Before we talk about how to unblock a toilet, let's first look at the most common causes of toilet blockages:

1. Flushing Non-Flushable Items: The most common cause of a blocked toilet is flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. Examples of things that should never be flushed include baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, and paper towels.

2. Too Much Toilet Paper: Using too much toilet paper can also cause a blockage. If you're a fan of the "wad and toss" method, consider switching to a more conservative approach.

3. Low-Flow Toilets: Low-flow toilets are designed to save water, but they can be more prone to blockages than traditional toilets. If you have a low-flow toilet, make sure you're using the right amount of toilet paper and avoiding non-flushable items.

4. Foreign Objects: Sometimes objects can accidentally fall into the toilet and cause a blockage. This can include items like jewelry, toys, and cell phones.

5. Blocked Drain: In some cases, the problem isn't with the toilet itself, but with the drain. If the drain is blocked, water won't be able to flow through the pipes properly, causing the toilet to back up.