How to unblock a toilet
It's an unpleasant job, but someone's got to do it, and it can save you money if you learn how
Avoid costly plumber fees and learn how to unblock a toilet yourself with our simple step-by-step guide:
* You will need: a plunger, rubber gloves, a bucket, chemical drain cleaner, disinfectant and a toliet auger (a specialist plumbing tool).
* Locate the blockage. Lift the drain cover to see if the chamber is full of water. If so, the blockage is further along the soil pipe. If the chamber is empty, the blockage is in the soil pipe between the loo and the chamber, or in the pan. You can try and clear any blockages in the pipes by using specialist drain rods or makeshift devices, such as a wire clothes hanger. Failing that, a drain company is the answer.
* If the blockage is in the pan itself, which is most common, use a plunger or auger to remove it. Use a plunger that is shaped to seal the opening in the toilet bowl to create the correct vaccum and pressure needed, and also to prevent mess. An auger is a flexible rod that reaches far into the toilet controlled by a crank handle. Once the blockage is located, the auger will pull or push the item to remove it.
* Use chemical drain cleaner, or caustic soda, to help dissolve the blockage, and remember to always use gloves. A more environmentally-friendly option may be boiling water, which will break up clogged up matter.
* Once the toilet has been unblocked flush it several times with disinfectant and clean thoroughly. Also, thoroughly disinfect any tools used.
See our expert guide on how to clean your toilet thoroughly.
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Follow our step-by-step guide to unblocking your toilet
