items, and nappies should go in the bin, even if they say “flushable.”
• Use less toilet paper
  Too much paper at once can clog the pipes. If needed, flush more than once to avoid blockages.
• Teach kids what not to flush
  Small toys, wipes, and other household items often end up in the toilet out of curiosity.
• Check your toilet regularly
  Keep an eye out for slow draining or weak flushing, both can be early signs of a blockage.
• Schedule routine plumbing maintenance
  A quick check-up from a licensed plumber can spot small issues before they become big, expensive problems.

Leave the Hard Work to Us

Most blocked toilets can be fixed with a few simple tools. But if the problem keeps coming back or you can’t clear it, let us handle it.

Jet Plus Plumbing’s licensed plumbers in Melbourne are:

• Available for emergency plumbing
• Experienced with all types of toilet and drain blockages
• Equipped with professional tools like CCTV drain inspections and hydro jetting

Don’t stress over a blocked toilet. Call Jet Plus Plumbing on 0421 725 624 or book online here and we’ll get things flowing again, quickly and safely.