How to Unclog Your Toilet Like a Pro

A clogged toilet can be stressful, but most clogs can be fixed quickly without a plumber. Whether it’s due to excessive toilet paper or a foreign object, there’s a solution—even without a plunger. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Los Angeles or a house in Portland, this ApartmentGuide article covers how to unclog a toilet, alternative methods without a plunger, and tips to prevent future blockages, so you can handle toilet troubles with ease.

Common causes of a clogged toilet

Understanding why toilets clog can help you resolve and prevent blockages. Common causes include:

• Excessive toilet paper usage: Can create blockages, especially in low-flow toilets.
• Flushing non-flushable items: Wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products don’t dissolve properly.
• Hard water buildup: Mineral deposits can narrow pipes over time, leading to clogs.
• Foreign objects: Toys, toothbrushes, or other items accidentally flushed can obstruct the flow.
• Aging plumbing: Older pipes can corrode or narrow, reducing water flow and increasing clog risks.

Before you unclog, stop the overflow and avoid repeated flushing

When dealing with a clogged toilet, the first priority is to prevent an overflow. President and master plumber for CNY Plumbing Solutions in Syracuse, Steven Landers, cautions, “The most important thing is to not keep flushing the toilet so it won’t overflow. Every toilet should have a shut off valve under the left-hand side of the tank. Turn that all the way to the right and it will cut the water supply.” 

To stop water from flowing into the bowl, remove the tank lid and locate the round rubber flapper at the bottom center of the tank. Press the flapper down firmly over the hole to stop additional water from entering the bowl.

If the toilet bowl is full, Ty Lalonde, owner of Lalonde Plumbing in Rochester, suggests, “Use a bucket to carefully remove excess water” before proceeding to “use a plunger and dislodge the clog.”

How to unclog a toilet with a plunger

Once you’ve successfully stopped the overflow and ensured no additional water will spill into the bowl, it’s time to move on to clearthe clog. The most effective and commonly used tool for this job is a plunger. Here’s how:

1. Choose the right plunger: Use a flange plunger specifically designed for toilets. Its rubber extension creates a better seal compared to standard flat plungers, making it more effective for clearing blockages. If you don’t have a flange plunger, a regular one can work, but it may require more effort.
2. Add water if needed: If the toilet bowl is low on water, add enough to submerge the plunger’s rubber cup. This helps create the necessary suction.
3. Create a seal: Position the plunger over the toilet drain, ensuring the flange fits snugly into the drain opening. A tight seal is essential for effective plunging.
4. Plunge gently at first: Start with slow, gentle plunges to expel trapped air and avoid splashing. Once the air is out, proceed with more forceful plunges, keeping a steady rhythm.
5. Use consistent force: Push down and pull up with consistent pressure to create suction and dislodge the clog. Aim for 10-15 plunges in one session.
6. Test the results: After a round of plunging, remove the plunger and check if the water starts to drain. If it doesn’t, repeat the process a few more times.
7. Flush carefully: Once the water drains, flush the toilet to confirm the clog is fully cleared. If the water rises again, stop flushing and continue plunging.
8. Clean up: After the clog is resolved, clean the plunger thoroughly with hot water and disinfectant.

Extra tip: If the blockage persists after several attempts, consider using a toilet auger for deeper clogs or move to alternative methods outlined in this guide.

How to fix a clogged toilet with a “snake” aka a toilet auger

For stubborn clogs that can’t be resolved with a plunger or household remedies, a toilet snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is a reliable tool. Designed to reach deeper into the drain, a snake can break up or remove blockages that are out of reach. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Choose the right tool: Use a toilet snake specifically designed for toilets, as it has a protective coating to prevent damage to the porcelain. Avoid using standard drain snakes that may scratch the bowl.
2. Prepare the area: For hygiene, Tyler Lalonde advises putting on gloves and placing old towels or newspapers around the base of the toilet to catch any drips or splashes.
3. Insert the snake: Place the curved end of the auger into the toilet drain. Push it in gently until you feel resistance, which indicates you’ve reached the clog.
4. Crank the handle: Rotate the handle clockwise to extend the cable further into the drain and break up or hook onto the clog. Use steady, consistent pressure to avoid damaging the pipe.
5. Test the blockage: Pull the cable back slightly to check if the clog has been hooked. If it feels heavy, the snake has likely latched onto the obstruction.
6. Remove the clog: Carefully retract the snake, bringing the clog back up with it. Dispose of the material properly and sanitize the tool after use.
7. Flush the toilet: Once the clog is cleared, flush the toilet to ensure the water flows smoothly. If it doesn’t, repeat the process to clear any remaining debris.
8. Clean up: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the snake before storing it to prevent contamination.

Extra tip: If you don’t own a toilet snake, you can rent one from a local hardware store. Adding a snake to your clog-clearing toolkit provides a powerful solution for tough blockages.

7 ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger

Sometimes you might not have a plunger handy. In these cases, here are alternative methods to unclog your toilet:

1. Hot water and dish soap

This method is simple, effective, and uses common household items:

• Step 1: Add 1/4 cup of dish soap to the toilet bowl. The soap acts as a lubricant, helping to break down the clog and grease.
• Step 2: Heat a bucket of water (hot but not boiling to avoid damaging the porcelain).
• Step 3: Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from waist height. The height adds force to the water, helping to loosen the blockage.
• Step 4: Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to soften the clog.
• Step 5: Gently flush the toilet. Repeat the process if necessary.

Extra tip: For tougher clogs, you can increase the amount of dish soap or add some shampoo if dish soap isn’t available.

2. Baking soda and vinegar

This eco-friendly solution leverages a chemical reaction to help dissolve minor clogs:

• Step 1: Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Step 2: Slowly add 2 cups of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, breaking down organic material and grime.
• Step 3: Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 4: Pour in hot water and flush the toilet to see if the clog is resolved.

Extra tip: If the clog persists, repeat the process and allow the mixture to sit overnight for better results.

3. Use a wire hanger

A straightened wire hanger can help with stubborn clogs near the surface:

• Step 1: Straighten the hanger, leaving a small hook at one end to grab or break up the clog.
• Step 2: Carefully insert the hooked end into the toilet drain, being mindful not to scratch the porcelain.
• Step 3: Twist and maneuver the hanger to dislodge the clog.
• Step 4: Flush the toilet to confirm the clog is cleared.

Extra tip: Wrap the hooked end of the hanger with duct tape to protect the porcelain from scratches.

4. Try a plastic bottle

This creative method works as a makeshift plunger:

• Step 1: Cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle (such as a 2-liter soda bottle).
• Step 2: Place the open end into the toilet drain, ensuring a snug fit.
• Step 3: Push down firmly and pull up to create suction, mimicking a plunger’s action.
• Step 4: Repeat the push-and-pull motion several times to dislodge the clog.
• Step 5: Flush the toilet to ensure the clog is gone.

5. Plastic wrap method

This approach uses plastic wrap to create a seal and dislodge the clog:

• Step 1: Cover the entire toilet bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it forms an airtight seal.
• Step 2: Flush the toilet. As the water rises, the plastic wrap will bulge.
• Step 3: Press down gently on the plastic wrap to create pressure, which can push the clog through.

Extra tip: Ensure the seal is tight to maximize the effectiveness of this method.

6. Using a mop as a plunger substitute

If you don’t have a plunger, a clean mop can work as an effective alternative:

• Step 1: Wrap the mop head in a plastic bag or a thick cloth to protect the toilet and maintain hygiene.
• Step 2: Insert the mop head into the toilet drain, ensuring it’s snug.
• Step 3: Use a plunging motion with the mop to create suction and dislodge the clog.
• Step 4: Repeat the motion several times, then flush to confirm the clog is cleared.

Extra tip: Sanitize the mop thoroughly after use to maintain cleanliness.

7. Use a wet/dry vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is a powerful tool for handling more persistent clogs:

• Step 1: Set your vacuum to wet mode and remove any dust bags or filters.
• Step 2: Insert the vacuum hose into the drain, sealing the area with a towel or duct tape to maintain suction.
• Step 3: Turn on the vacuum and allow it to suck out the clog. You may hear a gurgling sound when the blockage is cleared.
• Step 4: Flush the toilet to ensure the drain is working correctly.

Extra tip: Clean and disinfect the vacuum thoroughly after use.

How to prevent future clogs

Preventing future clogs requires regular maintenance and mindful use of your toilet. To keep your plumbing clear, flush only toilet paper, avoiding items like wipes, sanitary products, or anything that doesn’t dissolve easily. Limit your use of toilet paper to prevent excessive buildup in the pipes. Incorporate regular maintenance by using enzyme-based cleaners or a vinegar solution monthly to break down debris and keep pipes clear. Educate everyone in your household about what is safe to flush, ensuring consistent habits that prevent clogs. 

If clogs are frequent, consider upgrading to a dual-flush or high-performance toilet for improved water flow and efficiency.

When to call a plumber

If your toilet remains clogged despite your best efforts, it might be time to contact a professional. Some clear signs that you need a plumber include water backing up into sinks or tubs, persistent clogs that resist repeated attempts to clear them, or frequent blockages that suggest a larger issue within your plumbing system. Addressing these problems promptly can help prevent further complications or damage to your home’s plumbing.