A clogged toilet is always an urgent problem: bad smells, water rising instead of draining, fear of the toilet overflowing, and often embarrassment about having visitors. In many cases, unclogging is simple; in others, it can hide a more serious problem in the plumbing or sewer.
In Lisbon, the cost of unclogging a toilet usually varies between approximately €80 and €250, depending on the severity of the blockage, the location of the problem, and whether or not it is necessary to use professional machinery or carry out more extensive work on the sewage system.
This guide explains in detail how much you can expect to pay for the service, what influences the price, and when it is best to forget about DIY attempts and call in a professional.
Why does a toilet get clogged?
Before talking about prices, it is important to understand what usually causes the problem. In most cases, toilets become clogged for preventable reasons.
1. Excessive use of toilet paper and wipes
Excessive use of toilet paper or disposable wipes is one of the most common causes of clogging. These materials accumulate in the bend of the drain and form a plug that is difficult to remove.
2. Foreign objects
Toys, bottle caps, plastic items, cotton swabs, sanitary pads, diapers, or other objects that should never be flushed down the toilet can completely block the drain pipe.
3. Problems with the piping
Old pipes that are poorly sized or have an inadequate slope can contribute to clogging. In older buildings, it is common to find pipes that are worn or partially clogged by calcification and debris that has accumulated over many years.
4. Problems with the building or street sewer system
The problem is not always with the toilet itself. In some cases, the blockage is caused by an obstruction in the building's sewer system or the external network, which requires more complex intervention and, often, professional equipment.
How much does it cost to unclog a toilet in Lisbon?
The figures below are average ranges and are for reference only. Each case must be assessed individually, but these figures help to give a realistic idea of the investment required.
| Type of intervention | Approximate price range |
|---|---|
| Simple clogging (basic manual methods are sufficient) | 80€ - 120€ |
| Use of cable/spring, partial disassembly, or more difficult access | 120€ - 180€ |
| Deep or recurring clogging (building/sewer) | 150€ - 220€ |
| Complex interventions with professional machines and advanced diagnostics | €200–€250 or more |
For many plumbing services, the plumber may also charge a call-out fee or a minimum charge. In emergency situations (at night, on weekends, or on holidays), it is normal for there to be a surcharge.
To get a general idea of how home service budgets work and how to compare proposals, it may be helpful to consult a consumer protection website, which addresses topics such as contracts, guarantees, and best practices when hiring professionals.
Factors that influence the price of unclogging a toilet
The final amount you will pay is the result of a combination of several factors. The main ones are:
1. Severity of clogging
A minor clog caused by excess paper is usually relatively quick to fix. However, an old, deep clog or one connected to the building's sewer system requires more time, effort, and often specific equipment.
2. Location of the obstruction
If the problem is very close to the toilet, the repair tends to be simpler. When the blockage is in the building's sewer pipe or in the external pipes, the work becomes more complex and, consequently, more expensive.
3. Need for professional machines
When a manual plunger and cable are not enough, electric machines, mechanical springs, or even hydrojets must be used. These solutions require more expensive equipment and an experienced technician, which increases the cost.
4. Intervention time
If the problem is solved in a few minutes, the cost is lower. Situations where the professional needs to make several attempts, dismantle fixtures, access inspection chambers, and test different sections of the pipe will increase the price.
5. Urgency and schedule
Calling a plumber at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday is not the same as calling them at 11 p.m. on a Sunday. Services outside normal working hours usually cost more, which is important to bear in mind when requesting a quote.
Methods for unclogging a toilet
Not all blockages require immediate attention from a plumber, but in many cases, insisting on home remedies can make the problem worse. These are the most commonly used methods:
Home remedies (with caution)
- Rubber plunger: The classic plunger can solve simple clogs, provided it is used correctly.
- Hot water (not boiling): it can help dissolve some grease and make it easier to pass, but it should be used with care so as not to damage the dishes.
- Mild liquid soap or detergent: sometimes it helps to lubricate the passage of waste.
Warning: very aggressive chemicals can damage pipes, joints, and even the enamel on the toilet. Furthermore, in cases of severe blockages, they usually do not solve the problem and only delay the correct intervention.
Professional methods
- Plunger or drain snake: allows deeper clogs to be reached and waste blocks to be broken up.
- Electric drain cleaning machines: ideal for more stubborn or recurring blockages.
- Hydrojet: high-pressure water jet that effectively cleans pipes, widely used in sewers and main lines.
- Pipe inspection and diagnosisWhen the problem recurs frequently, it is important to determine whether there are structural defects or damage to the sewer system.
When should you call a professional?
Some signs indicate that trying to solve the problem on your own is no longer a good idea:
- The water still won't drain, even after using a plunger.
- The water level rises too high when flushing the toilet.
- Water backs up in other toilets or drains when you use the toilet.
- The problem recurs repeatedly after home “unclogging.”.
- You smell strong, persistent odors coming from the toilet or sewer area.
In these situations, the sooner you call a professional, the less likely the problem will become bigger (and more expensive).
Why choose a specialized professional in Lisbon
An experienced plumber has the tools, knowledge, and practice necessary to:
- Quickly identify the source of the clog.
- Choose the method that is most appropriate for your situation.
- Avoid damage to dishes, floors, and pipes.
- Reduce the risk of the problem recurring in the short term.
In addition, a good professional can clearly explain what happened, what was done, and how to prevent further clogging in the future.
Lisbon Plumber: the best solution for unclogging your toilet
If you live in Lisbon or the surrounding area and have a clogged toilet, calling a specialized service is the safest and fastest way to solve the problem. The team at Canalizador de Lisboa is accustomed to dealing with all types of blockages, from the simplest to the most complex, in apartments, houses, and commercial establishments.
We focus on:
- Quick response and, whenever possible, same-day service.
- Equipment suitable for each type of blockage.
- Clean, careful service with transparent pricing.
- Long-lasting solutions, not just temporary fixes.
If your toilet is clogged, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Timely intervention prevents further damage, unpleasant odors, and truly uncomfortable situations at home.
Frequently asked questions about unclogging toilets
Does unclogging a toilet leave a lot of mess?
An experienced professional works with adequate protection, always trying to minimize dirt and splashes. At the end of the service, the area is left in usable condition.
Is the unclogging guaranteed?
It depends on the type of intervention and the origin of the problem. In cases of blockages caused by misuse (objects being flushed down the toilet, for example), it is normal for the warranty to be limited. Always ask the plumber about the applicable conditions.
Is it possible to completely prevent clogging?
No one can guarantee that you will never have another blockage, but you can greatly reduce the likelihood by not flushing wipes, diapers, sanitary pads, grease, or trash down the toilet, and by using the toilet carefully.
Why do prices vary so much between companies?
Each company sets its own pricing policy based on the experience of its technicians, the equipment used, fixed costs, and availability for emergency services. Therefore, it is normal for there to be differences in prices.
Conclusion
Unclogging a toilet in Lisbon can cost, on average, between €80 and €250, depending on the severity of the clog, the need for special machinery, the time required for the job, and the urgency of the service. Trying to fix it yourself may work in very simple cases, but insisting on home remedies when the problem is serious often ends up being more expensive.
When your toilet starts showing signs of serious clogging, the safest thing to do is call a trusted professional. This will protect your home, prevent further damage, and allow you to use your toilet safely again in the shortest possible time.
