How to Unclog a Toilet the Right Way? 

Dealing with a clogged toilet is never a pleasant experience, but knowing how to unclog it effectively can save you time, money, and frustration.  

Common culprits behind blocked toilets include flushing excessive toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items like wipes or sanitary products, or issues with the plumbing system itself. By identifying the root cause of the clog, you can better determine the most appropriate unclogging method.

Today, we’ll walk you through the steps to unclog a toilet the right way by using simple yet effective methods. From precautionary measures to troubleshooting tips, you’ll learn everything you need to know to tackle this common household issue with confidence.

What to Prepare Before Unclogging Your Toilet

Before attempting to unclog a toilet, it’s crucial to take proper precautions to ensure your safety and protect your plumbing system.

First, wear rubber gloves to shield your hands from bacteria and germs, and consider using protective eyewear to prevent splashing. Additionally, avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and pose health risks.

Then, gather the necessary tools and supplies before you start unclogging the toilet — for example, a plunger. If you’re facing more stubborn clogs, you can use a toilet auger or plumbing snake.

As a backup option, have a bucket and old towels on hand to catch any overflow or spills, and keep a bottle of environmentally-friendly drain cleaner. For a deeper dive into the best tools for unclogging toilets, be sure to check out our previous blog post.

Steps to Unclog a Toilet 

Unclogging a toilet may not be the most glamorous task, but with the right knowledge and tools — it’s a task that anyone can tackle successfully.

#1 Assess the Severity of the Toilet Clog

if the toilet bowl is filled with water or overflowing, use a bucket to remove excess water until the bowl is only halfway full. This will prevent any further spillage or mess during the unclogging process.

#2 Prepare the Plunger

Ensure that the plunger is clean and free of any debris or residue. After that, lay the plunger over the toilet’s drain hole, making sure it forms a tight seal with the bowl’s surface. If necessary, add a small amount of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger to create a better seal.

#3 Plunge the Toilet

With a firm grip on the handle of the plunger, begin plunging the toilet in an up-and-down motion. Apply steady pressure to the plunger and continue plunging for approximately 20-30 seconds. If the water begins to drain or the clog loosens, continue plunging until the blockage is fully cleared.

#4 Use a Toilet Auger or Plumbing Snake

If plunging alone is not effective in removing the clog, you can use a toilet auger or plumbing snake to break up the blockage. Insert the auger or snake into the drain hole in the toilet bowl, then rotate the handle clockwise to manoeuvre the tool through the pipes.

Apply gentle pressure as you feed the auger or snake into the drain. Note that you should be careful not to force it too aggressively to avoid damaging the plumbing system. Once the tool reaches the clog, rotate it in a back-and-forth motion to break up the obstruction and clear the drain.

#5 Flush the Toilet

Once the clog has been successfully removed, flush the toilet to ensure that water flows freely through the drain and that the blockage has been fully cleared. If the water drains normally and there are no signs of further clogging, you have successfully completed the task and your toilet is ready for normal use

#6 Clean and Sanitise

After unclogging the toilet, thoroughly clean and sanitise the plunger, toilet auger, or plumbing snake to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. Use hot water and disinfectant cleaner to clean the tools, then rinse them thoroughly before storing them away for future use. Moreover, avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper, wipes, or other non-flushable items down the toilet to prevent future clogs and plumbing issues.

Expert Plumbing Services to Unclog a Toilet 

Once you’ve successfully unclogged your toilet, take steps to prevent future clogs from occurring. Encourage household members to use less toilet paper and avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. Additionally, schedule regular plumbing inspections and maintenance to catch any potential issues before they escalate into major problems. 

If traditional unclogging methods fail to resolve the issue, don’t panic – call a professional plumber to assess the situation and provide expert assistance. At Neighbourhood Plumbing, we offer expert plumbing services specifically tailored to unclogging toilets quickly and efficiently.

Remember, whenever you’re dealing with a stubborn toilet clog that just won’t go away, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional and comprehensive plumbing services in Melbourne. Our expert plumbers will have your toilet back up and running in no time! 

Call us today at 0488 885 122