None of us wants to face the prospect of figuring out how to unblock a toilet, yet it is an issue we will likely all face at some point. It has to be the worst plumbing issue we can imagine coming across. Yet, help is always at hand. Whether you need the services of an emergency plumber in Sydney or unclogging and toilet repairs in Melbourne, we have the team to get the job done right at prices we know you’ll love. This article offers innovative, effective ways to recognise and unclog a toilet if you feel confident about tackling the problem yourself.

Signs you may need to unblock the toilet

Most observant individuals will not overlook an issue that requires them to unblock the toilet. Let's face it: they can be hard to miss sometimes, and you don’t need to be an expert working for WaterNSW to see when there is a problem. However, some less obvious signs to be on the lookout for include:

• Gurgling sounds—Unusual gurgling noises mean the water is fighting to pass something, preventing its free passage to the drain.
• Water draining slowly—Pay close attention to how your toilet water drains away after flushing. The issue may build up over time and not be immediately apparent, but if you notice the water draining at a different rate than it once did, the chances are you need to unblock the toilet.
• Rising water upon flushing—This is almost certainly a sign that you must figure out how to unclog a toilet. Rising water is a telltale sign of a blockage that can ruin your day if you foolishly decide to flush again and the water breaches the rim. Be warned.
• Strong odours—This issue may not be prevalent with all types of toilets and will depend mainly on how much water sits in the bowl after flushing and it has settled. Water is a natural barrier preventing most smells from reaching the bathroom, but some cisterns use less water. There is also a brief moment when the bowl is completely drained, which may allow smells to permeate. Either way, you may need to unclog the toilet if you notice lingering unpleasant odours.

How to unblock a toilet without a plunger

When debating how to clean a blocked drain, most people think of the good old-fashioned plunger. A mid-length stick with a giant suction cup on the end that you can move up and down repeatedly to push air through the drains and unseat any stubborn blockages. There is no doubt that a plunger is an essential tool in the age-old battle of how to unclog a toilet fast, but what if you still need a plunger, and it's too late to buy one? The following are some practical tips on how to unblock a badly blocked toilet:

• Toilet brush—It is safe to assume that most toilets have a toilet brush on hand for cleaning the bowl, and this can be used as a kind of makeshift plunger in a pinch. While it will be less effective than a plunger, any suction you can produce by repeatedly moving the brush in and out of the pipe may be enough to dislodge the blockage and solve the problem.
• Boiling water—If the blockage is made up of compacted soft material like toilet tissue, there is a good chance you can soften it enough to break up and be pushed through the system by pouring boiling water into the toilet bowl. Exercise caution with older, fragile porcelain bowls, as they may be susceptible to cracking with such drastic temperature changes.
• Liquid soap—Washing-up liquid is superb at cutting through grease and lubricating difficult materials. Use half a cup and let it sit for a while to dissipate. This may just be enough to unclog the toilet, or you may need to use this method in conjunction with some of the others mentioned here.
• Wire coat hanger—Manipulating a wire coat hanger to the shape of your U-bend can be an effective way to dislodge stubborn materials. The bare metal may leave marks on your enamel, so be careful about where it contacts the bowl and try to work the blockage loose through back-and-forth movements and enough force.
• Salt/baking soda/vinegar solution—Mix a cup of baking soda with 2 of vinegar and add some salt for good measure. Add some warm water and pour the mixture into your toilet bowl. Let it sit for a while, preferably overnight, and the enzymes will break down grease and other materials. You may be able to unblock the toilet using these simple, non-toxic materials that are inexpensive and highly effective. Give the blockage some encouragement with a plunger if it is not enough to do the job unassisted.

If none of these do the trick, there may be a more serious issue you are unaware of underlying the situation and it is time to call in the professionals.

Dr. Leak

Of all the plumbing issues it is possible to experience in life, the least enticing is that of a leaking toilet. Although it is a situation many people dread, when the worst happens, and you find your toilet leaking from the bottom, it is prudent to do some quick investigating before taking further action. If the toilet is gushing water at an uncontrollable, damaging rate, your priority should be to turn off the mains water. This is nothing more than a temporary solution, as a functioning toilet is one of life's non-negotiable elements, but it will buy you some time and stop the flooding.

It should be relatively straightforward to ascertain whether you have a blocked toilet as soon as you lift the lid. However, not all leaks will be so simple to identify. The following guide to handling a toilet leaking water at the base contains some great tips and advice for the budding DIY hero, but our advice is to remain calm and call out the experts.