While sometimes a plumber is required to repair major issues with your toilet, clearing a blockage is—more often than not—fairly simple. Whether your little one has tried to flush their favourite toy or your old toilet just keeps overflowing, we’ve got a few DIY ways to clear your pipes of any obstructions.
Avoid a messy disaster
There’s nothing quite like the panic of watching the toilet water rising after flushing a blocked toilet. If this ever happens to you, quickly take the lid off the toilet, reach into the water and close the toilet flapper (looks almost like an oversized plug and is normally connected with a little chain). Don’t worry as the water in this part of the toilet is perfectly clean! This is also a smart thing to do before attempting to unclog your toilet.
Get unclogging
#1 Plunger
In order for the old-fashioned plunger method to work effectively, you need to use a plunger specifically made for unclogging toilets. Make sure the plunger completely covers the hole and is submerged, before you begin pushing and pulling.
#2 Baking soda and vinegar solution
Only use this method if you know the clog is made of waste. Boil 2 litres of water and put it to the side, letting it cool a little. Now pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. Pour the 2 litres of water into the toilet bowl from waist height. Leave overnight to dissolve and flush the clog clear in the morning.
#3 Coat hanger
Unwrap a wire coat hanger and duct tape a little rag to one of the ends—this will help prevent scratching the porcelain. Put the rag end down the drain until you feel it touching the obstruction, then twist, push and wiggle the coat hanger until the toilet begins to drain. Remember to wear some rubber gloves.
#4 Hot water and dishwashing liquid
Similar to the baking soda and vinegar solution, this is only if you suspect the blockage is caused by waste. Get started by adding a few squirts of dishwashing liquid to the toilet bowl. Boil 2 litres of water and put it to the side, letting it cool a little to around the temperature of a cup of tea. Pour from waist height into the bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes before flushing.
Call in a professional
If the clog is a little too deep or you don’t want to stick your hand in the toilet (we understand!), perhaps it’s time to call in an expert on Localsearch.