how to unblock a toilet.

Want to learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger (or crying)? 

You’ve come to the right place. 

We probably all had toilet trouble at one time or another. One moment you’re minding your own business... the next, you’re staring down a bowl that won’t budge. But before you panic, know this: it is possible to sort things out without a plumber or even a plunger. Here’s how to unblock a toilet like a total pro.

first up…

A quick word to the wise: do NOT keep flushing. That’s how you get a flood. Instead, put on some rubber gloves (you’re about to get up close and personal), grab a mop for moral support, and get ready to unclog like a champion

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

Prepare to take your pick because there are 5 ways to save the day:

1. baking soda + vinegar.

If you’ve ever made a papier-mache volcano, you already know this combo. Pour 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda in first and then 2 cups of clear vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let it fizz, bubble and generally do its thing for about 30 minutes. One flush later and your toilet should be back in business.

2. hot water.

Boil a kettle (or two) and let it cool slightly because you want the water hot but not boiling, to avoid cracking the toilet porcelain. Pour the hot water from waist height into the bowl. The heat plus the pressure can help soften and shift the clog. Wait 10 minutes, then flush. If it’s still sluggish, no worries, try again or pick a different method.

3. washing up liquid.

Pour a cup or two of washing up liquid around the bowl and into the water. Leave it to sit for 30 minutes and it will act like a lubricant to loosen the blockage. Then follow with a bucket of hot water from waist height. Let gravity and suds work their magic. A final flush and... you should be clear!

4. coat hanger.

Got a wire clothes hanger? (plastic ones won’t work here.) Straighten it out, bend one end into a small hook, and carefully insert it into the u-bend. Wiggle gently to break up or dislodge whatever’s causing the issue. Be kind to your pipes though, so no aggressive poking. If you feel the water levels drop and some movement of the blockage, then remove the hanger and give the toilet a final flush!

5. commercial cleaner.

If all else fails, you may need to try a commercial drain cleaner. But heads up: these are pretty chemically intense and should only be used as a last resort. Read the label. Follow it exactly. Wear gloves. Open a window. And never mix them with any other cleaning products.

still stuck?

If the 5 methods above are not budging the block and you want to use a plunger, here’s a refresher on how to use it like a pro:

• Position it snugly over the u-bend to create a good seal.
• Pump firmly (but not frantically) up and down.
• The water should start to drain after a few plunges.

and to avoid future loo dramas?

Go easy on the loo roll. Don’t flush anything that isn’t toilet paper (even if the label says it’s flushable).

Clean regularly. A bit of TLC keeps everything flowing smoothly and our refillable foaming bathroom cleaner has your back.

If you’re prone to blockages, consider getting a toilet auger. It's like a plumber’s snake, but you can keep it under the sink.

So there you have it. How to unblock a toilet without panicking, calling in backup, or reaching for tools you don’t have. From fizzing reactions to washing up liquid wizardry, you’ve now got five (very doable) ways to fix things fast.

Now go wash your hands. Thoroughly. You’ve earned it.