There are few moments in homeownership that cause as much instant panic as a clogged toilet. You flush, the water rises instead of falls, and your mind races. Maybe you have guests in the next room, or maybe it’s the middle of the night. Whatever the scenario, that feeling of helplessness is universal.

Before you start frantically searching for an emergency plumber, take a deep breath. As a company with over 115 years of plumbing experience serving Prince George’s County and the surrounding DMV area, we’ve seen every type of toilet clog imaginable so we know how to unclog a toilet —and the good news is that most toilet issues can be fixed safely at home with the right tools and techniques.

This guide will walk you through the exact steps our professionals recommend for handling a clog yourself. We’ll show you how to diagnose the problem, the safest and most effective methods to use, and when it’s time to put down the plunger and call in a licensed professional.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse—let’s fix it now. And if you need backup, our team is always ready.

Understanding What’s Actually Causing Your Clogged Toilet

Every clogged toilet tells a story. After more than a century in business, we know how to read the signs to understand what’s happening inside your pipes. Before you can fix the problem, it helps to know the culprit. Most residential and commercial clogs stem from a few common causes:

• Too Much Toilet Paper: This is the most frequent cause. Modern low-flow toilets are water-efficient but sometimes struggle to push a large volume of toilet paper through the drain in a single flush.
• Foreign Objects: Children are often curious about what can and can’t be flushed. Toys, wipes, paper towels, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products are common offenders that don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause stubborn blockages.
• Buildup in the Toilet Trap: The S-shaped pipe at the base of your toilet (the trap) is designed to block sewer gases from entering your home. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime spot for waste and paper to accumulate over time, leading to a slow drain that eventually becomes a full clog.
• Issues Deeper in the Drain Line: Sometimes the problem isn’t in the toilet itself but further down the main drain line. This can be caused by years of buildup, invasive tree roots, or a blockage in the municipal sewer line.

To figure out what you’re dealing with, assess the severity of the clog. Is the water draining, just very slowly? Is it standing still and not moving at all? Or is water from another drain—like a sink or shower—backing up into the toilet bowl? The answer will help determine whether you have a simple clog or a more serious plumbing issue.

How to Unclog a Toilet (The Step-by-Step Method)

Ready to tackle the clog? Follow these steps in order. This method starts with the simplest solution and progresses to more advanced techniques, just like a professional plumber would.

Step 1: Stop the Water Flow

Before doing anything else, prevent a messy overflow. If the water in the bowl is rising, you need to act fast.

• Remove the tank lid. Carefully lift it off and set it aside on a towel to avoid cracking it.
• Close the flapper. Reach inside the tank and press down firmly on the circular rubber valve (the flapper) at the bottom. This will stop more water from entering the bowl.
• Shut off the water supply. For a more permanent solution, look for the silver, football-shaped valve on the wall or floor behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This cuts off the water supply to the toilet, giving you time to work without worrying about another flush.

Step 2: Use a Proper Plunger (and Why It Matters)

Not all plungers are created equal. For toilets, you need a flange plunger, which has a smaller, bell-shaped cup that extends from the bottom. This design creates a much better seal on the toilet’s drain opening compared to a standard, flat-bottomed cup plunger meant for sinks.

• Get a good seal. Place the plunger in the bowl, ensuring the flange is inside the drain opening. The main cup should cover the entire hole. If there isn’t enough water in the bowl to submerge the plunger head, add some from a sink to improve suction.
• Plunge correctly. Start with a gentle push to expel air from the cup, then begin plunging vigorously in and out for 15-20 seconds. The goal is to use the force of the water—not air—to dislodge the blockage.
• Repeat if necessary. You may need to repeat the process a few times. If the water drains, you’ve succeeded! If not, it’s time to move to the next step.

Step 3: Add Dish Soap and Hot Water

If plunging alone doesn’t work, this combination can help lubricate and break down the clog, especially if it’s caused by toilet paper and organic waste.

• Pour in dish soap. Squeeze about half a cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl.
• Add hot water. Fill a bucket with hot water from the tap—do not use boiling water. Boiling water can cause a thermal shock that cracks the porcelain bowl, turning a simple clog into a costly replacement. Pour the hot water into the bowl from about waist height. The force of the water combined with the heat helps activate the soap.
• Let it sit. Wait for 20-30 minutes. The soap will help lubricate the clog, and the hot water will help dissolve the toilet paper. Try plunging again.

Step 4: Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic home remedy creates a fizzing reaction that can apply pressure to the clog and help break down organic materials.

• Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Slowly pour two cups of white vinegar after it. Pouring too quickly will cause the mixture to foam up and out of the bowl.
• Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then try flushing or plunging.

Step 5: Use a Toilet Auger (Drain Snake)

If the clog is still there, it may be too dense or too far down for a plunger. A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger or drain snake, is designed to reach deeper into the toilet’s trap.

• Insert the auger. Feed the metal cable into the drain opening until you feel resistance. The auger has a protective rubber sleeve to prevent scratching the porcelain.
• Turn the handle. Crank the handle clockwise to extend the cable and break up the clog. You may feel the auger push through the blockage.
• Retrieve the auger. Turn the handle counter-clockwise to retract the cable. This can either pull part of the clog out or break it up enough to be flushed.

This tool is especially useful for homeowners, landlords, and property managers who deal with frequent clogs. If these steps don’t work, the blockage is likely beyond the reach of standard DIY tools.

Put our 115+ years of experience to work for you. If the clog won’t budge, schedule service today.

Why Won’t My Toilet Unclog With a Plunger?

Feeling frustrated because your plunger isn’t working? It’s a common problem. Here are a few reasons why your efforts might be failing:

• Not Enough Water in the Bowl: A plunger uses water to create pressure. If the bowl is empty, you’re just pushing air, which is far less effective.
• Using the Wrong Plunger Shape: A standard cup plunger can’t form a tight seal on a toilet’s curved drain. You need a flange plunger for the job.
• Not Forming a Proper Seal: Even with the right plunger, an improper angle can let water escape, weakening the pressure you’re applying.
• The Clog Is Too Far Down the Pipe: A plunger is only effective for clogs in the toilet’s immediate trap. If the blockage is further down the drain line, a plunger won’t have enough force to reach it.
• The Issue Is Beyond Your Control: The problem could be a main sewer line clog, which affects all the drains in your home. Invasive tree roots can also crush or block pipes underground. In these cases, only a professional plumber has the equipment to fix it.

At G.A. Eberly, every repair is supervised by a Master Technician to ensure we diagnose the root cause correctly. If a simple plunge doesn’t work, we have the tools to find out why.

What Can You Safely Pour Down a Toilet to Unblock It?

When you’re desperate, it’s tempting to reach for a chemical solution. However, many products can do more harm than good.

Safe Options to Pour Down Your Toilet:

• Dish Soap & Hot Water
• Baking Soda & Vinegar
• Enzyme-Based Cleaners (specifically designed for plumbing)

What NOT to Pour Down Your Toilet:

• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Harsh liquid drain cleaners can generate heat that softens PVC pipes and can even crack porcelain. They are also highly toxic and dangerous if they splash back.
• Boiling Water: As mentioned, this can crack the toilet bowl.
• Bleach Combinations: Never mix bleach with other chemicals, especially ammonia, as it can create toxic chloramine gas. While bleach can sanitize, it won’t dissolve a clog.

Our professional approach prioritizes the long-term health of your plumbing system. Unlike quick-fix chemicals that damage pipes, we focus on safe, effective solutions.

The Viral Question: Can You Really Unclog a Toilet in 11 Seconds?

You’ve probably seen viral videos online claiming to unclog a toilet in seconds. While some of these “hacks” can work under perfect conditions, many are unrealistic or risk damaging your plumbing. Speed isn’t everything—safety and effectiveness are what matter.

However, if you want to try a rapid and safe method, here’s a professional-approved “11-second” approach:

1. Ensure you have a flange plunger and enough water in the bowl.
2. Get a perfect seal over the drain opening.
3. Perform a series of quick, forceful pressure changes—plunge down and pull up rapidly for about 10-15 seconds.

This rapid motion can sometimes create the hydraulic shock needed to dislodge a simple paper clog. But if it doesn’t work right away, don’t force it. For families and commercial clients alike, the goal is a lasting solution, not a risky shortcut.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional Plumber

A stubborn clog can be more than just an inconvenience; it can be a sign of a larger problem. Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Frequent Clogs: If the same toilet clogs weekly or even monthly, there’s likely an underlying issue.
• Gurgling Noises: Hearing gurgling from your shower drain or sink when you flush the toilet points to a blocked drain line or venting issue.
• Water Backing Up: If water backs up into your tub or sinks after flushing, your main sewer line is almost certainly blocked.
• Standing Water That Won’t Go Down: If none of the DIY methods work and water remains in the bowl, the blockage is severe.

For property managers and businesses, delaying service can lead to costly downtime, water damage, and unhappy tenants or customers. G.A. Eberly offers a fast response with licensed, bonded, and insured technicians. Our fully stocked trucks and Master Technician oversight mean we get the job done right the first time.

Call now for fast, reliable repairs. Trust the DMV’s plumbing experts for generations.

Top Products and Brands for a Clogged Toilet

Here are six highly recommended products and brands for tackling a clogged toilet, along with links to their respective websites for easy purchase:

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

Drano Max Gel is a powerful solution for clearing tough clogs and maintaining clear pipes. It’s designed to cut through standing water and quickly resolve blockages.

Buy Drano Max Gel

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver

Known for its eco-friendly formula, Green Gobbler works effectively to dissolve hair, grease, and other common clogging materials without damaging pipes.

Buy Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver

Korky Plunger

The Korky Plunger features a universal design that fits most toilet openings and provides powerful unclogging performance. Its ergonomic handle ensures easy use.

Buy Korky Plunger

Fluidmaster Toilet Auger

This professional-grade auger is perfect for handling stubborn clogs deep in the toilet drain. Its durable construction ensures long-term reliability.

Buy Fluidmaster Toilet Auger

RIDGID PowerClear Drain Cleaner

A highly effective, motor-powered option for removing clogs from toilets and other drains, the RIDGID PowerClear offers a precise and efficient cleaning experience.

Buy RIDGID PowerClear Drain Cleaner

Liquid-Plumr Full Clog Destroyer

Liquid-Plumr delivers powerful clog-busting action, capable of cutting through the toughest buildup in toilets, sinks, and more. It’s a trusted household name for quick results.

Buy Liquid-Plumr Full Clog Destroyer

These products provide effective solutions for various clogging scenarios, helping you restore functionality and prevent plumbing issues.

Tips to Prevent a Clogged Toilet in the First Place

The best way to deal with a clog is to prevent it from ever happening.

• Use Less Toilet Paper: Be mindful of how much you use. If needed, use a “courtesy flush” midway through.
• Avoid “Flushable” Wipes: Despite their name, these wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of clogs and sewer backups.
• Only Flush the 3 P’s: Pee, poo, and (toilet) paper are the only things that should ever be flushed.
• Keep Tools on Hand: Every home and business should have a flange plunger and a toilet auger.
• Schedule Routine Maintenance: For businesses and multi-unit properties, scheduling routine drain maintenance can prevent emergencies and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Book your plumbing or heating service online in minutes and keep your pipes clear.

Your Local, Family-Owned Plumber Since 1909

Dealing with a clogged toilet is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. For over a century, G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating has been the trusted partner for families and businesses in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Choosing a family-owned, woman-operated company with a long-standing reputation gives you peace of mind.

Save our number for any plumbing or heating emergency. We’re here to provide honest, reliable service rooted in generations of expertise.

Get your plumbing and heating done right the first time. Call G.A. Eberly today!