There are few things more stressful than a toilet that will not flush. You are standing there watching the water rise, hoping it stops before it spills over onto your bathroom floor, and you are already mentally calculating how much a plumber costs.
Here’s the thing. Most toilet clogs are fixable in under 10 minutes using tools you already have at home or can grab from any hardware store for under $20. You do not need to panic, and you definitely do not need to call a plumber for every clog.
Let me walk you through exactly how to unblock a toilet, what works, what does not, and when you actually do need to bring in a pro.
First, stop flushing
I know this sounds obvious, but the number one mistake people make is flushing again to “test” if it worked. All that does is add more water to an already full bowl, which then overflows onto your floor.
If the toilet is clogged, leave it alone for a minute. The water level will usually drop on its own as it slowly seeps past the clog.
While you wait, locate your toilet’s shut-off valve. It is usually on the wall behind the toilet near the floor. Turn it clockwise to stop water from refilling the tank if you are worried about overflow.
Method 1: Use a plunger the right way
Most people own a plunger, but a lot of people are using the wrong kind or using it incorrectly.
You need a toilet plunger, which has a flange (a soft rubber extension) that fits into the toilet drain opening. A sink plunger is flat and will not create the seal you need.
Here’s how to use it properly. Place the plunger in the bowl so the flange goes into the drain hole. Push down gently at first to get rid of any trapped air, then plunge with quick, forceful up and down motions. You want to create suction and pressure that pushes and pulls the clog.
Keep plunging for about 15 to 20 strokes, then pull the plunger out quickly to see if the water drains. If it does, flush once to clear everything. If not, repeat the process.
A good toilet plunger makes a huge difference. The Korky 99-4A and Neiko 60166A are both solid options that actually create a tight seal on most toilets.
If you have tried plunging multiple times and nothing is moving, it is time to try something else.
Method 2: Hot water and dish soap
This is the method I wish I had known about years ago. It works surprisingly well on clogs caused by toilet paper buildup or waste, and you do not need any special tools.
Here’s what to do. Squirt about half a cup of dish soap directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so it can work its way down and start lubricating the clog.
Then, heat up a gallon of water until it is hot but not boiling. You do not want boiling water because it can crack porcelain. Pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height in one steady stream. The force and heat together often break up the clog.
Wait another 10 to 15 minutes, then try flushing. If the water drains, you are done. If not, you can repeat this process once more before moving on.
By the way, if you are dealing with recurring clogs or slow drains in other parts of your house, you might also want to check out how to unblock a sink, because sometimes the problem is deeper in your plumbing.
Method 3: Use a toilet auger (drain snake)
If the plunger and hot water method both failed, the clog is probably stubborn or stuck farther down the drain. That is when you need a toilet auger, also called a closet auger.
A toilet auger is a long flexible cable with a crank handle. You feed the cable into the toilet drain, crank the handle to push it through the clog or hook onto it, then pull it back out.
You can grab one at any hardware store for around $15 to $30, or order one online. The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is a simpler disposable version that works for lighter clogs.
Insert the auger carefully into the toilet drain and crank the handle while pushing. You will feel resistance when you hit the clog. Keep cranking and pushing until you break through it or pull it out. Flush to test.
If you have never used an auger before, home repairs with zero experience walks through beginner-friendly fixes like this one.
Method 4: Try the plastic bottle hack (if you are desperate)
If you do not have a plunger or auger and need a solution right now, this makeshift method sometimes works on minor clogs.
Fill a large plastic bottle (like a 2-liter soda bottle) with warm water. Put your thumb over the opening, place the bottle opening into the toilet drain as much as possible, and squeeze hard and fast. The burst of water pressure can sometimes dislodge a clog.
I am not going to lie, this method is messy and not always effective, but it is worth trying if you are stuck without tools.
When to call a plumber
If you have tried plunging, hot water, and an auger and the toilet is still clogged, or if multiple toilets and drains in your house are backing up at the same time, you need professional help.
That usually means the clog is deep in your main sewer line, which is not a DIY fix. Also call a plumber if you hear gurgling sounds from other drains when you flush, or if sewage is backing up into your tub or shower.
On the flip side, if you are comfortable learning basic home repairs to save money, check out 5 home repairs I finally learned to do myself and saved $500 for more confidence-building fixes.
How to prevent future toilet clogs
Once you get the toilet unclogged, here are a few habits that will keep it from happening again.
Only flush toilet paper and waste. No wipes (even if they say flushable), no paper towels, no cotton swabs, and definitely no feminine hygiene products. All of those cause clogs.
If you have kids, keep small toys and objects out of reach. Toilet clogs caused by action figures and toy cars are more common than you think.
Use less toilet paper per flush. If you tend to use a lot, try flushing halfway through instead of waiting until the end.
Pour a bucket of hot water into the toilet once a month to help keep things flowing smoothly and break down any buildup before it becomes a problem.
And if you are dealing with older plumbing or frequent issues, it might be worth looking into whether frozen pipes or other hidden problems are affecting your system.
Toilet clog FAQs
Can I use drain cleaner in a toilet?
Most drain cleaners are not safe for toilets and can damage the porcelain or pipes. Stick with hot water, dish soap, a plunger, or an auger.
How long does it take to unclog a toilet with a plunger?
Usually 1 to 5 minutes of steady plunging. If it is taking longer than 10 minutes, the clog is too stubborn for a plunger alone and you need to try hot water or an auger.
Why does my toilet keep clogging?
Recurring clogs usually mean low water pressure, an older low-flow toilet, a partially blocked vent pipe, or something stuck farther down the drain line. If it keeps happening, call a plumber to inspect.
Can I prevent clogs if I have a septic system?
Yes. Be even more careful about what you flush. Use septic-safe toilet paper, avoid flushing anything besides waste and paper, and have your septic tank pumped regularly.
The good news is, most toilet clogs are simple fixes. Once you know the right steps and have a decent plunger on hand, you can handle this yourself and skip the $150 plumber call. And honestly, that is a quiet win worth celebrating.
