Few things are more annoying than a toilet that refuses to flush. One minute you’re doing your business, the next you’re staring at rising water and thinking, “Please don’t overflow.”
Take a breath. You don’t need to call a plumber right away. With a few tools and some patience, you can probably handle this on your own.
This guide breaks down exactly how to fix a blocked toilet at home, step by step.
First, Don’t Keep Flushing
If your toilet is clogged and you flush again, it might overflow. That’s not just frustrating, it’s messy and can damage your floor. Instead, lift the lid off the tank and push the flapper down to stop water from entering the bowl if it looks like it’s going to overflow.
What’s Causing the Blockage?
Most clogs are caused by:
- Too much toilet paper
- Non-flushable items (wipes, feminine products, etc.)
- Buildup in the toilet drain over time
Knowing this helps you understand how serious the blockage might be. But don’t worry, there’s still a good chance you can clear it yourself.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Blocked Toilet at Home
1. Use a Plunger (The Right Way)
- Pick the right plunger: You want a flange plunger, the one with the rubber bit that sticks out underneath.
- Warm it up: Run it under hot water to make it more flexible. It’ll seal better.
- Plunge properly: Place the plunger over the hole and push down gently first to get a good seal. Then plunge up and down firmly, around 10-15 times. You should hear the clog move.
If the water starts draining, you’re in luck. Flush once to test. Still stuck? Keep reading.
2. Try Hot Water and Dish Soap
This is a great trick for softer clogs:
- Pour half a cup of dish soap into the bowl.
- Follow with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then try flushing.
The soap helps break things down, and the heat encourages the clog to shift.
3. Use a Toilet Auger (a.k.a. Plumber’s Snake)
If plunging and hot water don’t work, it’s time to bring out the big guns:
- A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that snakes down the toilet drain.
- Feed it slowly into the toilet, turning the handle as you go.
- Once you hit the clog, twist and push gently to break it up or pull it out.
- Pull the auger out carefully and flush to see if it worked.
This method works well for tougher or deeper clogs.
If the toilet is still blocked, the issue might be deeper in the toilet drain or even the main sewer line.
Here’s what you can try next:
- Check other drains in your house. If sinks or showers are slow too, it’s a bigger plumbing issue.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, especially in toilets—they can damage pipes and aren’t always effective on solid blockages.
- At this point, calling a professional is your best move.
Keep It From Happening Again
Once you’ve fixed it, keep these tips in mind:
- Only flush toilet paper—no wipes, tissues, or hygiene products.
- Use less paper if possible.
- Don’t pour grease or food scraps into the toilet (you’d be surprised…).
A blocked toilet isn’t fun, but with a little effort, you can fix it yourself. Whether it’s a quick plunge or you end up using a toilet auger, it’s all doable with the right steps.
But if things are getting out of hand or you’ve tried everything, don’t wait. Call Alkimos Plumbing & Gas for fast emergency help with blocked toilets, stubborn drains, and plumbing disasters in Perth you don’t want to face alone.
FAQs
Can a toilet unblock itself over time?
Sometimes, if the blockage is small and made of toilet paper, it might break down and clear on its own. But if the water stays high or keeps rising, it’s better to take action.
Why does my toilet keep getting blocked?
Frequent clogs could mean a deeper plumbing issue, like tree roots in the pipes or a partial blockage in the sewer line. You may need a plumber to inspect it.
Should I turn off the water if my toilet is blocked?
Yes. You can turn off the water valve behind the toilet to stop more water from entering the tank and bowl. This helps prevent overflow.