DIY Toilet Unclogging: 6 Simple Steps to Fix a Blocked Toilet at Home
A clogged toilet is never fun, but it doesn’t always require an emergency plumber. In many cases, you can unclog your toilet with simple tools and household products — no special skills needed.
At Jaycee Plumbing, we help homeowners in Bendigo and surrounding VIC suburbs stay on top of common plumbing problems. Here’s our expert guide to 6 DIY methods to unclog a toilet quickly and safely.
🚽 1. Use a Plunger (Still the Best Fix)
The classic toilet plunger remains the most effective first step to unclog a toilet.
- Make sure the plunger has a flange (the rubber flap).
- Submerge it in the toilet bowl water.
- Push down firmly, then pull back without breaking the seal.
- Repeat 15–20 times before checking the results.
This creates suction and pressure that can dislodge most toilet blockages.
🧼 2. Dish Soap and Hot Water
No plunger? No problem. A little dish soap and hot water can loosen minor clogs.
- Pour a generous squirt of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Heat a bucket of water (not boiling).
- Pour the water into the bowl from waist height.
- Wait 10–15 minutes, then try flushing.
The heat and soap help lubricate and break down blockages, especially paper-based ones.
🧪 3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction
This fizzy combo can work wonders on softer clogs like toilet paper buildup.
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Slowly add 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the solution fizz and settle for 30 minutes.
- Add hot water and try flushing again.
This is a safe, chemical-free method to unblock your toilet naturally.
🪛 4. DIY Drain Snake (Wire Hanger Hack)
If the clog is just out of reach, a wire coat hanger can work as a makeshift snake.
- Unwind a hanger and create a small hook at one end.
- Gently insert the hook into the drain.
- Push and twist to break up the blockage.
- Flush once it feels clear.
Be careful not to scratch the porcelain while snaking.
💨 5. Wet/Dry Vacuum Trick
Got a shop vac? It might just save your day.
- Set your vacuum to liquid mode.
- Create a seal between the hose and the drain (a towel helps).
- Suck out the obstruction carefully.
- Rinse and flush.
This method is especially helpful if the clog is caused by foreign objects.
🧫 6. Enzyme-Based Toilet Cleaners
If you suspect organic build-up (like waste or paper), an enzyme cleaner can help.
- Buy an enzyme waste remover suitable for toilets.
- Pour it into the bowl according to the label.
- Leave overnight.
- Try flushing the next morning.
Unlike chemical drain cleaners, enzyme solutions are septic-safe and won’t damage your pipes.
🛑 Avoid These Toilet Clog Mistakes
Don’t:
- Use boiling water (can crack the toilet).
- Mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners (toxic gas).
- Force a flush on a completely blocked toilet — it can overflow.
Do:
- Stay calm.
- Try one method at a time.
- Call a pro if the blockage persists.
📍 Toilet Blocked in VIC? We’ve Got You.
If none of these DIY methods work, or your toilet keeps getting blocked, it’s time to bring in the pros. Jaycee Plumbing is your trusted local plumber in Bendigo, Heathcote, Huntly, Castlemaine, Rochester and nearby suburbs.
We handle:
- Persistent toilet clogs
- Blocked toilet drains and sewer lines
- Toilet repairs and replacements
- Emergency plumbing services
Fast, friendly, and affordable service — just how plumbing should be.
🙋♂️ FAQs – High-Volume Toilet Unclogging Questions
Q1: What’s the fastest way to unclog a toilet?
Using a plunger is still the quickest and most reliable method to unclog a toilet fast.
Q2: How do I unclog a toilet without a plunger?
Try hot water with dish soap or a baking soda and vinegar reaction. Let it sit before flushing.
Q3: Why is my toilet always clogging?
Common reasons include excess toilet paper, foreign objects, or low water pressure. It could also be a deeper pipe issue.
Q4: Can I use chemical drain cleaners in my toilet?
We don’t recommend it. Harsh chemicals can damage your toilet and pipes over time.
Q5: When should I call a plumber for a blocked toilet?
If DIY methods don’t work after a few tries, or if water is backing up elsewhere in the house, call Jaycee Plumbing immediately.
💧 Call Jaycee Plumbing Today
Don’t let a blocked toilet ruin your day. Whether it’s a quick fix or a serious clog, Jaycee Plumbing is here to help. We service all of Bendigo and surrounding suburbs, offering:
- Emergency plumbing
- Toilet unblocking
- Drain cleaning
- Full bathroom plumbing services
📞 Call now for same-day support. Your toilet will thank you.
