Taunton Residents’ Guide to Clearing Blocked Sinks & Toilets
- Drain Unblocker
- Nov 10, 2025
- 3 min read
From minor blockages to full-blown overflows, here's your complete guide to clearing and preventing blocked sinks and toilets in Taunton – with expert tips from Aquablast Drain Services Ltd.
Why Blocked Toilets and Sinks Are a Common Issue in Taunton
Whether you're in a Victorian terrace near Vivary Park or a new build in Galmington, blocked sinks and toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners in Taunton. With older pipework, increasing waste loads, and hard water buildup in Somerset, it’s no surprise that drainage issues can sneak up on even the tidiest households.
At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd in Taunton, we respond to hundreds of sink and toilet blockages every year — and we've compiled this helpful guide to show you what causes blockages, how to clear them, and when to call in the professionals.
Common Causes of Blocked Toilets and Sinks
🚽 Toilet Blockages
Too much toilet paper flushed at once
Non-flushable items: wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, nappies
Foreign objects (e.g. kids’ toys, deodorant caps)
Sewer line issues (tree roots, fatbergs, collapsed pipes)
Septic tank overflows (in rural areas of Taunton)
🚰 Sink Blockages
Grease, fat, and food debris build-up in kitchen sinks
Hair, soap scum, and toothpaste in bathroom basins
Coffee grounds, tea leaves, and food scraps
Foreign objects like bottle tops or packaging
Limescale buildup in hard water areas like Taunton
How to Unblock a Toilet: DIY Steps
Before calling in help, try these steps to resolve a toilet blockage yourself:
1. Stop the Overflow
Quickly remove the cistern lid and close the flapper valve to stop water flow. Then turn off the water at the isolation valve or stopcock.
2. Use a Flange Plunger
This type of plunger is specifically designed for toilets. Position it in the bowl so it seals the drain hole, and use firm, rhythmic plunges.
3. Try a Toilet Auger
A toilet snake (auger) can push through tough blockages that are deeper in the U-bend or soil pipe.
4. Hot Water + Dish Soap
Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water mixed with washing-up liquid into the bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing.
If you’ve tried the above and your toilet remains blocked, it may be time to call our Emergency Drain Unblocking Service in Taunton.
How to Unblock a Sink: DIY Tips
1. Boiling Water & Bicarbonate Soda
Pour kettle water down the plughole
Add 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda, followed by a cup of white vinegar
Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with more hot water
2. Use a Sink Plunger
Ensure a good seal and plunge with forceful, consistent movements. This works well for minor clogs near the surface.
3. Check the U-bend
Place a bowl under the trap (U-bend), unscrew it carefully, and clean out any debris inside. Be prepared for an unpleasant smell.
4. Use a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
These long flexible tools can remove hair and gunk that’s stuck deeper down the pipe.
Still blocked? For more severe clogs, our Sink Unblocking Experts in Taunton can help.
Signs You Need Professional Help
Not every blockage is a DIY fix. Call in Aquablast Drain Services if you notice:
🚨 Persistent or recurring blockages
💧 Slow draining in multiple sinks/toilets
🦠 Foul odours from drains or plugholes
🌊 Water backing up into other fixtures
🛑 Gurgling noises or bubbling from toilets
🌍 Signs of external drain flooding
We offer CCTV Drain Surveys in Taunton to pinpoint the exact location and nature of stubborn or hidden blockages.
Preventative Drain Care Tips
Save yourself time, money, and stress with these drain maintenance habits:
🚫 Never flush wipes, cotton buds, nappies, or feminine products
🧴 Install sink strainers to catch food and hair
🧼 Avoid pouring fats and oils down the kitchen sink
🔄 Run boiling water weekly to help dissolve minor buildup
🧪 Use biological enzyme cleaners monthly (not corrosive chemicals)
🌳 Be cautious of tree roots near your main sewer lines
Routine maintenance with our High Pressure Jetting service in Taunton can keep your system clean and free-flowing all year round.
Why Taunton Residents Trust Aquablast Drain Services
✅ Over 20 years' experience in drain cleaning
✅ 24/7 emergency call-out services across Somerset
✅ Fully insured & qualified engineers
✅ Competitive pricing with no hidden charges
✅ Recommended by Checkatrade & local councils
✅ Wix-optimised online booking available for quick response
✅ Trusted in homes, schools, shops, restaurants & industrial sites
📞 Contact Us Today
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas
📞 0800 097 8255
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