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How to Unclog a Toilet

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 10:45 AM ET

Few household problems are as universally dreaded as a clogged toilet. But with the right approach, even the most stubborn clogs can be tackled smoothly! Whether you’re up against a minor blockage or a more persistent plug, these practical steps will help get things flowing again without frustration or mess.

First Things First

Before diving in (not literally, of course), take a moment to assess the situation. Avoid flushing again right away—it can lead to overflowing and add more water than necessary to an already-clogged bowl. If it is about to overflow, immediately turn off the water valve at the back! Then give the toilet a couple of minutes to see if some of the water recedes.

Hopefully you're just dealing with a clod of paper but be prepared for whatever toilet clog you're dealing with by grabbing paper towels or rags to protect your floor from potential toilet water splashes and overflow. Remember: patience and preparation go a long way toward a smooth unclogging experience.

Before you get the tools ready, there are two simple things to try:

Option 1: Pour hot water into the bowl. It shouldn't be boiling, but adding four to 8 cups of hot tap water to the bowl and letting it sit can help disintegrate the barrier, whether it's an excess of toilet paper or, well, you get it. It only needs to sit about 15 minutes before you try to flush again.
Option 2: Add dish soap. Just like regular dish soap tackles grease when it sits in a dirty pan, it can help break down debris in the pipes. Let it soak for a bit; you might even begin to see the water level decrease. Once you've let it sit for 1-2 hours, give it a flush to see if it helps.

You'll Need

A toilet plunger (ideally with a flange)
Protective gloves
Towels or rags for floor protection
A bucket (optional but helpful)
Gentle, septic-safe drain cleaner

Unclog the Toilet Using a Plunger

Choose the Right Plunger: Not all plungers are made the same! For toilets, a flange plunger (the one with the extra rubber extension) is most effective, creating a better seal in the toilet bowl.
Warm Up Your Plunger: Run the rubber part under hot water for a few seconds. This is the simplest method to soften it up, making it easier to form a solid seal and ensuring better plunging power.
Position and Seal: Place the plunger over the toilet’s drain hole, making sure it’s covering it entirely to create a strong seal. Push down firmly.
Start Slow, Then Increase Power: Begin with a few gentle pushes to loosen up the clog without splashing, then increase your force with 5-6 steady pushes.
Check the Results: Once you feel the resistance lessen or see the extra water begin to drain, pull the plunger back and see if the toilet flushes. If not, repeat the process as needed.

Unclog the Toilet With Drain Cleaner

Pick a Safe Product: Choose a type of drain cleaner specifically designed for toilets and one that's septic-safe. These cleaners avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can harm bathroom pipes or septic systems. If your toilet is already drained, you can try adding half a cup of baking soda and a few cups of vinegar. This reaction might help break up minor clogs.
Follow the Product’s Instructions: Pour the recommended amount into the toilet bowl. Be sure to read the instructions carefully—some cleaners need a specific waiting period to work effectively.
Let It Sit: Most drain cleaners need at least 15-20 minutes to break down clogs. Patience is key here! Let the cleaner work its magic without disturbing the bowl.
Test the Flush: After the waiting period, ideally you'll see that the water level has dropped. Try flushing the dirty water. If the toilet drains normally, you’re all set. If there is still a drain clog, you may need to try to plunge again or move on to another method.

When is it necessary to use a plumbing snake?

A plumbing snake, or toilet auger, is the next line of defense when a combinations of methods with plungers and cleaners haven’t done the trick. It’s a great commercial drain cleaning tool that is a particularly effective solution for more deeply embedded clogs that may be out of reach of a standard plunger. A drain auger might seem like an expensive solution, but if your toilet continues to back up, desperate times will make the purchase worth it.

How to Use a Plumbing Snake

Insert the Snake: Gently insert the snake into the toilet bowl and guide it down the drain pipe. Cranking the handle will help feed the drain snake deeper into the pipe.
Break Up the Clog: Once you feel resistance, crank the handle further to break up the clog. Move it back and forth gently to dislodge anything in its path.
Remove and Clean the Snake: Slowly pull the flexible coil out of the drain. Have a towel nearby to set it on. Put on some gloves and wash off any residue with hot water, a bit of dish soap and paper towels.
Flush to Confirm: Try flushing the toilet to see if the water now flows smoothly. If it does, you’re in the clear!

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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