What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing on 10 Mar 2026

Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant and messy and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call the plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through a few easy steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.

Key Takeaways

  • Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools like a plunger baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools handy:

  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plunger
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
  • Wire Coat Hanger or Pipe Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is usually found near on the floor of your tank on the other side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till all air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction created through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

  • Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
  • Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to flush out the obstruction.

Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook bent on one side or the plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance; that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

  • Be careful not to push or pull actions too hard, as they could make things worse

Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result.

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve on your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to make sure the water is flowing freely!

Tools Description
Rubber Gloves Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl.
Plunger Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.
Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs.

Frequently Asked Question

How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?

Some of the more typical indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.

What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect that the toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water to the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work then call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.

How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are numerous things you can do to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I contact a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?

If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact an experienced plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue with minimal disturbance to the home.

When should I have my drains cleared?

It is recommended that you get clean your drains by a professional like Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite being careful to not block them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to execute and the majority of these items are available in homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re searching for professional assistance with those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

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Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

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