A house without a functioning toilet does not remain happy for very long, so if you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or blockage, you’ll need the best toilet unblocker to fix it fast. Whether you’ve got a slow draining loo, a completely clogged toilet or you just want to find something to prevent future build-ups, we’ve got you covered.
While there are several different tools and methods for clearing a clogged toilet, ranging from simple plungers to toilet snakes, picking the right one isn’t always simple. To figure out what solution is best for you, and to pick up some safety tips, check out our handy buying guide just below.
Further down the page, you’ll find a roundup of our most trusted toilet unblockers, where we discuss their features, strengths and unblocking power. However, if you’re dealing with an active blockage, you might be best off scrolling straight down to find something with next or same day delivery, before it’s too late.
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Best toilet unblocker: At a glance
- Best plunger for toilet unblocking: Mr. Siga Rubber Toilet and Drain Plunger
- Best non-acidic toilet drain opener: Knockout Drains Toilets and Urinals
- Best toilet pump unblocker: ASAB Air Pump Drain Unclogger
- Best enzymatic toilet unblocker: Knockout Biological Drain Treatment
- Best toilet snake: Ridgid K-3 Toilet Auger
How to choose the best toilet unblocker for you
What type of clog am I dealing with?
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There are two main types of toilet blockage: a slow-drainer and a no-drainer.
These are pretty self-explanatory, a slow-drainer is a partially clogged toilet that will still allow water to drain, albeit slowly, while a no-drainer is completely stopped and will have no water movement in the bowl.
For a slow-drainer, simpler solutions like a plunger or a drain opener will probably do the job, while a no-drainer will require a tougher solution, and may even require you to down tools and call in a professional.
What different solutions are available?
Liquid drain openers similar to the ones you would use kitchen sinks and showers are a handy option for less serious clogs. They come in two standard types: chemical and enzymatic. Chemical drain openers use harsh acids and other ingredients to break down tough clogs. However, it’s not advised to use chemical drain openers on toilets for a number of reasons: if the toilet overflows, harsh chemicals and vapours can spill dangerously; similarly, you can’t plunge with a chemical drain cleaner, as it could create dangerous splashback; finally, the harshness of chemical drain cleaners can damage both porcelain and PVC piping. An enzymatic drain cleaner, which uses natural bacteria and enzymes to break down material, is a safer and more reliable option for toilet clogs.
Plungers are a stalwart option for clearing toilet clogs. Plungers create a seal in your toilet piping and work by creating air and water pressure, which works to push through the material clogging your toilet.
Toilet augers and drain snakes are devices which consist of a rotating handle and a long, flexible, coiled cable. The cable is lowered down into the drain, and once it reaches the blockages, the handle at the top lets you rotate the head of the auger, which disturbs the blockage. A toilet auger can be useful when dealing with a no-drainer, as it can reach down far into the piping and break down or bore a hole in a blockage, allowing it to be plunged or for water movement to resume.
A drain pump works similarly to a plunger, creating a seal over a pipe opening and using air pressure to clear clogs. The difference is these devices is that a drain pump uses a pumping mechanism to push in air from the outside, and can often create greater pressure levels than a standard plunger.
Toilet pods are a drain clearing solution designed for maintenance and prevention, rather than unblocking. Usually used weekly or monthly, they work by breaking down small build-ups and chokepoints before they have time to form full clogs or blockages.
How much will I need to spend?
A high quality drain opener can cost anywhere from around £8 to £20, with solid plungers and mid-range drain pumps costing roughly the same. Higher powered solutions such as toilet augers and high-end drain pumps can cost from £30 up to £100+. This may sound expensive, but for houses with problem pipes, having a strong, reusable septic clearing solution can work out to be more economical than paying for repeat plumber visits.
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1. Mr Siga Rubber Toilet and Drain Plunger: Best plunger for toilet unblocking
Price: £17 | Buy now from AmazonThe first thing we think of when we want to clear a toilet clog – a plunger. You may already have a standard orange suction-cup plunger somewhere around the house, however, did you know these are actually better suited to clearing kitchen drains than toilets? For a toilet clog, a ball-shaped or extended suction-cup, such as this one, is most effective.
It has a lightweight, aluminium handle, and a sturdy rubber suction cup that is well suited to toilets, as well as showers and outdoor drains. It has a neat, unobtrusive design and will provide reliable unblocking power, making it a necessity for any bathroom or household with piping that tends to clog.
Key details – Material: Rubber; Dimensions: 44cm x 10.5cm x 15cm (WLH); Weight: 427g
MR.SIGA 2 Way Rubber Toilet and Drain Plunger, Aluminium Handle, Black
2. Knock Out Drains Toilets and Urinals: Best non-acidic toilet drain opener
Price: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
Key details – Size: 1L; Type: Chemical (Non-acidic); Form: Liquid
3. ASAB Air Pump Drain Unclogger: Best toilet pump unblocker
Price: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key details – Material: Rubber, plastic; Dimensions: 17cm x 17cm x 45 cm (WDH); Weight: 510g
ASAB Air Pump Drain Unblocker | Pneumatic Plunger With 2 Cups for Toilet, Sink, Shower, Bath | Powerful Ecological Unclogger Tool
4. Rothenberger 72070 RoPump: Best high-end toilet unblocking solution
Price: £116 | Buy now from Amazon
Key details – Materials: Metal; Dimensions: 20cm x 18cm x 30 cm (WDH); Weight: 600g; Extra attachments: Yes
5. Knockout Biological Drain Treatment: Best enzymatic toilet unblocker
Price: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key details – Size: 1L; Type: Enzymatic; Form: Liquid
Knock Out Biological Drain Treatment, 1 Litre
£9.99 (£9.99 / l) Buy now
6. Ridgid K-3 Toilet Auger: Best toilet snake
Price: £45 | Buy now from Amazon
Key details – Dimensions: 122cm x 20cm x 15cm (LWD); Weight: 453g
RIDGID 59787 K-3 Toilet Auger, 3-Foot Toilet Auger Snake with Bulb Head to Clear Clogged Toilets
£67.20 Buy now
7. Green Gobbler Septic Saver: Best toilet unblocker for everyday maintenance
Price: £23 | Buy now from Amazon
As well as breaking down potential clogs from toilet paper and organic waste, these pods also work to reduce unpleasant odours. Beyond that, they offer some handy versatility in a pinch, being suitable for all types of drains and pipes, and working well on fat and grease-based clogs.
Key details – Size: 6 pack; Weight: 226g; Type: Enzymatic; Form: Pods
Green Gobbler Septic Saver Treatment System - Sewage & Septic Tank Cleaner - Bacteria Enzyme Packs for Monthly Septic Tank Treatments - 6 Pods (1.3oz)
£16.84 Buy now