How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag

A blocked toilet can seem like an emergency job requiring a plumber to remove the blockage… but do not panic, as it is a task which is often easy to fix by using our FREE yet simple method. In the first instance we are going to try a mop and a sturdy plastic bag. As you can see from the many comments we’ve had, it seems that many people have had success with blocked toilets using our ‘super sized plunger’ which is made simply from an old mop with a plastic bag tied around the head. Make sure the bag is sturdy and won’t tear too easily. This seems to be a sure fire way to shift the stubborn blockages that other plungers just can’t deal with. Best of all it’s FREE!!

So, if you’re stuck, before calling a plumber, give it a go. And please leave us a comment at the bottom of the page if it works (or not). Recent comments include:

  • “Amazing! I had a horribly blocked toilet for two days and tried everything. I was about to call a plumber when I found this web page. This method worked so quickly, I couldn’t believe it. It saved me the cost and embarrassment of calling a plumber. Thank you!”
    Jane – 14-Oct-14
  • “Worked so well it made me laugh. Spent 2 days using various chemicals, flushing, hot water and all other methods. Finally decided 2 buy a mop and it worked in about 5 seconds. Awesome tip”
    clarkee – 28-Sep-14
  • “Fabulous method! Fixed the problem in less than a minute! So glad I came across this page. Feel like a domestic goddess now!”
    nickers – 23-Aug-14
  • “How ironic that I look online for just about everything but never ONCE thought to look online when the (newly installed!!) toilet decided to act up on a Bank Holiday weekend! I didn’t have cable ties but I “double bagged” the plastic bags, twisted 2 handles together (to make one sturdier one), wrapped the handles around the stick and tied really tight. Got a little nervous when it didn’t work on the first go buy, as they say, if at first you don’t succeed…Thank you…Thank You…THANK YOU!!!”
    Goldenlady – 23-Aug-14

Our Step By Step Guide…

How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet – Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
Step 1. Get a good sized mop and sturdy plastic bag. It’s better if it won’t rip.
Get a good sized mop and sturdy plasic bag.
Step 2. Attach the bag firmly to the mop. Cable ties work well.
Force the mop down the toilet
Step 3. Force the mop down the toilet. Once may well do it. If not then try repeatedly.
unblocked toilet
Step 4. Admire your unblocked toilet…

Or The Conventional Way

To unblock a blocked toilet conventionally rather than using the mop and bag method, here are the Essential Tools you will need:

  • Plunger
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Bucket
  • Clearing Rods
  • Auger

What Causes a Blockage?

Unfortunately, toilets occasionally do get blocked, usually due to too much toilet paper or heavy loads being put down the pan. First things first, you need to find the location of the blockage. If you have drain inspection covers outside, it is worth lifting the one nearest the pan. If the chamber is full, you need to try to clear the blockage in the pipes or around the drain either using a specialist rod or a makeshift device, such as a wire or piece of wood. If the Drain Is Unblocked, the blockage must be located somewhere between the chamber and the pan. In most cases, the blockage is found at the pan itself.

Unblocking the Pan

Following these simple steps should fix most blockages:

  • Try pushing a flexible drain cleaning wire down the WC pan.
  • It is a good idea to ask someone to observe the drain chamber while you are doing this to see if the item causing the blockage emerges. Anything emerging that may have caused the blockage should be removed. If you don’t remove an offending item, you only run the risk of it causing a blockage further down the system which may be more difficult to unblock.
  • It’s worth using a plunger or auger (see below) if you have one.
  • A chemical drain cleaner or caustic soda may help, but you must follow the instructions carefully and remember these products need to be handled safely. Always use rubber gloves.
Plunger Basics

Try using a plunger to unblock the damage. Most people have a cup shaped plunger but this does not always work and can be a bit messy. Toilets bowls benefit from a specialist flange shaped or a ball shaped plunger. Both these types of plunger have a bottom which is shaped to seal the opening in the bottom of the toilet bowl. This seal action as you plunge creates the necessary vacuum and pressure and is more effective.

Toilet Auger

A toilet or WC auger, available from most hardware stores, is a special plumbing tool used to clear blocked toilets. This device uses a flexible clearing rod with a hand crank, a long sleeve handle and a special auger device at the end which is used to break blockages or retrieve them. The auger drops into the toilet as far as possible. It reaches about 0.5 metres. The auger is connected via the flexible shaft to the crank handle which you control. When the obstruction is discovered you clamp and turn the cranked handle and either push or pull the blockage to dislodge it. Once the blockage is removed flush and clean your loo and disinfect the auger.

More Top Tips

Another useful tip is to consider draining water from your toilet pan. If the water level in the pan of your WC is high, you should consider this. Try using any old container to bale out the water first or you can use a hose to siphon it off. You can also try pouring hot or boiling water down the pan as an alternative to using caustic soda. Often this can be helpful and will break down clogged up matter down your waste pipe.

More DIY Fixes?

For more plumbing repairs, read our articles on Bleeding A Radiator and Unblocking A Sink on this site.