Let’s be honest — blocked toilets are up there with the most dreaded DIY jobs. But if you’re standing there right now with the water rising and a bit of panic setting in, don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
At EPM, we’re called out to blocked toilets regularly across Exeter and the South West. And while some cases need a pro, others are totally fixable with a bit of patience (and maybe a peg on your nose).
Let’s break it down — when you can fix it yourself, how to do it safely, and when to absolutely call a plumber.
First Things First: Don’t Keep Flushing!
We know it’s tempting. You flush once, it doesn’t clear, so you think: “One more flush should do it.”
Please don’t.
If the toilet’s already blocked, a second flush could cause the bowl to overflow — and nobody wants that. Step away from the flush handle.
What You’ll Need
Before you get stuck in (not literally), grab:
- Rubber gloves (trust us on this)
- A good-quality plunger (the flange kind works best for toilets)
- A bucket
- Old towels or newspaper for the floor
- Optional: drain-unblocking fluid (but use with caution)
🪠 Step-by-Step: How to Unblock Your Toilet
- Check What You’re Dealing With
Is it just slow to drain? Or is the bowl full and not going anywhere?
If it’s the latter and it’s been flushed recently, give it 10–20 minutes — water levels may drop enough to safely plunge.
- Use a Plunger (Properly)
- Make sure the plunger’s rubber cup fully covers the hole at the bottom of the pan.
- Press down gently at first to get a seal.
- Then plunge up and down with some force — about 15–20 seconds.
- Break the seal and see if the water drains. If not, try again a few times.
Pro tip: Add a bit of hot (not boiling) water to the bowl before plunging. It can help loosen things up.
- Try Washing-Up Liquid + Hot Water
- Add a generous squeeze of washing-up liquid to the bowl.
- Follow with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water poured from waist height.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes and try flushing once.
- This can help break down blockages caused by toilet paper or minor clogs.
- Use a Toilet Auger (If You’ve Got One)
If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger (sometimes called a snake) can help reach deeper blockages. Just be careful not to scratch or damage the ceramic inside the toilet.
- Still Blocked? Time to Call EPM
If you’ve tried the above and it’s still not shifting — or worse, the water’s coming back up — it’s time to call in the pros.
Some blockages are further down the line (even in the main soil pipe), and no amount of plunging will fix it.
We’ve also seen:
- Build-ups from non-flushable wipes
- Kids’ toys dropped down the loo (seriously)
- Tree roots causing drainage issues outside
We’ve got the tools to diagnose and fix the problem fast — without wrecking your bathroom in the process.
Bonus Tips to Avoid a Blocked Toilet in Future
- Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper
- Bin wet wipes — even the “flushable” ones
- Avoid using too much toilet paper in one go
Keep kids away from the flush if they’re in the “experimenting” phase
Final Word from EPM
Toilet blockages happen to everyone — don’t stress. If you can fix it safely, great. But don’t be a hero if it’s not shifting.
If you’re in Exeter or the surrounding area, we can sort it quickly, cleanly, and without judgement (we’ve seen it all).
📞 Call EPM today or enquire online — we’re here when you need us.
