You’ve just come home from a long day, looking forward to a relaxing evening, and the moment you press the flush, your heart sinks as the water rises perilously high. Those first few moments when you wish fervently that your toilet isn’t actually clogged are filled with dread. No one wants to deal with a plumbing disaster, yet clogged toilets are an all-too-common reality for many homeowners.

So is a clogged toilet an emergency? A clogged toilet can definitely be an emergency. If the toilet is the only one in the house, or if it's overflowing and water damage is a concern, then it's important to deal with the issue right away. This can prevent further damage to your home and make sure that your household remains comfortable and functional.

Does a clogged toilet count as an emergency?

When your toilet gets clogged, it can definitely become an emergency, especially if it’s the only one you have at home or if it starts to overflow. This kind of situation needs quick action to avoid water from spilling over and damaging your floors or even the ceiling below if you’re in a multi-story building. It’s important to address a clogged toilet promptly to maintain hygiene and prevent potential water damage, which can be costly to repair.

When to call maintenance plumber to fix your clogged toilet

You should consider calling a maintenance plumber to fix your clogged toilet in the following situations:

• Persistent Clogging: If your toilet keeps getting clogged, even after you’ve tried using a plunger or a toilet snake, there might be a deeper issue that requires professional tools and skills.
• Overflowing Water: If the toilet overflows and you can’t stop the water from spilling out, it’s crucial to call an emergency plumber immediately to prevent water damage and sanitary hazards.
• Strange Noises or Odours: If there are unusual noises, like gurgling, or persistent bad odours coming from the toilet, this could indicate a blockage deeper in the drain line that needs professional attention.
• Multiple Drains Affected: If other drains in your home are also slow or clogged, this could be a sign of a more significant blockage in your main sewer line. A plumber can diagnose and resolve this issue.
• No Success with DIY Methods: If you’ve tried do-it-yourself solutions without success, it’s time to call a professional. Plumbers have the right tools and expertise to resolve the problem without causing further damage.

How to unblock a badly blocked toilet

What You'll Need

• Plunger
• Rubber Gloves
• Bucket or Container
• Toilet Auger (or Plumbing Snake)
• Old Towels or Rags
• Disinfectant

Steps to Unblock the Toilet

1. Preparation

Before starting, put on rubber gloves and lay old towels around the toilet base to absorb any spills.

If the toilet bowl is full, use a bucket to scoop out some water to prevent it from overflowing when you start plunging.

2. Using the Plunger

Make sure you have a good seal with the plunger. The flange plunger is designed with an extra ring of rubber (the flange) which helps create a better seal in the toilet bowl.

Place the plunger over the toilet drain and push down gently to remove any trapped air. The first push is merely to expel air.

Once sealed, pump the plunger up and down vigorously. Maintain the seal, as breaking it can reduce the effectiveness of the plunging.

After about 15-20 plunges, pull the plunger up sharply. The water should rush out, indicating the clog is moving. If the water drains, flush to check if the clog is cleared.

3. Using a Toilet Auger

If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger (a specialised type of plumbing snake designed for toilets) can reach deeper into the drain.

Insert the auger into the toilet bowl, with the tip pointed into the drain.

Turn the handle clockwise to extend the cable deeper into the drain until you feel resistance.

Once you hit the clog, twist the auger to break through or grab the obstruction. You may need to adjust the direction and pressure several times.

Slowly retract the auger by turning the handle counterclockwise, potentially pulling the clog back out with it.

Flush the toilet to ensure it’s clear and running smoothly.

4. Cleaning Up

Once the clog is removed and the toilet flushes properly, clean up any spills or splashes with disinfectant and rags.

Wash and disinfect your tools, like the plunger and auger, as well as any contaminated surfaces.

Standard home remedies might fail you

If you're facing a stubborn clog that won't budge or if you simply want to ensure the job is done right without further hassle, consider calling a professional. Team Penguin Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services for homeowners in South Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands.

Don't let a clogged toilet disrupt your day or risk your health. Contact Team Penguin Plumbing today or call 0432 374 689.