How to Unblock a Toilet with Washing Up Liquid: Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with a blocked toilet can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to unclog the toilet using just washing up liquid. In this article, we will guide you through the process, so you can tackle the problem yourself without the need to call a plumber.

Step 1: Gather the necessary materials

The first step is to gather the materials you will need. You will need a bottle of washing up liquid, a plunger, a bucket, and a pair of rubber gloves. Having these items ready will save you time and make the process easier.

Step 2: Prepare the area

Before you start unclogging the toilet, it is important to prepare the area. Place old towels or newspaper around the toilet to catch any water that may overflow. This will help prevent any mess and make the cleanup process easier.

Step 3: Add washing up liquid

Next, pour a generous amount of washing up liquid into the toilet bowl. The soap will act as a lubricant and help break down any blockages. Let the soap sit in the bowl for a few minutes to work its magic.

Step 4: Use the plunger

Take the plunger and place it over the toilet drain. Make sure the plunger completely covers the drain. Then, push down firmly and pull up forcefully in a quick motion. Repeat this plunging motion several times, applying steady pressure.

Step 5: Flush and repeat if necessary

Once you have plunged the toilet several times, flush the toilet to see if the blockage has been cleared. If the water drains easily, congratulations! If not, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the blockage is cleared and the water flows freely.

Step 6: Clean up and prevent future blockages

After successfully unblocking the toilet, clean up any remaining water or mess using the bucket and old towels. To prevent future blockages, avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper or any other items that can cause clogs. Regularly using washing up liquid in your toilet can help keep the pipes clear.

Remember, if you are unable to unclog the toilet using these methods or if the blockage persists, it may be time to call a professional plumber for assistance. It is important to prioritize your safety and the proper functioning of your plumbing system.

By following these simple steps and using washing up liquid, you can quickly and easily unblock a toilet without the need for expensive plumbing services. With a little patience and the right tools, you can tackle this common household problem and get your toilet back to working order.

Preparation

Before attempting to unblock a toilet with washing up liquid, it’s important to gather all the necessary items and prepare the area to avoid any mess or damage.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A bottle of washing up liquid
• A plunger or toilet brush
• Protective gloves
• A bucket or container (to collect water if needed)
• Newspaper or towels

Once you have gathered all the necessary items, you can begin preparing the area. Follow these steps:

1. Clear the area surrounding the toilet to make sure there is enough space to work comfortably.
2. Place newspaper or towels on the floor around the toilet to catch any spills or splashes.
3. Put on protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protected.
4. Keep a bucket or container nearby in case you need to collect water during the process.

By preparing the area and gathering the necessary items beforehand, you’ll be ready to tackle the toilet blockage with washing up liquid effectively and efficiently.

Clearing Small Blockages

If you are dealing with a small blockage in your toilet, you may be able to clear it using simple household tools and techniques. Follow these steps to clear a small blockage:

1. Plunge the toilet

First, try using a plunger to clear the blockage. Make sure the plunger is submerged in water, then place it over the drain hole and vigorously push and pull to create suction. Continue plunging until the water drains away, indicating that the blockage has been cleared.

2. Use a toilet auger

If plunging does not work, you can try using a toilet auger. Insert the auger into the toilet bowl and rotate the handle clockwise. This will help break up and dislodge the blockage. Use the auger carefully to avoid damaging the toilet.

3. Apply washing up liquid and hot water

If both plunging and using a toilet auger fail to clear the blockage, try using washing up liquid and hot water. Squeeze a generous amount of washing up liquid into the toilet bowl, followed by several kettles of hot water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before attempting to flush the toilet.

4. Repeat the process

If the blockage is still not cleared, you may need to repeat the steps above multiple times. Be patient and persistent, and remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or tools that could potentially damage your toilet.

Remember, if you have a stubborn or persistent blockage that you are unable to clear yourself, it is always best to call a professional plumber for assistance.

Removing Stubborn Blockages

If the blockage in your toilet is particularly stubborn and the washing up liquid alone doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, there are a few additional steps you can take to remove it.

1. Plunger: Start by using a plunger to create suction and pressure to dislodge the blockage. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat this motion several times to try and break up the blockage.
2. Hot Water: If plunging doesn’t work, try pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet. The hot water may help dissolve the blockage and push it through.
3. Drain Snake: If the blockage is still stubborn, you can try using a drain snake or auger. Insert the snake into the toilet drain and rotate it clockwise as you push it in. This can help break up the blockage and allow it to be flushed away.

If none of these methods work, it may be best to call a professional plumber to ensure the blockage is removed safely and effectively.

Applying Washing Up Liquid

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to apply the washing up liquid to the toilet bowl. This step is essential in helping to lubricate the blockage and break it down.

Here’s how to apply washing up liquid to unblock a toilet:

1. Start by putting on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from any potential mess.
2. Pick up the bottle of washing up liquid and remove the cap.
3. Squeeze a generous amount of washing up liquid into the toilet bowl. Make sure to aim for the center of the bowl, where the blockage is likely located.
4. Allow the washing up liquid to sit in the toilet bowl for at least 10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the blockage and start breaking it down.
5. While you’re waiting, you can also use a toilet brush to gently agitate the washing up liquid and help it spread evenly around the bowl.

Remember to avoid flushing the toilet at this stage, as the blockage may not have been fully loosened yet. Flushing too soon could result in a messy overflow.

Tip: If you have a particularly stubborn blockage, you can also try pouring some hot water into the bowl after applying the washing up liquid. The heat can help further break down the blockage.

Final Steps

1. Flush the toilet: Once you’ve poured the boiling water and washing up liquid into the toilet, you can flush the toilet to see if the blockage has been cleared. If the water starts to drain properly, then you’ve successfully unblocked the toilet.
2. Repeat the process: In case the blockage is still present after the first attempt, you can repeat the process as many times as necessary.
3. Clean up: After the blockage is cleared and the water is draining properly, it’s important to clean up any mess that may have been caused during the process. Use disinfectant and a toilet brush to thoroughly clean the toilet bowl.
4. Prevent future blockages: To prevent future blockages, be cautious about what you flush down the toilet. Avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper or other objects that may cause a blockage. Regularly using a plunger can also help prevent blockages from occurring.

Note: If you’re unable to unblock the toilet using this method, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber for further assistance.