The dreaded blocked toilet. It's a nightmare that every homeowner wants to avoid. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps that you can take to unblock your toilet and get it working properly again. Read on to discover three tips for dealing with a blocked toilet.

1. Use a Plunger 

The first step to try when your toilet is blocked is to use a plunger. A plunger is designed to create a powerful suction that can dislodge whatever is causing the blockage and push it out of the drain pipe. If you don't already have one, they're inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store or online retailer. Make sure you get one specifically designed for toilets — they usually have an extra flange at the bottom of the handle, which creates a tight seal against the bowl, allowing for better suction power. Once you've got your plunger, fill the bowl with enough water so that the rubber cup is submerged, then plunge away until the clog has been cleared out.

2. Use Hot Water 

Another method for clearing out blocked toilets is using hot water — simply boil some water on your stove and carefully pour it down into your toilet bowl. The hot water should help break up whatever material is blocking your pipes and flush them away quickly and easily without having to resort to more drastic measures like taking apart your pipes or calling a plumber. For best results, wait an hour after pouring in the hot water before attempting to flush again. Doing so will give you enough time for all of the material blocking your pipes to be softened up and easily flushed away with minimal effort on your part.

3. Call a Plumber

Sometimes even these DIY methods just won't cut it when dealing with serious blockages. If this happens, don't hesitate to reach out to a plumbing service with access to more advanced tools like augers or snakes, which can clear any clogs from even deeper in your piping system. A plumber will also be able to identify any underlying issues with your piping system or septic tank that could be causing frequent blocks in order to reduce future problems from occurring down the line. They can also provide advice on how best to maintain your toilet going forward.

If you would like to find out more, contact a plumber today.