How to Unblock a Toilet: 8 Methods That Actually Work

A blocked toilet can be a hassle. Water rising dangerously close to the rim is never a good sign. Ignoring the issue may lead to overflow, bad odours, or pipe damage. Acting fast can prevent further problems.

Below are eight practical methods to clear a blockage effectively.

Method 1. Hot Water and Dish Soap

Heat and lubrication help soften clogs. This method works best for paper and organic waste.

What You Need:

• Dish soap
• A bucket
• Hot water (not boiling)

Steps:

1. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the bowl.
2. Heat a bucket of water until it’s hot but not boiling. Extreme heat can crack porcelain.
3. Pour the hot water into the toilet from waist height. This increases pressure, pushing the clog downward.
4. Wait for 10–15 minutes, then flush.

If the blockage remains, a second attempt may help.

One Sydney homeowner shared: “I thought I’d have to call a plumber, but after pouring in dish soap and a bucket of hot water, the clog cleared in under ten minutes. It’s now my go-to fix when the toilet slows down.”

Method 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural reaction between these ingredients creates fizzing action that may break up soft clogs.

Steps:

1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl.
2. Slowly add two cups of vinegar. A fizzing reaction will start immediately.
3. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Pour warm water into the bowl and flush.

This method works best for mild blockages. If the water still drains slowly, a stronger approach may be needed.

Method 3. Wire Hanger

A standard wire hanger can act as a makeshift drain tool. It can push clogs deeper or hook onto objects stuck in the pipes.

Preparation:

• Straighten a wire hanger, leaving a small hook at one end.
• Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with waste.

Steps:

1. Insert the hooked end into the drain opening.
2. Gently push forward while twisting to break apart the obstruction.
3. If resistance is felt, adjust the angle slightly and continue pushing.
4. Once movement improves, flush to check for proper drainage.

For deeper or stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake is a better option.

Method 4. Wet/Dry Vacuum

A powerful suction tool can remove clogs that refuse to budge. A standard vacuum will not work for this task. A wet/dry vacuum designed for liquid waste is required.

Steps to Follow:

1. Remove as much water as possible using a small cup or towel.
2. Position the vacuum hose inside the toilet drain.
3. Wrap a damp cloth around the hose to create a tight seal.
4. Switch the vacuum on and let it run for 30–60 seconds.
5. Check the canister for debris.
6. Flush to confirm the blockage is gone.

This method is effective for solid objects like wipes, toys, or excessive tissue buildup.

Method 5. Enzyme-Based Cleaners

These cleaners contain bacteria that break down organic waste. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, enzyme-based products do not damage pipes.

How It Works:

• Bacteria in the cleaner digest waste over time.
• Works gradually rather than providing instant results.
• Best for slow-flushing toilets rather than completely blocked ones.

Steps:

1. Pour the recommended amount of cleaner into the toilet.
2. Leave it overnight to allow the bacteria to work.
3. Flush the next morning to check for improvement.

If no progress is seen, a manual tool such as a plumbing snake may be required.

Method 6. Plumbing Snake (Auger)

A plumbing snake, or toilet auger, is a specialised tool for clearing deep blockages. It works by breaking up clogs or pulling them out.

What You Need:

• A toilet auger
• Gloves

Steps:

1. Insert the auger into the drain opening.
2. Slowly turn the handle while pushing forward.
3. If resistance is met, rotate the auger to break up the clog.
4. Pull the auger out, checking for debris.
5. Flush the toilet to ensure water drains properly.

This tool is effective against stubborn blockages. If repeated attempts fail, there may be a deeper issue in the plumbing system.

Method 7. Coca-Cola

Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which can help break down minor clogs. Though not as strong as commercial cleaners, it can be a useful alternative.

What You Need:

• A 2-litre bottle of Coca-Cola

Steps:

1. Pour the entire bottle into the toilet bowl.
2. Let it sit for one to two hours. The acid will work to dissolve the blockage.
3. Flush and check if the water drains smoothly.

This method is best suited for light blockages or residue buildup. If no improvement is seen, a more direct approach is needed.

Method 8. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen obstructions. It is often used in emergency situations when other materials are not available.

What You Need:

• Epsom salt
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Pour a generous amount of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl.
2. Add warm water and wait for 30 minutes.
3. Flush to check if the blockage clears.

If the problem persists, it may indicate a more serious issue.

When to Call a Plumber

Some blockages cannot be cleared with household methods. Persistent clogs, foul odours, and slow drainage can indicate deeper plumbing problems. If a toilet backs up frequently or water begins to rise in other drains, professional intervention is needed.

Graham & Sons Plumbing has extensive experience in handling complex toilet blockages. When standard methods fail, specialised tools such as high-pressure jetting or drain cameras can diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently. Addressing the problem early can prevent costly damage to pipes and fixtures.

Preventing Future Clogs

Routine maintenance can reduce the chances of recurring blockages. Simple habits can keep the plumbing system in good condition.

• Flush only toilet paper and waste. Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products can clog pipes. In Western Australia alone, Water Corporation responded to 1,329 preventable sewer blockages in 2023—up from 918 in 2021. Many were caused by wet wipes, fat, and other non-flushable materials. One incident involved a 30,000 kg fatberg, showing how quickly these issues can escalate.
• On the Whirlpool Australia forum, one user warned against flushing kitty litter: “My flat mate think[s] it’s a good idea of disposing kitty litter in the toilet… the clay types have a lovely propensity of turning into a concrete type mass.” Another suggested a DIY technique that sparked debate: “Use a mop with a stocking over it as a plunger.” Opinions vary, but most agree that poor disposal habits and improvised tools can make things worse.
• Regular enzyme treatments. These help break down organic material before blockages form.
• Monitor water flow. If flushing becomes weak, address the issue before it worsens.
• Schedule professional inspections. Graham & Sons Plumbing provides preventative maintenance to keep drains clear and functioning efficiently.

Taking these steps can help avoid emergency plumbing situations. If a blockage becomes unmanageable, professional assistance may be required.