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How to unblock a toilet

Clean and unblocked toilet with a brush nearby on a patterned tiled floor.

Overview

A blocked toilet can be a frustrating issue, but it’s often a problem you can solve yourself with the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to unblock a toilet to get things flowing smoothly again.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Remove excess water

If your toilet bowl is full, you’ll need to create some space for the toilet plunger to work effectively. Use a small container or cup to carefully remove excess water from the bowl, pouring it into a bucket or nearby sink. Leave just enough water to cover the rubber flange of the plunger, as this will help create a proper seal.
A person wearing a yellow rubber glove is carefully removing excess water from the toilet bowl using a plastic container.

2Start plunging

With the plunger in place, begin with a gentle push to establish suction. Then, give it a series of strong, steady pumps. The motion works by pushing and pulling to loosen whatever is causing the clog. After a few plunges, carefully remove the plunger to check if the water level in the bowl starts to go down. If it does, flush the toilet to confirm that everything is back to normal. If the toilet blockage isn’t cleared on the first try, don’t give up. Simply reposition the plunger over the drain hole and repeat the process. Persistent plunging often does the trick, so keep going until you see progress.
A person wearing yellow rubber gloves is using a plunger to unblock a toilet.

3Use a drain auger for stubborn clogs

If plunging doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to bring out a drain auger. This flexible tool is designed to reach deeper blockages in the pipe. Feed the flexible end of the auger into the toilet drain, turning the handle to help it move further down. If you feel resistance, continue twisting to break up the blockage or hook onto it. Once the auger has worked through the clogged toilet, pull it back out carefully. After using the auger, flush the toilet again to see if the issue has been resolved.
A person wearing a red shirt and yellow rubber gloves is using a drain auger to unclog a toilet in a tiled bathroom.

4Looking for more bathroom projects?

Watch helpful D.I.Y. project videos and find more bathroom inspiration today.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.