Clogged toilets happen. A backed up toilet can be frustrating, not to mention embarrassing if you’re not at home. The good news is that learning how to unclog a toilet, is relatively easy.
I work with toilets and I’ve clogged a few in my day. I feel your pain and I’m here to help.
You’ll be happy to learn that clogging a toilet can usually be fixed in a matter of minutes. There are a number of ways to unclog a toilet and most of the materials you need can be found around your house.
Hot water, plungers, a toilet auger, and a wet/dry vacuum are all great options to clear the pipes in your toilet.
It’s important to understand that although most clogged toilets occur due to a minor issue, a persistent clog can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Each situation is different, but starting with these 10 ways should put you on the right track to a DIY fix.
10 Ways To Unclog A Toilet Fast!
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The Flush And Hold
Did you know that many clogs are a result of a poor flush? A poor flush will result in waste that remains in the bowl and occasionally the waste can become lodged in the trap of the toilet.
The double flush usually solves the problem of a poor flush. Most of us have utilized the double flush and some big guys use the double flush every time they use the toilet.
The double flush is useful, but it’s also important to make sure you hold down the handle. The handle is connected to the flapper, which allows water to move from the tank to the bowl. Holding down the handle ensures that the flapper remains open and therefore it provides a full flush.
Give this a try and if the toilet remains clogged move to the next option below.
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Plunger (But Use The Correct One)
A plunger is a great tool for any drain in the house. If the toilet is clogged a plunger will help. The same goes for the bathtub and the sink.
Most people, however, don’t realize that a plunger for the toilet is made a little differently than their counterparts for the sink or bathtub (read my other article to find the right plunger for your toilet). With this in mind, each home should have 2 styles of plungers.
I’m betting that you have a plunger in your home. You might keep it near the sink, or in the closet, under the sink, or in the garage. Get that plunger and once you secure it down in the toilet, give it a few pumps (sometimes 10 or more) to loosen up the clog.
Sometimes you’ll hear noises, and sometimes the water will flush on its own. Once you’re confident you’ve plunged enough, try flushing the toilet again and cross your fingers!
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Dump A Bucket Of Water
This method of unclogging your toilet has a higher risk-reward because if it doesn’t work it will fill your toilet to the brim. If it does work, it will force the clog through the pipes. Let’s hope for the latter.
Find a bucket and use the bathtub to fill the bucket with water. This unclogging method works by using the force of a large amount of water – much more than you’d get from simply flushing the toilet.
Holding your bucket, stand over the bowl and slowly dump the water in the bowl. As the water enters, it should create enough force to push through the clog (here is an article demonstrating the bucket technique).
Stop immediately if you notice the bowl is filling up quickly and the water isn’t draining. It’s important to avoid the overflow whenever possible.
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Clothes Hanger
A clothes hanger, seriously? A clothes hanger is an old school way to unclog a toilet and it’s also an inexpensive way.
To use this method of unclogging a toilet, you need a wire clothes hanger and you need to straighten it out. The most important thing to do before using a clothes hanger is to use tape over the wire, otherwise, you risk scratching the porcelain in the bowl.
Once the hanger is straight (or slightly curved to the contour of the hole) and covered with tape, push the hanger in the hole and wiggle it around. A hanger may work well for clogs near the opening of the toilet but won’t work for clogs that are deeper in the trap.
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Toilet Auger (Toilet Snake)
A toilet auger tool is usually reserved for plumbers, however, it’s a great buy if you clog toilets on a regular basis. In my opinion it’s the best tool on this list!
The toilet auger works like a small snake that goes into the trap area of the toilet. It’s flexible so it will adjust with the curve of your toilet and it won’t scratch your toilet.
The toilet auger is a step up from using a clothes hanger, but most people will need to buy an auger (for more infor, check out my article on how to use a toilet auger).
Put the auger in the bowl and extend the auger by unwinding it. Move it back and forth a few times then rinse it off in the bathtub after you’ve finished using it. Try flushing the toilet and if it worked, the trap will be clear.
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Vinegar And Baking Soda Combination
If you prefer a more hands-off approach using vinegar and baking soda is a great way to unclog a toilet. You won’t even have to get your hands dirty.
If your toilet is clogged add:
- 2 cups of vinegar (cheapest or most convenient type of vinegar)
- Then add a half cup of baking soda
Let the concoction sit for 1-2 hours (longer the better), then try flushing your toilet. Chances are the vinegar and the baking soda have eaten away at the clog and cleared your pipes.
Vinegar and baking soda also work great for cleaning a toilet bowl. Add the ingredients to the bowl and let sit overnight. In the morning, give the bowl a scrub with the toilet brush and you’ll have a sparkly clean bowl without needing costly chemicals.
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Hot Water With Dish Soap
One of the oldest tricks to unclog your toilet is with hot water and dish soap, yet, for some reason, most people don’t know about it.
Hot water loosens up excess toilet paper and waste, while the dish soap coats the pipes, which helps dislodge blockages.
Everyone has hot water at home and soap, so there’s no excuse not to try this clogged toilet hack.
Heat a kettle on the stove and make sure it’s really hot. Don’t worry about the temperature damaging – it won’t. While the water is heating up, squeeze a half cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl (it doesn’t have to be a half cup – just eyeball it).
Once the water is boiling (or real hot) pour the contents in the bowl. Make sure to do it carefully so you don’t splash water and burn yourself.
Let the mixture sit in the bowl for15-20 minutes before flushing. During this time hot water will cool down, but it should have enough time to help dissolve the blockage. Chances are, your toilet will flush and be back to its old self.
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Plumber
First things first: this way to unclog your toilet isn’t fast and it can be expensive. For a simple clog, a plumber should be your last option. After all, you want to save time and money, right?
The great thing about plumbers is they will diagnose the problem quickly and have the all necessary tools at their disposal. The bad thing about calling using a plumber is scheduling an appointment and the cost. It’s a trade-off that some homeowners are willing to sacrifice – especially if you work long hours.
If it’s a serious problem (clog in the pipes under your home) you’ll be happy you called the plumber.
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Strong Chemicals
Strong chemicals are often a method that people use. We believe that chemicals fix everything and they do it better than natural methods. But I’m here to tell you it’s not the case. Draino is often used when it’s unnecessary.
Strong chemicals have a number of disadvantages. Here’s a list of reasons I avoid using chemicals at all cost.
- Chemicals are hazardous to our health (breathing and handling)
- They can damage pipes
- They are costly
- They are bad for the environment
Some people prefer to use chemicals and don’t realize that vinegar, citric acid, and baking soda work just as well (learn more about using muriatic acid in your toilet).
I have used chemicals in my toilet before, however, I use them as a last resort. If possible try the other options in this list before pouring a strong chemical into your toilet.
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Wet/Dry Vacuum
It may seem strange, but you can use a wet vacuum in your toilet. But be warned: it’s a messy job and might leave your vacuum smelling funky (you’ll need to clean it thoroughly afterward).
To use a wet vacuum you’ll need to prepare the area in the bathroom by removing rugs and other materials you don’t want to get wet. The end of the nozzle will get wet and messy so make sure to place it in the bathtub after using.
To prepare the nozzle, wrap a damp cloth around the end and make sure it’s secure. This will help the vacuum with suction around the hole in the toilet bowl.
Place it deep in the bowl and the vacuum should suck out most of the water and clogged items. Even if it doesn’t suck out everything, it will hopefully dislodge a portion of the clog, making it easier to flush again (more info on using a wet/dry vac).
If needed, you can use the wet vacuum first, then apply hot water and dish soap or vinegar and baking soda.
Conclusion
If you’ve clogged a toilet, you don’t want to wait hours for a plumber to arrive. The best thing you can do is to solve the problem quickly and discretely (especially if you’re a guest at someone’s house).
Lucky for you, this article shares how to unclog a toilet fast! You might be surprised to learn there are plenty of methods to try. First, always try the double flush and make sure to hold down the handle. Second, look for a plunger. If you have a bucket nearby you can also fit it and dump a large amount of water in the bowl to force water through the clog.
A toilet auger is a helpful tool that should be purchased if you’re prone to backing up toilets.
If you prefer a cleaner way to unclog a toilet, try the vinegar and baking soda, or hot water and dish soap methods. Both of these work well, yet few homeowners know about them.
If possible, refrain from using chemicals. There are other natural substances like baking soda, vinegar, and citric acid that have a similar effect on clogs. Chemicals work well, but they can be tough on your respiratory system and on the environment.
When all else fails, a plumber can be called and he/she will solve the problem quickly. Unfortunately scheduling an appointment will take time and it won’t be cheap!
Toilet Travels hopes this article provides a few ideas for how to unclog a toilet. It’s a stinky job, but there are plenty of ways to stay clean while unclogging a toilet. Check out other blog articles for more helpful information on toilets.