How to Unclog a Toilet That Is Completely Clogged

Plungers that do not have the funnel extension on the bottom of the cup do not work in toilets very well.

A completely clogged toilet provides a potentially messy and challenging obstacle before you or anyone else can use the toilet again. With a total block in the toilet's drain pipe, you must be careful to not overflow the bowl, otherwise you will be cleaning toilet water off the bathroom floor. Before you start working on the toilet, make sure you have the proper tools, which will help make the job easier and increase your chances of success.

Things You'll Need

• Funnel-cup toilet plunger
• Closet auger

Instructions

1. Turn the handle on the toilet's shutoff valve clockwise to turn off the water to the toilet. Flush the toilet once more if the water in the bowl is not within 4 inches of the bowl's top rim.

2. Place a funnel-cup plunger over the toilet bowl's drain opening, creating a firm seal between the plunger's cup and the bowl. Pump the plunger's handle hard up and down at least 12 times, then remove the plunger.

3. Feed the coiled end of the closet auger into the toilet bowl's drain opening, making sure the curved end of the auger points up. Turn the closet auger's handle clockwise to feed it into the toilet's drain pipe.

4. Turn the auger's handle counterclockwise once you have fed the entire flexible portion into the toilet's drain. Turn the toilet's shutoff valve handle counterclockwise to refill the tank, then flush the toilet again to test if the clog is still present.

5. Plunge the toilet again if the toilet drains slowly. Use the auger again if the toilet still does not flush. Contact a plumber if after feeding the auger into the toilet three times it still will not flush.

References

• This Old House: Clear Any Clogged Drain