Unblocking the toilet - any ideas?

nabowla · 7 February 2005 at 3:46PM

My toilet is partially blocked at the moment. I've tried putting a wire coathanger down the basin to clear the problem - it helped a bit but didn't solve the problem entirely. Does anyone have any bright ideas for old-fashioned remedies, or am I better off buying one of those 'Mr Muscle' products advertised on TV? I'm looking for a v. quick solution, for obvious reasons!

pickle · 7 February 2005 at 4:01PM

Maybe try to get a bucket of water and put in all at once to try and force the blockage through (but you could end up with more water in the bowl!).

Queenie · 7 February 2005 at 4:24PM

Try pushing your loo brush down and then rapidly pushing it in and out. (you will see the water level decline to almost nothing)
Then add the following:-

.... in B&Q they sell caustic soda which should shift the blockage it's about 79p a bottle but you'll need to follow the instructions very carefully!

Never tried the Mr Muscle-over-priced-for-name-brand stuff - can't think why

Do you use the plastic rim freshners? If you have one of those stuck down there, no amount of cleaning product is going to shift it!

Good luck!

trafalgar_2 · 7 February 2005 at 4:27PM

pickle wrote:

Maybe try to get a bucket of water and put in all at once to try and force the blockage through (but you could end up with more water in the bowl!).

that works on almost anything ......the sheer force clear it

System · 7 February 2005 at 4:55PM

I would use a cup of bicarbonate of soda, and use a couple of cups of vinegar. Leave it fizz overnight.

nabowla · 7 February 2005 at 6:43PM

I've tried the brush and the bucket already so I guess it's the bicarb next (I'm not too sure about caustic soda!!!). Fingers crossed that it works.

MATH · 7 February 2005 at 7:11PM

I've not come across a blocked toilet yet that cannot be cleared by pouring a bag of salt down and flushing. (Not that I spend my whole life coming acorss blocked toilets you understand)

Ticklemouse · 7 February 2005 at 7:18PM

Get a good old fashioned plunger. Only a couple of quid and will last you a lifetime. When all else fails, that should work. (I got one of those fancy ones you're meant to fill with water and that forces tha blockage out, but they're not much cop. I end up blocking the vent and using it as an ordinary plunger.)

nabowla · 8 February 2005 at 11:52AM

Thanks for the suggestions!

The bicarb & vinegar didn't entirely work so I'll try the salt tonight as I've got a spare bag in the house at the moment. Failing that, I'll buy a plunger.

Susan.O · 8 February 2005 at 4:05PM

have you lifted the drain cover yet? Not a nice prospect but if the drain is not full you may see your blockage and be able to loosen it with a garden cane, leave a tap running while you loosen, followed by a few flushes if you think you have moved most of the blockage. i hope this helps.

Austin_Allegro · 9 February 2005 at 1:01PM

Yes, check the inspection cover because the blockage might be further 'downstream' - I once found a brillo pad blocking mine, which someone in a neighbouring flat had helpfully flushed down the loo.

If all else fails you can get this stuff called Drain Magic, basically hydrocholoric acid, that just melts anything less than porcelain -use with caution.

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Unblocking the toilet - any ideas?

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