What to Do If Your Toilet Gets Clogged

A clogged toilet is an unpleasant issue that requires a quick solution. Fortunately, in most cases, removing the clog is not that difficult.

5-Minute Crafts knows several methods that can help you unclog your toilet without anyone’s help.

Method #1: Try to remove the clog with the help of hot water.

Oftentimes, hot water is enough to remove a small clog.

1. Heat water in a pot but don’t bring it to a boil.

2. Pour the hot water into the drain and wait a few minutes. If you see the water has started to drain slightly, it means you managed to weaken the blockage.

3. Flush the water 1-2 times to clean the toilet and remove the clog completely.

Method #2: Use liquid soap.

If hot water doesn’t work or you don’t want to wait, try adding liquid soap.

1. Pour about 1/4 cup liquid soap down the toilet.

2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes so that it has time to go down the drain and get to the blockage.

3. Pour a small pot of hot water into the toilet and let it sit for a while.

4. Flush the water to check and see if the clog has been removed. In most cases, the soap acts as a mild lubricant and pushes the clog forward through the pipe.

Method #3: Dissolve the clog with a mix of baking soda and vinegar.

1. Scoop the water out of the toilet, leaving only a small amount in the drain.

2. Pour 1/2 box of baking soda inside and try to push it further down the pipe.

3. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the baking soda and wait for the reaction to complete (about 25 minutes).

4. After the time has passed, add 1-1.5 gallons of boiling water into the toilet to remove the remains of the clog.

5. If needed, repeat the process.

Warning: Keep in mind that it’s best if you don’t put boiling water into toilets that have piping that’s made of thin plastic material.

Method #4: Use chemicals for removing clogs.

1. Different chemicals work differently that’s why you should make sure to carefully read the instructions before using any of them.

2. Add or pour the product into the toilet and leave it there for the time indicated in the instructions.

3. Flush the toilet drain with water.

4. If the clog is still there, try using another method or repeat the procedure using the same chemical product.

Method #5: Use a plunger or a special cable for cleaning the canal.

How to use a plunger:

1. Install the plunger with the bowl down over the hole for the drain. The rubber should be completely immersed in water without air cushion formation.

2. Make several sharp pushing movements holding the handle of the plunger. Don’t remove the tool from the surface of the toilet during the process.

3. Repeat the action several times.

A plunger can create pressure inside the toilet that will destroy the cork.

If the clog is located far into the pipe and the plunger can’t reach it, use a cable to clean the toilet. To do this, push the cable through the pipe to the blockage and pull the cable toward you with twisting movements once you feel the clog. Flush the water to remove the cork.

✅ You can also use a wire coat hanger instead of a cable. To do this, untwist the hanger so that it’s completely straight with the exception of the hook. Wrap a small rag, that you don’t need, around the hook so you don’t leave any scratches or damage on the porcelain and so you don’t damage the pipe. Push the hanger down the drain until you find the clog and then pull it back. Flush the toilet to clear out the blockage completely.