Dealing with a clogged toilet can be frustrating, messy, and inconvenient—but it’s a problem most homeowners will encounter at some point.
The good news? You don’t always need to call a professional plumber right away. With the right tools, techniques, and preparation, you can handle many toilet clogs yourself. Understanding the common causes of toilet clogs can also be helpful in preventing them.
This guide will teach you how to unclog a toilet step by step, using a range of methods from simple solutions to advanced tools. You’ll also learn how to prevent future clogs, saving you time, money, and the occasional plumbing-related headache.
Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash
Understanding and Preparing for a Clogged Toilet
What Causes a Clogged Toilet?
Clogged toilets are a common issue, often caused by:
- Excess toilet paper use.
- Flushing non-degradable items such as paper towels, feminine products, or wet wipes.
- Waste buildup or foreign objects blocking the toilet drain.
Understanding the cause of the problem is key to clearing the clog and preventing it from happening again. However, clogs can happen unexpectedly and cause frustration.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Ignoring a clogged toilet can lead to:
- Overflow of water, creating mess and water damage.
- Increased pressure on the plumbing system, potentially causing pipe damage. Using harsh chemicals can weaken pipe structures and lead to leaks in the basement.
- Costly professional repairs.
Identifying the problem early and using the right tools can save you time and money.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- A toilet plunger: Essential for creating suction and breaking up clogs.
- A toilet auger or plumber’s snake: For more stubborn blockages.
- Rubber gloves: To keep your hands clean while working.
- Bucket and old towels: For handling water spills.
- Dish soap and hot water: Household staples that can help loosen clogs.
- A wire coat hanger: Useful for fishing out or breaking up obstructions.
These tools can be found at your local hardware store.
Photo by markusspiske on Pixabay
Using a Toilet Auger for Effective Unclogging
What Is a Toilet Auger?
A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger or plumber’s snake, is a flexible tool designed to reach deep into the toilet drain to break apart or retrieve blockages.
A plumber’s snake can also be used as an alternative tool for addressing severely clogged toilets.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Insert the Auger: Place the end of the auger into the toilet drain. Ensure the curved tip is aimed toward the clog. Make sure to create a proper seal with the plunger over the drain hole to generate sufficient suction and avoid air pockets.
- Crank the Handle: Turn the handle gently to maneuver the auger through the pipe. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the toilet bowl or plumbing.
- Break or Pull the Clog: Once you feel resistance, carefully push or pull the auger to dislodge the clog.
- Flush to Test: Remove the auger and flush the toilet to check if the blockage is cleared.
Toilet augers are available at most hardware stores and can be an effective tool for DIY plumbing solutions.
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
Household Items for Unclogging a Toilet
You don’t always need specialized tools to fix a clogged toilet. Some common household items can do the trick: A rubber ‘balloon’ connected to a garden hose can expand to seal against the inside of the sewer cleanout, allowing water pressure to push through clogs.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
- Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Other types of liquid soap can also be used effectively.
- Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl.
- Wait 10–15 minutes for the soap and heat to loosen the clog, then flush.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.
- Allow the mixture to fizz and break down the clog for 15–30 minutes. This method is particularly effective for breaking down stubborn clogs.
- Follow up with hot water and a flush.
Wire Coat Hanger
- Straighten a wire coat hanger, leaving one end bent to form a small hook.
- Use the hooked end to gently fish out or break apart blockages in the toilet drain.
These methods are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective for clearing minor clogs. Additionally, you can cut the bottom off a plastic bottle to create a makeshift plunger that can generate pressure to help dislodge clogs when a traditional plunger is not available.
Natural Remedies for a Clogged Toilet
Natural remedies can be an effective and eco-friendly way to unclog a toilet. One popular method is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down the clog. To do this, carefully pour one cup of baking soda down the toilet drain, followed by a quarter cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its way into the clog.
Then, use hot water to flush the toilet and help dissolve the clog. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also saves money on plumbing costs.
Eco-Friendly Solutions
Another eco-friendly solution for unclogging a toilet is to use a toilet auger or a drain snake. These tools are designed to break up and remove clogs without the use of harsh chemicals. They work by inserting the auger or snake into the toilet drain and rotating it to break up the clog. This method is not only effective but also gentle on the plumbing system.
Additionally, using a plunger with a flange can also be an effective way to unclog a toilet without using chemicals. It’s also important to note that preventing clogs is key, and using a drain screen to catch hair and other debris before they go down the drain can help prevent clogs.
Benefits of Natural Remedies
The benefits of using natural remedies to unclog a toilet are numerous. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they are also cost-effective and gentle on the plumbing system. They can also help to prevent future clogs by breaking down and removing any underlying issues that may be causing the clog.
Furthermore, natural remedies can be used in conjunction with other methods, such as using a plunger or a toilet auger, to provide a comprehensive solution to unclogging a toilet. By using natural remedies, homeowners can save money on plumbing costs and reduce their environmental impact.
Regular maintenance, such as using a toilet brush to clean the toilet bowl and checking the water supply, can also help prevent clogs and keep the toilet running smoothly.
Preventing Future Clogs
Prevention is better than a cure, especially when it comes to your toilet. Follow these tips to avoid future blockages:
Proper drainage is crucial in preventing future clogs.
Be Mindful of What You Flush
Only flush toilet paper and waste. Avoid flushing items like wet wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products.
Understanding the mechanics of the toilet tank, including components like the fill valve and float arm, is crucial for proper flushing and preventing clogs.
Adopt Better Flushing Habits
Use less toilet paper when possible and flush twice for larger loads.
A proper toilet flush is crucial to prevent clogs and overflows, ensuring effective management of clogs and restoring proper toilet function.
Regular Maintenance
- Clean your toilet bowl and drain hole regularly using a toilet brush to reduce buildup.
- Check for mineral deposits in the drain that may restrict water flow and remove them promptly.
Supervise Children’s Toilet Use
Prevent children from flushing toys or foreign objects that may accidentally cause blockages.
Taking these simple preventive measures can save you from future plumbing problems. In case of an emergency, a wire hanger can be a practical tool for manually unclogging toilets when traditional methods like plungers fail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Call plumber” by Thomas Decays is licensed under CC BY 4.0
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While these DIY methods can solve most clogs, some situations require professional help. If you’re experiencing the following, it’s time to call in the experts:
- Persistent clogs that keep returning.
- Water overflowing despite regular unclogging efforts.
- Gurgling sounds coming from nearby drains.
- Unresolved issues even after trying an auger or other tools.
Remember, it’s important to repeat certain steps during the unclogging process, such as plunging motions, until the blockage is cleared and water drains properly.
If you’re located in the DMV area, call G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating at 301-856-6900. Their experienced and licensed plumbers are available to handle complex plumbing problems, ensuring your system works efficiently.
Resolving Toilet Clogs and Avoiding Future Troubles | How To Unclog A Toilet
Unclogging a toilet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using the right tools, techniques and enough water, homeowners can often resolve the issue quickly and effectively.
Reviewing common causes of clogs and adopting preventive practices can save you from frequent frustrations and costly repairs. The unclogging process is crucial in resolving toilet clogs efficiently and safely.
Remember, if a clog seems stubborn or beyond your skills, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber. Give G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating a call at 301-856-6900 or visit their website for expert plumbing solutions.
Your plumbing system deserves care, and with these strategies, you’ll ensure it continues to function seamlessly.