What do I do if I have a blocked toilet?

Ignoring a blocked toilet can make your toilet troubles worse. It can lead to larger blockages or backflow pooling in your bathroom. While letting it drain slowly might seem like the natural solution, you risk higher costs down the line. Recurrent blockages could cause pipe or water damage in your bathroom. That’s a headache most homeowners would like to avoid!

Thankfully, a blocked toilet is an easy fix and can often be handled as a DIY job. Our team of expert plumbers at Outright Plumbing has put together this comprehensive guide to help you out. At Outright Plumbing, we've been to many active flooding zones caused by pipe failures. You can often avoid these situations by watching for warning signs and keeping your wits about you. We will walk you through what to do if you have a blocked toilet and when it might be time to call a professional.

Warning signs of a clogged toilet

Anything that disrupts the usual flow of your sewage line can build excess pressure in the pipes. Over time, this can degrade your pipes and lead to failure. Spot these early warning signs to save you costly repairs:

• Slow draining
• Unpleasant sewage-like odour 
• Strange sounds or bubbling
• Recurrent clogs 
• Backflow
• Water pooling in your backyard

Now that we’ve covered the causes and early warning signs of a blocked toilet, it's time to look at how you can fix it. 

Why won’t my toilet flush when it isn't clogged?

If your toilet still won’t flush even when it isn’t clogged, the problem is likely in your cistern. Check the slack chain (the chain connecting the flush to the handle), the handle itself, and the rubber flapper at the bottom of your cistern. It's also a good idea to check the water level in your toilet's cistern. An improperly adjusted float, a broken fill valve or water supply issues could be preventing your toilet from flushing. If all this sounds too technical, don’t worry; the experts at Outright Plumbing offer same-day cistern repairs and replacement services so you can get back to flushing with confidence!

How to unblock your toilet

Whether you take the DIY route or call a professional plumber, this troubleshooting guide lays out your options. The fix we recommend depends on the severity of your blockage and whether it's a one-off or a recurring issue. 

Using a plunger to unclog your toilet

First of all, you should try using a toilet plunger, also known as a flange plunger, to dislodge and break up the clog.

1. Turn off the water valve behind the toilet to stop the water from getting too high.
2. Place the plunger over the drain hole to create a tight seal; submerge it at an angle so it doesn't trap air.
3. Plunge firmly, straight up and down.
4. Try 10-20 plunges. Do not force, as this could damage the pipes.

Pull the plunger away and watch to see if the water level drops. This indicates whether the water is moving through the pipes. You can turn the water valve back on to flush to confirm whether the blockage has moved.

What to add to a blocked toilet?

You can try shifting the blockage using dishwashing liquid, a baking soda-vinegar solution or warm water:

• If you're using dishwashing liquid: Add a few drops to the bowl, let it sit for an hour, then try flushing the toilet. This could help lubricate the clog and break it down.
• If adding warm water to the toilet: make sure it’s not boiling (as this could crack and damage the bowl), and pour it in slowly. This may help to break down whatever is causing the clog.
• If adding baking soda and vinegar: add the baking soda first, then slowly pour in the vinegar, since it will likely fizz. This chemical reaction might cause the blockage to move.  

If the blockage remains and you suspect it is close to the pipe entrance, you can use a coat hanger to prod it, but only very gently. 

What NOT to add to a blocked toilet?

Avoid chemical drain cleaners at all costs. They contain caustic agents that can corrode your pipes and damage the toilet bowl. While they might seem like a good idea, they do little to address the actual blockage. They usually only burn a small hole through clumped hair or grease. You can expect to see recurrent blockages!

However, if none of the above work and the issue persists, it may be time to call a plumber so you don't DIY yourself into a bigger problem. 

Causes of a blocked toilet

If you’re struggling to unclog your toilet, consider the many reasons why you might be having issues, from the U-bend all the way to your underground sewerage pipes.

Flushing foreign objects down the toilet

Keeping your toilet in mint condition comes down to healthy flushing habits. You should avoid flushing the following items down the toilet as they are prone to clogging:

• Wet wipes
• Cat poop and litter
• Paper towel
• Feminine sanitary products
• Grease and cooking oil

These products clump together and compact in water, which can quickly lead to a blockage. If you regularly flush these items down your toilet, it's a smart idea to book in a drain camera inspection. This is the best way to find out exactly what's going on in your pipes.

Tree root intrusions 

Even if you only flush toilet paper, your toilet can still clog. Unfortunately, Melbourne's tree-lined suburbs are prone to tree root intrusions. This happens when roots grow into your home's underground pipes and block water flow. If you suspect a tree root intrusion, book a CCTV pipe inspection. We will determine whether you need a pipe relining or a full reconstruction. With Outright Plumbing, there's never any guesswork!

Professional help: If you have a severely clogged toilet

If you’re not confident completing a DIY job, or the blocked toilet keeps coming back despite clearing it, Outright Plumbing is here to help. We've worked in southeast Melbourne for decades and bring local expertise. Our team is highly skilled and backed by a workmanship guarantee. That means that we will come in and deliver a lasting fix for ultimate peace of mind.

When you book a service, we will provide a full assessment before suggesting a way forward. This includes an assessment of your pipes and entire toilet system. We will then give you clear pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Rest assured, we are here to help you get your toilet up and running as seamlessly as possible.

Here’s what you can expect from us when we come to unclog a toilet:

• Use of specialised equipment, such as pressure jetters and drain cameras
• Full line assessment to identify the root cause of the blockage
• Other toilet repair services if the issue is related to your cistern or flush
• Pipe relining and pipe reconstruction services if a result of pipe failure

The Same-day Blocked Toilet Plumber Melbourne Trusts 

Outright Plumbing knows how stressful a blocked toilet can be. But with our same-day blocked toilet services, we can get everything up and running in no time. Our vans patrol your local suburb every day in case of a plumbing emergency.

We are widely trusted and backed by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews. If you have a blocked toilet or one that's draining slowly, and you've tried our DIY tips, don't hesitate to reach out. Outright Plumbing's friendly customer service team is more than happy to help. They triage every call that comes in so plumbers can get to you quickly in the event of an emergency.

Browse our blocked toilet services or call us to book today!