Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Tips & Warnings:
- Try squirting some dish soap in the toilet and let it sit for a few minutes and then continue to plunge. It has been known to work wonders according to our readers, who suggested it.
- If the plunger or the auger don't remove the clog, you options are to call in the pros or remove the toilet yourself and manually remove the blockage.
- If you're desperate and can't get hold of a plumber, a strong wet/dry vacuum will sometimes be able to remove a clog.
- Buy the highest-quality plunger you can.
- Be very cautious about using a chemical drain cleaner/opener in a clogged toilet. They are caustic and can cause chemical burns to the eyes or skin. Make sure that any product used is specifically marked as safe for use with porcelain, and follow the manufacturer's directions exactly. Never mix any of these chemical agents, as dangerous reactions could occur. Never attempt to plunge a toilet after you have put drain cleaner in the bowl.
Step1
Ask your family if anything is missing. A missing toy or a make up container could be blocking the toilet and if so will likely require you to use a toilet auger. If no one knows about anything missing, you're probably dealing with a clog.
Step2
Place some old towels or blankets on the floor around the toilet, (no matter how careful you are, some water will likely splash onto the floor).
Step3
Scoop water out of the toilet bowl into a bucket (not down the sink). Leave enough water to cover the plunger
Step4
Insert the plunger into the toilet, making sure the rubber globe or cup is fully seated over the drain opening and covered with water.
Step5
Push the plunger handle down with firm strokes. Increase pressure on the clog by pushing and releasing the plunger 10 to 15 times. Rough, careless plunging can damage the toilet bowl. If the clog isn't too tight, these bursts of increased water pressure caused by the plunger,will probably clear the obstruction.
Step6
Attack tougher problems with a toilet auger, which is similar to a plumber's snake but covered in a plastic sheath to protect the toilet bowl from scratches (see "eHow to Use a Plumber's Snake"). Lost toys, tubes of makeup and stubborn clogs will all probably require an auger.
Step7
Flush the toilet when you think the clog has moved. As a precaution, have the toilet tank lid off and be ready to stop the water flow by raising the ball in the toilet tank.
Comments
thehousefan said
on 8/30/2008 Please Help I need help as soon as possible my toliet is clogged and i dont have a plunger.
thehousefan said
on 8/30/2008 need help i dont have a plunger and i need to unclogg a toliet as soon as possible
gabound2001 said
on 8/10/2008 I put one of those blue tablets in the tank and then it disolved and my toilet clogged up. I read in a book to use vinegar and baking soda. That didn't work, I used a plunger and a snake and that didn't work. I found your site and did the dishsoap and hot water thinking this isn't going to work and knowing the next step was calling a plumber which I can't afford. I tried the soap and water, plunger a few times and now it is working great. Thanks so much. I really does work.
proudmama752 said
on 8/9/2008 Can I just say Wow!! Had a birthday party today, lots of kids, and my husband is at work.. I had already taken my nightly sleeping pills, and lo and behold, toilet was majorly clogged.. Plunged for 2 hours to no avail..In despair, I finally googled "how to unplug a clogged toilet" and found this site.. Poured half a bottle of Ajax in the toilet and let sit while I boiled a pot of water.. Poured the water from waist/chest level, and SWISH, down the water went!! HOORAY for the internet and 'home remedies'!!!
stfuminjakid said
on 7/27/2008 The dish detergent idea totally works. My niece and nephew threw tons of TP down the toilet then a few hours later (after i already tried to unclog it) decided to actually take a #2 and clog the toilet beyond repair. I tried the plunger and the snake but this was so easy and simple. I boiled some water in a pot then popped in a cascade dishwasher dissolving square and poured it down from my waist level (the water pressure helps) and after a few plunges it just flushed away =]
*kudos*