How to Clear a Blocked Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide and When to Call a Plumber | GladPro Plumbing Services.

GladPro Plumbing Services
Aug 17
4 min read

A blocked toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes across Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London. Whether it’s a minor blockage or a serious clog, knowing how to clear a toilet blockage can save you time and avoid unnecessary stress.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to tackle a blocked toilet, plus when it’s time to call in the professionals at GladPro Plumbing Services.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before jumping straight into trying to clear the blockage, take a moment to assess the situation. Is the water level in the toilet bowl rising? If it’s already high, proceed with caution — you may risk overflow.

If the water level is normal: Go ahead and proceed with the following steps.
If the water level is high: First, turn off the water supply to prevent overflow. There’s typically a small valve near the base of your toilet that can be turned off.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a few tools to successfully clear a blocked toilet. Here’s what you’ll need:

Plunger: A plunger is best for toilets because it creates a good seal, which is crucial for creating the pressure needed to dislodge the blockage.
Rubber Gloves: To avoid direct contact with the water and debris.
Bucket (Optional): If the water level is too high, use a bucket to remove some of the water before you start plunging.
Toilet Snake (Optional): If the plunger doesn’t work, a toilet snake is a long tool designed to reach deeper into the pipes.

Step 3: Plunge the Toilet

Insert the Plunger: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so the rubber part is fully submerged in water. Make sure the plunger’s flange (the extra rubber lip at the bottom) is inserted into the drain hole for an effective seal.
Create the Right Seal: Push the plunger down gently at first to get a good seal around the drain. Then, with a firm grip, begin plunging with quick, forceful up-and-down movements. The key is to create pressure to break up the clog.
Plunge for 15-20 Seconds: Continue plunging for 15-20 seconds, and then pull the plunger away quickly. You should hear a small "pop" or feel the blockage move.
Test the Flush: After a few plunges, try flushing the toilet. If the water drains away normally, you’ve successfully cleared the blockage.

Step 4: Use a Toilet Snake if Necessary

If plunging doesn’t work, the blockage may be deeper in the pipes than a plunger can reach. A toilet snake is your next best option.

Insert the Snake: Place the toilet snake into the toilet bowl and slowly feed the cable into the drain, rotating the handle as you go.
Break Up the Blockage: When you feel resistance, continue twisting the handle to break up or hook the blockage. Gently pull the auger back, and you should see the blockage attached.
Flush Again: Once the blockage has been removed, try flushing the toilet to ensure everything has cleared out properly.

Step 5: Try Hot Water and Dish Soap (If the Blockage Persists)

If the blockage still won’t budge after using the plunger or auger, you can try a natural solution with hot water and dish soap.

Add Dish Soap: Pour about half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. The soap will help break down any grease or organic matter causing the blockage.
Add Hot Water: Heat up a gallon of water (not boiling — hot but not scalding). Pour it slowly into the toilet bowl from waist height. This can help to loosen the blockage further.
Let It Sit: Let the solution sit for another 10-15 minutes and then try flushing. If the water drains away, the blockage should be cleared.

When to Call a Plumber

In some cases, despite your best efforts, the blockage just won’t clear. If you’ve tried all the steps above and the toilet is still clogged, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Here’s when you should get in touch with GladPro Plumbing Services:

Repeated Blockages: If your toilet keeps getting blocked, it could indicate a larger problem in your plumbing system. Call a plumber to investigate.
Persistent Water Backup: If water is still backing up, it could mean that the blockage is deep within the pipes or in the main sewer line.
Overflowing Toilet: If the water in your toilet bowl is rising and threatening to overflow, it’s best to call a plumber immediately to avoid water damage.
No Improvement After Using a Toilet Snake: If you’ve used both a plunger and a toilet snake, but the toilet still won’t flush properly, you may have a serious clog or blockage that requires professional tools and expertise.

Why Choose GladPro Plumbing Services?

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we understand that a blocked toilet can be an inconvenient and stressful situation. That’s why our experienced plumbers are ready to provide fast, reliable, and affordable solutions for homes in Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London.

Whether it’s a minor blockage or a serious issue with your drainage system, we have the expertise to get your plumbing back to normal in no time.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve tried clearing a blocked toilet and need professional help, GladPro Plumbing Services is just a phone call away.

Our team of expert plumbers is available to help with any plumbing issue, big or small. We offer emergency plumbing services across Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London.