The cost of unblocking a toilet can be up to £150 if you have to call out a plumber.
The sizeable expense is one most homeowners want to avoid but if you do end up with a stubborn toilet blockage, what can you do?
Russell Brazier, pipe expert and owner of Transam Extrusions, has explained how to unblock a toilet if you do not own a plunger.
Washing up liquid
Washing up liquid is a household staple that can be found in most kitchen cupboards. The cleaning essential is usually used to clean dirty dishes, however, it can also be used to unblock toilets.
Russell explained: “You can unblock your toilet with it by pouring half a cup of washing up liquid into the toilet bowl.
“The washing up liquid helps to lubricate the clog and can help to break down the organic matter in the pipes.
“Then, wait between 15 and 30 minutes, allowing the soap to work its magic before pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet bowl.”
The hot water and washing up liquid should break down the blockage and easily flush it away.
Washing up liquid can be bought for as little as 55p from Asda and 80p from Sainsbury’s.
Baking soda and vinegar
Using just two cupboard essentials, homeowners can easily unclog toilets without resorting to a plunger.
Russell said: “Start by pouring one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl before slowly adding two cups of white vinegar into it.
“This will create a fizzing reaction that can help dislodge the blockage.
“Just simply wait 30 minutes to an hour and then flush the toilet to see if the clog has gone, if it hasn’t repeat the process.”
Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can be bought from most local supermarkets or online.
Stardrops white vinegar spray costs £1.19 from The Range and Stockwell & Co. Bicarbonate Of Soda costs 65p from Tesco.
