Prevent or Fix blockages your self

---

How to Unblock a Toilet (With or Without a Plunger)

Blocked toilets can be a real inconvenience, but don’t panic. There are effective ways to deal with the problem, whether you have a plunger at hand or not. At Drains First LTD, we’re here to help you keep your drains flowing smoothly, so follow these simple tips to tackle the blockage yourself before calling in the professionals.

What Causes a Blocked Toilet?

Toilets can become blocked for a variety of reasons. Common culprits include:

• Excess toilet paper

• Flushing non-flushable items such as wipes or sanitary products

• A buildup of limescale or debris in the pipes

Understanding the cause of the blockage is the first step in resolving the issue.

How to Unblock a Toilet Using a Plunger

If you have a plunger, this is often the quickest and easiest solution:

1. Ensure Safety First: Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from any mess.

2. Position the Plunger: Place the plunger over the toilet bowl’s outlet, ensuring it forms a good seal.

3. Plunge Firmly: Push the plunger down and pull up sharply to create suction. Repeat this process several times to dislodge the blockage.

4. Flush to Test: Once the water begins to drain, flush the toilet to check if the blockage is cleared.

How to Unblock a Toilet Without a Plunger

No plunger? No problem. Here are some alternative methods:

1. Hot Water and Dish Soap

• Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl.

• Follow this with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water.

• Leave it to sit for a few minutes, allowing the soap to break down the blockage.

• Flush the toilet and repeat the process if necessary.

2. Wire Coat Hanger

• Straighten a wire coat hanger and wrap the end with a cloth to avoid damaging the porcelain.

• Gently insert the hanger into the toilet and use it to dislodge the blockage.

When to Call the Experts

If these methods don’t resolve the issue or if you suspect a more serious problem, it’s time to call in the professionals. Drains First LTD offers expert toilet unblocking services, as well as advanced solutions like CCTV drain surveys to identify and resolve the underlying problem quickly.

Preventing Toilet Blockages

To keep your toilet and drains working efficiently:

• Only flush toilet paper and human waste.

• Avoid flushing wipes, cotton wool, or sanitary products.

• Regularly clean your toilet to prevent limescale buildup.

• Consider Drains First LTD’s maintenance services, including drain cleaning and gully cleaning, to avoid future blockages.

Why Choose Drains First LTD?

With over 35 years of experience, Drains First LTD provides expert drainage services across the region. From emergency unblocking to scheduled maintenance, our CCTV surveys, high-pressure water jetting, and 24-hour availability ensure your drainage issues are resolved efficiently and affordably.

If you need help unblocking a toilet or addressing any drainage issue, don’t hesitate to contact us at 0800 180 4800 or visit our website at drainsfirstltd.co.uk.