How to Unblock a Badly Blocked Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

A blocked toilet can happen to anyone, at any time. Whether it’s flushing the wrong items or a buildup of hard water deposits, a clogged toilet is never a pleasant experience. It can cause water backup, overflow, and an unpleasant odor that quickly spreads throughout the house. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. That’s why it’s essential to know how to unblock a badly blocked toilet before it turns into a more significant problem. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover some common causes of blocked toilets, signs to look out for, and the best methods, tools, and preventive measures to avoid future blockages.

Understanding the Problem

What Causes a Blocked Toilet?

A blocked toilet is a common problem that can happen to anyone. However, the causes of this issue can vary from person to person and even location to location. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of a blocked toilet:

Flushing Non-Degradable Items: One of the main reasons for a blocked toilet is flushing non-degradable items down the toilet. Items like baby wipes, sanitary pads, and paper towels do not break down easily in water. Therefore, they can cause a blockage in the pipes, leading to a clogged toilet.
Hard Water Buildup: Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up in your toilet pipes, making it difficult for water to flow freely. This buildup can lead to a blockage, resulting in a clogged toilet.
Tree Roots: If you have trees growing near your home, their roots can penetrate your sewer pipes over time. These roots can cause blockages, leading to a clogged toilet.
Sewer Line Damage: Finally, sewer line damage can be another cause of a blocked toilet. If there is damage to the main sewer line, it can result in a backup of water into your home, causing a toilet overflow.

It’s important to keep in mind that toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. To prevent a blocked toilet, avoid flushing non-degradable items down your toilet and dispose of them properly. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help catch any potential issues before they turn into major problems.

Signs of a Blocked Toilet

When it comes to a blocked toilet, the sooner you can identify the issue, the easier it is to fix. The signs of a blocked toilet can vary depending on the severity of the blockage, but there are a few key indicators to look out for.

One of the most common signs of a blocked toilet is slow drainage. If your toilet is taking longer than usual to flush or the water seems to be draining too slowly, it could be a sign that there’s something blocking the pipes.

Another symptom of a blocked toilet is a gurgling sound. This happens when air gets trapped in the pipes, and it’s often accompanied by a bubbling noise. If you hear this sound after you’ve flushed the toilet, it could mean that there’s a blockage somewhere in the system.

A more obvious sign of a blocked toilet is when the water level in the bowl starts to rise. If the water is coming dangerously close to overflowing, it’s time to take action. This is particularly important if you have a septic tank, as an overflow can cause serious damage to your system.

Finally, a blocked toilet can also produce an unpleasant odor. This is usually caused by bacteria in the waste trapped in the pipes, and it’s a clear sign that there’s a blockage somewhere in the system.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent a minor blockage from turning into a major problem. By addressing the issue early on, you’ll save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress in the long run.

Tools and Materials You Need

When it comes to unblocking a badly blocked toilet, having the right tools and materials on hand can make all the difference. Here are some of the must-have items you’ll need to get the job done:

Plunger: A plunger is one of the most basic but essential tools you’ll need for unblocking a toilet. It works by creating suction to dislodge whatever is causing the blockage.
Toilet auger: Also known as a “plumbing snake,” a toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into your toilet’s pipes to clear any obstructions.
Protective gloves: It’s important to protect your hands from both the mess and any harmful bacteria that may be present. Disposable latex or nitrile gloves are a good choice.
Bucket: A bucket may not seem like an obvious tool for unblocking a toilet, but it can come in handy if you need to bail out excess water before plunging or using an auger.

Having these tools and materials on hand will give you the best chance of successfully unblocking a badly blocked toilet without damaging your plumbing. Remember to wear protective gloves throughout the process and keep a bucket nearby just in case.

The Plunging Method

Steps for Using a Plunger

If you’re dealing with a badly blocked toilet, a plunger can be your best friend. Here are the steps to follow when using one:

Create Suction: Place the rubber end of the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and press it down firmly to create a seal. Then, push down on the plunger handle to force air out of the cup and into the drain. This creates suction that helps to loosen the blockage.
Push and Pull Motion: With the suction created, begin pushing and pulling the plunger up and down in a rapid motion. Use enough force to move the water in the bowl, but not so much that you break the seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl.
Repeat if Necessary: After several plunges, remove the plunger from the drain. If the water begins to drain away, congratulations, you’ve cleared the blockage! If not, repeat the process until the blockage is gone.

It’s important to note that while a plunger can be an effective tool for unblocking a toilet, it won’t work in every situation. If you’ve tried using a plunger without success, it may be time to try a different method, such as using a toilet auger. Remember to wear protective gloves and use caution when attempting any DIY plumbing repairs.

The Augering Method

Steps for Using an Auger

Using an auger is a practical solution for unblocking a badly blocked toilet when the plunger method fails. If you have never used an auger before, you may find it daunting at first. However, with these simple steps, you can easily use an auger to clear any clog in your toilet.

Steps for Using an Auger

Insert the Auger: The first step is to insert the auger into the toilet bowl, ensuring that it goes through the trap and down towards the drain. You should be able to feel resistance as you push the auger further down.
Crank the Handle: Once you feel resistance, you can start cranking the handle of the auger clockwise. This action will cause the auger to move forward, breaking up any clogs along the way. Keep cranking until you feel the auger has reached the blockage, then continue to crank with more force to break up the blockage.
Pull Out the Auger: After a few minutes of cranking the auger, you should notice water starting to drain from the bowl. Once the water level has dropped significantly, pull out the auger slowly while continuing to crank the handle. This process will help to break up any remaining debris and ensure that the blockage is completely cleared.

Using an auger is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort, but it can have a significant impact on your toilet’s performance. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and effectively unblock your toilet, saving you time, money and hassle.

Preventive Measures and Maintenance Tips

Toilet blockages can be a major inconvenience, but there are several preventive measures you can take to avoid them. Here are some tips to help keep your toilet running smoothly:

Prevent Toilet Blockage

The most important step in preventing toilet blockages is to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Flushing non-degradable items like wipes and feminine hygiene products can lead to clogging and damage to your plumbing system. It’s also important to be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you’re using and to flush the toilet after each use.

Clean Your Toilet Regularly

Cleaning your toilet regularly can help prevent blockages and keep unpleasant odors at bay. Use a toilet bowl cleaner and a brush to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl and remove any buildup that could cause a blockage.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Regular inspections by a professional plumber can help detect potential problems before they become major issues. A plumber can inspect your toilet and plumbing system for any signs of damage or wear and tear that could lead to a blockage.

Check Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make it difficult for waste to flow out of your toilet and through your plumbing system. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, it may be time to have your plumbing system inspected and repaired by a professional.

By following these preventive measures and maintenance tips, you can avoid toilet blockages and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Remember to only flush toilet paper and human waste, clean your toilet regularly, schedule regular inspections, and check your water pressure for optimal performance.
In today’s post, we’ve explored the common causes of a blocked toilet and provided two effective methods for unblocking it. Remember to be patient and persistent when dealing with a stubborn blockage. Always ensure you have the necessary tools and protective gear before attempting to unblock a toilet. Moreover, follow the preventive measures and maintenance tips to avoid future blockages.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in solving this common household issue. Don’t forget to share your experiences and suggestions on how to unblock a badly blocked toilet in the comments section below.