Tried to unblock a toilet yourself, but it just won’t shift? Then it’s time to call in a professional.

In this guide, we break down the average cost of unblocking a toilet, including plumber call-out fees.

We’ll also cover common causes of toilet blockages and share some DIY tips you can try before contacting a professional.

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How much does it cost to unblock a toilet?

The cost of unblocking a toilet ranges from £75 - £150. This includes the call-out charge for a tradesperson and the cost to unclog the toilet.

However, not all toilet blockages are the same. Some are quick fixes close to the bowl or cistern, while others may point to a larger drainage or plumbing issue.

Let's break down the costs, so you can get the full picture.

Hourly rates for unblocking a toilet

The average plumber cost is £50 per hour, and it should take between 30 minutes – two hours to unblock a toilet (depending on the severity of the blockages).

However, unblocking toilets can often be an emergency – especially if you're a one-toilet household or if wastewater is overflowing. Call-outs at weekends will also cost more. That's up next.

Emergency toilet unblocking service cost

The average emergency plumber cost is £110 for the callout fee, with an extra cost to complete the work depending on the time taken.

Our guides to plumber costs and plumber call-out charges have more information on prices. Or contact a plumber directly for an exact quote.

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Cost of common toilet blockage jobs

Here are the most common reasons for a toilet to block – and the costs involved to sort it.

1. Toilet bowl blockage

This is the most common type of blockage and is usually caused by too much toilet paper, wet wipes or sanitary products stuck in the toilet trap.

Look out for:

• Water rising after flushing

• Slow drainage

• Overflowing wastewater

You might be able to clear a minor clog with a simple plunger, which can be picked up for as little £4.

But if that doesn't fix it, you'll need to find a local plumber to help.

2. Waste pipe blockage

If a plunger hasn't sorted it, it could be a blockage further down the waste pipe, and you'll need a plumber to take a look.

Look out for:

• Gurgling pipe sounds

• Bad smells

• Slow-draining sinks or baths

A plumber may use flexible rods which are fed down the pipework to clear the blockage (known as rodding). Alternatively, they may use a drain auger, which helps to break up stubborn clogs.

Both these methods should be covered by a plumber's average hourly rate of £50.

But if that doesn't work, you may need a drain clearance specialist to take a look at. That's up next.

3. Main drain or soil stack blockage

This is a more serious blockage affecting your property’s main drainage system.

Look out for:

• Multiple blocked drains

• Sewage smells

• Outdoor drain flooding

• Toilets are backing up repeatedly

Drain tradespeople will usually offer two types of survey:

• A basic CCTV drain survey – This tends to cost between £85 to £235

• A full CCTV drain inspection accompanied by a report – The price will likely be in the region of £200 to £350

For more information, check out our CCTV drain survey cost guide.

4. Toilet cistern problems

If your toilet isn’t flushing properly, the issue could be down to a faulty mechanism in the cistern rather than a blockage.

Look out for:

• Weak flushing

• Slow refilling

• Constant running water

• No water entering the tank

Luckily, it can be a simple fix. The average plumber cost is £50 per hour, plus the cost of any replacement parts.

After an exact quote? Just search your postcode below to find trusted and reliable tradespeople local to you.

DIY toilet unblocking methods

Wondering how professional hire costs compare to DIY methods?

There's are a variety of methods you can attempt to use to unblock a toilet yourself, including:

• Plunger – £4

• Drain auger (a step up from a plunger, it helps to break up stubborn clogs) – £5

• Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar mix (only suitable for minimal blockages) – £5

• Chemical cleaners (helps to dissolve matter and break the bond of a clog) – £11.50

However, if the blockage remains, you should call a professional plumber. DIY mistakes can be costly (and messy).

What affects the cost of unblocking a toilet?

Unblock toilet costs are affected by several factors, such as:

• Severity of blockage – Simple jobs may take half an hour, but challenging blockages further into the drainage system will take longer to shift and cost more

• Call-out costs – If you book an emergency plumber, this will add substantially to the cost of unblocking toilets

• Location – Expect to pay more if you are in a city, such as London

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What’s included in a plumber’s quote?

Always check with your chosen plumber exactly what’s included in your quote. Most will provide an itemised breakdown, so you know what you’re paying for.

A quote will usually include:

• Labour costs – Hourly or daily rate, plus any call-out fee

• VAT – If the plumber is VAT-registered (always check if it’s included)

• Basic testing and checks – Ensuring everything is working as it should

Hidden or additional costs to watch out for

Remember, you may also need to budget for things such as the following:

• Parts and materials – For instance, if you need replacement parts for the cistern

• Travel and parking overheads

Cost to unblock a toilet: Checklist

• Shop around for fair and competitive plumbing quotes

• Always hire a blocked toilet plumber with experience and top-rated reviews

• Don't forget to ask exactly what’s included in the quote – for instance, emergency call-out fees

• DIY fixes may be doable for smaller toilet blockages with plungers or an auger

• For more persistent blockages and drain issues, leave it to professionals

Why use Checkatrade to find plumbing services near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

From installing a new tap and unblocking drains, to boiler maintenance and bathroom installations, take a look at our plumbing hub for help with all your plumbing needs.

FAQs

What are the warning signs of a blocked toilet?

It goes without saying that a blocked toilet is easy to spot. However, there are early signs your toilet may be blocked to look out for, too. For instance:

• Slow-draining water after flushing

• Gurgling noises coming from the toilet or pipes

• Unpleasant smells from the toilet or drains

• Water levels rising unusually high in the bowl

It’s always best to deal with the issue early before it becomes a bigger (and potentially more expensive) plumbing problem.

What should I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you feel confident tackling the blockage yourself, try using a plunger first. But if the toilet remains blocked (or starts overflowing), it’s best to call a professional plumber.

How long does it take to unblock a toilet?

Most blockages can be cleared quickly:

• Simple blockages – 30 minutes to 1 hour

• More stubborn blockages – 1-2 hours

• Severe drainage issues – half a day or more (if external drains need work)

What causes a toilet to become blocked?

The leading cause of a toilet becoming blocked is a build-up of material. Such as using too much toilet paper or flushing wet wipes and sanitary products. However, more serious blockages can be caused by the plumbing vent becoming blocked or the main sewer line backing up.

How much does it cost to unblock a toilet?

The average plumber cost is £50 per hour. However, several factors can affect the final price, including the severity of the blockage, whether it’s an emergency call-out, and whether drain jetting or CCTV surveys are required.

How much does an emergency toilet unblocking service cost?

The average emergency plumber cost is £110 for the callout fee, with an extra cost to complete the work depending on the time taken.

Can I unblock a toilet myself?

Minor blockages can sometimes be cleared with DIY methods, like using a plunger or auger. However, persistent or overflowing toilets are best handled by a professional plumber.

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