How to unclog a toilet?
Quick Answer
To unclog a toilet, first use a high-quality flange plunger, ensuring a tight seal over the drain opening and plunging vigorously 15-20 times. If plunging fails after two attempts, use a 3-6 foot toilet auger by inserting its cable into the drain and cranking the handle to break up or retrieve the obstruction.
Understanding Toilet Clogs and How They Form
Toilet clogs primarily occur when the volume of waste, typically excessive toilet paper or non-flushable items, exceeds the toilet's flushing capacity or gets caught in the S-trap or P-trap bend in the toilet's porcelain base. The S-trap is a curved pipe designed to hold water, creating a barrier against sewer gases, and it's also the most common point for obstructions to lodge.
Common culprits include an accumulation of toilet paper, so-called "flushable" wipes which do not dissolve like paper, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, or even small toys children might accidentally drop. When these items accumulate, they create a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely through the drainpipe, causing the toilet bowl to fill and potentially overflow when flushed.
Understanding that most clogs are localized within the first few feet of the drain system—either in the toilet's internal trap or just beyond it in the waste pipe—is crucial for selecting the correct tool and technique. Rarely do clogs originate deep within the main sewer line unless multiple fixtures throughout the house are also experiencing drainage issues.
How to Unclog Your Toilet Effectively and Safely
First, assess the water level in the toilet bowl; if it's overflowing, immediately lift the tank lid and press down on the flapper to stop water from entering the bowl, or turn the water supply valve clockwise at the wall behind the toilet. Next, prepare your workspace by laying down old towels or newspapers around the base of the toilet to catch any splashes.
Your primary tool should be a high-quality flange plunger, which features an extended rubber lip designed to create a tight seal over the toilet's drain opening. Position the plunger over the drain, ensuring the flange completely covers the hole to form an airtight seal. Plunge with firm, downward thrusts, maintaining the seal, for 15-20 repetitions, then pull the plunger up sharply to break the seal and create suction. Repeat this plunging process 2-3 times over a period of 5-10 minutes, allowing a minute or two between attempts for the water to settle and the pressure to work.
If the flange plunger does not clear the clog after two vigorous attempts, it's time to use a toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, which is specifically designed to protect the porcelain bowl. Extend the auger's flexible cable into the toilet drain opening until you feel resistance. Begin cranking the auger's handle clockwise while pushing the cable forward; this action helps the auger tip bore through the obstruction or hook onto it. Once you feel the clog give way or sense the auger has snagged something, carefully pull the auger back out, continuing to crank the handle, to either retrieve the obstruction or verify the drain is clear. Flush the toilet once the clog is cleared to ensure proper drainage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Unclogging a Toilet
One frequent error is using the wrong type of plunger. Many people grab a standard cup plunger, which is effective for flat drains like sinks, but it cannot create the necessary airtight seal in a toilet bowl's curved drain. Always use a flange plunger, which has a secondary rubber ring designed to fit snugly into the toilet's drain opening, providing superior suction and force.
Another significant mistake is repeatedly flushing a clogged toilet. Each flush introduces more water into the bowl, increasing the risk of an overflow onto your bathroom floor, which can lead to water damage and a messy cleanup. If the toilet bowl is already full or overflowing, resist the urge to flush again; instead, immediately turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
Using chemical drain cleaners is a common and dangerous misstep. These harsh chemicals, such as those containing sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, are often ineffective on toilet clogs and can damage your plumbing pipes, especially older PVC or metal pipes. Furthermore, if the clog persists, the standing water mixed with these chemicals becomes a hazardous material, making it dangerous for you or a plumber to work on the toilet later.
Ignoring the initial signs of a slow-draining toilet is also a mistake. A toilet that flushes slowly or requires multiple flushes to clear indicates a partial clog forming. Addressing these minor issues promptly with a plunger can prevent a complete, stubborn blockage from developing, saving you time and potential frustration.
Expert Tips for Best Results When Clearing Toilet Clogs
For stubborn clogs, try adding about 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap directly into the toilet bowl, then follow it with a gallon of very hot (but not boiling) water. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. The hot water helps soften the obstruction while the dish soap acts as a lubricant, making it easier for the clog to slide through the trap. This can often loosen minor clogs before you even need to plunge.
When using a plunger, ensure the toilet bowl contains enough water to cover the plunger's rubber cup. If the water level is too low, the plunger won't be able to generate sufficient force. You may need to add a gallon or two of water to the bowl to achieve the correct water level for optimal plunging effectiveness. Conversely, if the bowl is too full, remove some water before plunging to prevent splashing.
Invest in a high-quality, 3-6 foot toilet auger (closet auger) if you frequently experience clogs that a plunger can't handle. These tools are specifically designed with a protective sleeve to prevent scratching the porcelain while effectively reaching and breaking up deeper obstructions beyond the toilet's internal trap. A good auger can save you from calling a plumber for many common, internal clogs.
Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when dealing with toilet clogs. This protects you from unsanitary water and potential splashes, especially when plunging vigorously or retrieving items with an auger. Maintaining good hygiene during plumbing tasks is essential for your health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the toilet is completely clogged and the water won't go down at all?
If the toilet is completely clogged and the bowl is full, first turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet to prevent overflow. Then, carefully remove some of the standing water using a small bucket or cup until the water level is about halfway down the bowl, which provides enough space for effective plunging without making a mess.
Can I use boiling water to clear a toilet clog?
No, you should never use boiling water directly in a toilet. The sudden extreme temperature change from boiling water can crack the porcelain bowl, leading to irreversible damage that requires complete toilet replacement. Use only very hot tap water, around 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit, which is effective at softening clogs without risking damage.
When should I call a professional plumber for a clogged toilet?
You should call a professional plumber if your toilet remains clogged after two thorough attempts with a flange plunger and one attempt with a toilet auger, or if multiple drains in your home (e.g., sink, shower) are also slow or clogged, indicating a potential main sewer line issue. Persistent clogs might signify a more complex problem like tree root intrusion or a collapsed pipe.
What items should I absolutely never flush down a toilet?
Never flush so-called "flushable" wipes, paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, medication, or cat litter down a toilet. These items do not break down in water like toilet paper and are major causes of severe clogs in both household plumbing and municipal sewer systems.
How can I prevent toilet clogs in the future?
To prevent future toilet clogs, use only toilet paper designed to dissolve quickly, and avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Consider installing a low-flow toilet if your current model is older and prone to clogging, as newer models have more efficient flush mechanisms. Educate all household members, especially children, on proper toilet usage.