There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you flush the toilet — and the water just keeps rising. Yep, blocked toilet. Panic mode: activated.
But before you grab the phone and start calling every plumber in Melbourne, take a breath. Not all blockages need a full emergency callout right away. There are a few simple things you can try that might just save the day (and your floor).
Here’s what you can do when your toilet’s blocked — quick, safe fixes to try before the plumber arrives.
How Do You Know If It’s Really Blocked?
If the water won’t go down — or worse, starts creeping back up — that’s your first clue.
Other signs include:
- Gurgling noises or bubbling in the bowl
- Bad smells coming from the toilet
- Water draining slowly or not at all
It could be a simple clog, or part of a bigger issue in your pipes. If your whole bathroom’s affected, or it’s happened before, it might be time to talk to a local metro plumber in Melbourne who can check your system more thoroughly.
Step 1 – Don’t Flush Again (Seriously!)
When you see water rising, your first instinct might be to try flushing again. Don’t. Really — don’t.
Flushing a second time will often just push more water (and, well, other things) toward the top of the bowl. If it overflows, you’re suddenly not dealing with a simple blockage — you’ve got a full-blown bathroom emergency.
If things are getting dicey, turn off the water at the shut-off valve behind the toilet. That buys you time and avoids a bigger mess.
Step 2 – Grab a Plunger (and Use It Properly)
If you’ve got a plunger handy — not the flat sink kind, but the one with a bell or flange — now’s the time to shine.
- Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber head
- Angle the plunger to get a tight seal over the drain hole
- Push down gently first, then pull up quickly — repeat with steady force
- Try about 15 to 20 plunges. If the blockage is light, this might do the trick.
Step 3 – Try the Dish Soap + Hot Water Trick
This one’s a surprisingly effective home remedy.
- Pour half a cup of dishwashing liquid into the bowl
- Follow it with a bucket of hot (not boiling!) water
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down grease or waste buildup
- Try flushing again gently
Step 4 – Use a Toilet Auger (If You’ve Got One)
This is a special tool with a long, flexible cable that you insert into the toilet to break up clogs — especially deeper ones caused by paper, wipes, or mystery toys.
If you don’t have an auger (and let’s be honest, most of us don’t), it might be time to get professional help. Just don’t go poking around with coat hangers or hard objects — you could crack the porcelain or damage the pipes.
If your issue turns out to be more than just a clog — like a deeper blockage or even a burst pipe — it’s best to bring in a team trained to handle the serious stuff. We also offer burst pipe repair services if the issue turns out to be bigger than it looks.
When to Call a 24/7 Emergency Plumber
You’ve tried everything, and still no luck? Here’s when to stop DIY-ing and dial in the experts:
- Water is backing up into the shower or sink
- The toilet is overflowing uncontrollably
- You hear strange gurgling in other drains
- You’re in an apartment or shared system — and others are affected too
- It’s the middle of the night and you’ve only got one working toilet
That’s when a true 24/7 emergency plumbing team makes all the difference — fast, clean, and no nonsense.
Why Call 24 Hour Melbourne Plumbers?
We’re not your average “wait-until-Monday” plumbers. We’re on call 24/7 across Melbourne, ready to jump in when toilets turn traitor at 2am or pipes burst on a public holiday.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Emergency response — no waiting ‘til morning
- Friendly, experienced technicians who explain things in plain English
- Blockage-clearing tools, cameras, and pressure jets on hand
- No mess left behind — we clean up after the fix
- Easy online booking or emergency phone support
Blocked toilets are messy. Getting help shouldn’t be.
Need a Hand (or a Plunger)? We’ve Got You Covered
If your toilet’s giving you grief and nothing’s working, don’t wait for things to overflow — literally.
Call 24 Hour Melbourne Plumbers, and we’ll be there before the mess gets worse. Whether it’s a late-night disaster or a slow drain that’s been bothering you for weeks, we’re just a call or click away.
Visit 24hourmelbourneplumbers.com.au or book online now to get fast, reliable help — no matter the time, no matter the suburb.
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