Unclog Your Toilet in 3 Easy Steps

Introduction

Clogged toilets are a common annoyance that most homeowners will deal with at some point. A clogged toilet occurs when an obstruction blocks the drain, preventing waste from properly flushing down. Some common causes include:

Excessive toilet paper use
Flushing hygiene products or other inappropriate objects
Build up of waste and minerals in drain pipes over time
Tree roots infiltrating and blocking drain lines
A single very large or overly solid bowel movement

Clearing a toilet clog requires removing the obstruction. This often involves using specialized tools to break up or grab the clogging material so it can pass through the drain pipes. Useful tools and supplies for unclogging a toilet include:

Plunger - Uses suction to try and dislodge clogs
Closet auger - A curled wire tool pushed into the drain to hook and pull up clogs
Drain snake - A long flexible cable pushed through pipes to grab or break up clogs
Wet/dry shop vacuum - Sucks up standing water and debris
Gloves and eye protection - For safety when handling waste
Wrench - For removing toilet when needed
Bucket or pan - For removing toilet water

This article will walk through the steps to try and unclog a toilet using these tools before calling a plumber. With some effort most clogs can be cleared without professional help.

Assess the Situation

Before attempting to unclog the toilet, you'll want to assess the situation to determine the extent of the clog. Here are some things to check:

Look for overflow. Is water spilling over the rim of the toilet or onto the floor? An overflowing toilet is a sign of a major clog and requires quick action before more water spills out.
Check if it's draining slowly or not at all. Flush the toilet and observe how quickly the water goes down. If it's very slow or not draining at all, there is likely a significant clog that will require some effort to clear.
Determine if it's a full or partial clog. A partial clog will allow some water to drain while a full clog results in no drainage at all. Identifying the type of clog will help determine which unclogging methods to try first.

Once you've assessed the situation, you'll have a better sense of how severe the clog is and can proceed with targeted unclogging techniques. Acting quickly will help minimize water damage and prevent the clog from getting worse.

Try a Plunger

A plunger is often the first thing to try for a clogged toilet. You'll want to use a flange (toilet) plunger, not a cup plunger. The flange helps create a tight seal over the drain opening, allowing you to plunge more forcefully and dislodge the clog.

To use a plunger:

Fill the toilet bowl with enough water to cover the plunger end completely. This allows water pressure to help dislodge the clog.
Place the plunger over the drain opening and press down firmly to form a tight seal with the rim of the toilet bowl. You may need to adjust the angle a bit to get a good seal.
With a firm grip on the plunger handle, quickly push down and pull up repeatedly to plunge vigorously. Really work that plunger hard to create pressure waves that can break up the clog.
Flush to see if the forceful plunging dislodged the clog. You may need to plunge multiple times. The key is creating a tight seal and plunging forcefully.
If plunging doesn't seem to be working, let the toilet sit for 15-20 minutes before trying again. This allows any loosened debris to settle.
Be patient and take your time plunging. It can take 10-15 minutes of continual forceful plunging to clear a difficult clog.

Use a Closet Auger

A closet auger, also known as a toilet auger, is a useful tool for clearing clogs that are deep in the toilet drain pipe. It's a long, coiled metal cable with a corkscrew tip that you insert into the toilet bowl and feed down into the drain pipe.

To use a closet auger:

Carefully insert the end of the auger cable into the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Feed the cable down the drain pipe slowly and gently. Don't force it.
Once you feel resistance, start turning the handle clockwise while applying light pressure. This will screw the auger tip into the clog and break it up.
Turn the handle clockwise for a few minutes to work the cable deeper into the drain and really churn up the clog. Go slow and easy - don't use too much force.
Once you've loosened the clog sufficiently, slowly retract the cable out of the drain. Retract it carefully to avoid leaving any cable behind.
A closet auger is useful for breaking up clogs deep in the toilet drain. Just take care not to scratch the bowl glaze or force the cable. With a light touch, it should clear most toilet clogs.

Try a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long, flexible cable you can insert into the toilet drain to break up clogs. This is a good option if a plunger or auger don't successfully clear the clog.

To use a drain snake:

Locate the toilet drain opening inside the bowl under the rim. This is where you will insert the snake's cable.
Slowly feed the cable down the drain until you feel resistance from the clog.
Once the cable meets the clog, crank the snake's handle clockwise while applying light pressure to force the cable through the blockage. This should break up the clog so it can be cleared.
Keep feeding the cable through until you've gone past the clog by a few inches. Crank the handle as you go to fully clear out the blockage.
Once the cable moves freely past the previously clogged spot, retract it slowly while cranking the handle counterclockwise. Go slowly to avoid leaving any cable behind or damaging the drain.
Run hot water into the toilet to flush away any loosened debris. The clog should now be cleared.

Using a drain snake takes some finesse, but it's an effective DIY method for removing stubborn clogs beyond the reach of a plunger or auger. Just remember to retract the cable gently to avoid any damage.

Use a Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

A wet/dry shop vacuum can generate enough suction to dislodge a clog in the toilet. This method works best for clearing clogs close to the drain opening.

To use a wet/dry vacuum:

Place the vacuum over the toilet drain opening to create a tight seal. You may need to modify the suction end to fit properly over the drain.
Turn the vacuum on high suction mode. Allow it to run for 30-60 seconds. The suction created can help dislodge objects stuck in the drain.
Lift the vacuum up slightly to allow air into the line. This helps break the seal and may also force water through the clog.
Turn the vacuum back on and reseal over the drain. Repeat this process several times, lifting the vacuum to allow air in and then resealing and turning on the suction.
Check after each attempt to see if the vacuum has cleared the clog. Flush the toilet to test water flow.
If the toilet still does not flush properly, the clog is likely further down the drain line. In that case, try using a drain snake or auger to reach clogs deeper in the drain pipe.

The concentrated suction of a wet/dry vacuum can sometimes provide enough force to dislodge a clog. Creating a tight seal over the drain opening helps maximize the vacuum's unclogging ability. Repeat attempts also help wash away debris loosened by the suction.

Remove the Toilet

If using a plunger, auger, or snake doesn't clear the clog, it may be lodged deep in the toilet drain pipe. In that case, you'll need to remove the toilet to gain full access to the drain. Here are the steps:

1. Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. There is usually a shut-off valve behind the toilet base on the wall or floor. Turn it clockwise all the way to shut off the water supply to the toilet.

2. Flush to empty the toilet tank. Once the valve is closed, flush the toilet one time to drain the water in the tank. This will empty it completely.

3. Disconnect the water supply line. Depending on your setup, this may be a flexible hose or metal line. Unscrew it from the fill valve on the bottom of the tank.

4. Unbolt the toilet from the floor. There are usually two bolts holding the toilet base to the floor, one on each side. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen and unscrew the nuts from the bolts.

5. Disconnect the drain pipe. The large drain pipe under the toilet connects it to the floor flange and drainage system. Lift the toilet up from the bolts to disconnect it. You may need to rock it back and forth gently to detach it.

6. Inspect the drain pipe and flange. With the toilet removed, shine a flashlight down the drain pipe to check for obstructions. Also check that the floor flange is intact and secured with no damage or leaks.

Now the drain pipe is fully accessible to clear the clog with an auger or snake. Once finished, re-install the toilet by reversing these steps. Be sure the flange bolts are tightened securely to prevent leaks. Turn the water supply back on and test for leaks before using.

Use a Power Auger

A power auger (also known as a drain auger) is a useful tool when dealing with stubborn clogs deep in the drain pipe. This motorized cable-spinning device can help dislodge blockages that a regular snake was unable to reach.

To use a power auger:

Insert the auger cable into the toilet drain hole. Slowly feed the rotating cable down towards the clog. The auger will cut through debris to clear blockages along the way.
Allow the cable to make its way down the drain until you feel resistance at the clog. Apply steady pressure but do not force the cable. Let the spinning auger do the work of drilling through the obstruction.
Once the cable stops advancing, this indicates it has likely reached the clog. Continue running the auger for 15-30 seconds to ensure the blockage has been cleared.
Slowly retract the cable, taking care not to snag it on any edges or corners of the pipe. Spinning the cable in reverse as you extract can help dislodge any remaining debris.
Run water through the toilet to confirm the drain is clear. You may need to repeat the process if water still backs up.

The powered cutting action of a drain auger can successfully remove even the most stubborn of clogs deep in your plumbing drain lines. Use patience and allow the tool to do its job for best results.

Prevent Future Clogs

The best way to deal with a clogged toilet is to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help avoid clogging your toilet:

Avoid flushing debris down the toilet - Flushing anything besides toilet paper can lead to clogs over time. Never flush paper towels, tissues, wipes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, cat litter, food, grease, and other debris that doesn't break down easily. Only flush toilet paper and waste from your body.
Use a toilet strainer - Placing a strainer or basket over the drain opening in your toilet will catch stray items that could clog drains. Look for strainers that sit flat inside the bowl so they don't interfere with flushing. Clean the strainer regularly to remove built up debris.
Do periodic drain cleaning - Pouring a drain cleaner or hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down your toilet every 1-3 months can help dissolve build ups and keep your drains clear. Be sure to follow product instructions carefully. You can also use a toilet plunger to plunge the bowl and dislodge minor clogs before they get worse.

Following these simple tips will help prevent debris from accumulating in your toilet and pipes. An ounce of prevention can save you from dealing with the headache of a clogged toilet!

When to Call a Plumber

There are several situations where you may want to call in a professional plumber to handle a clogged toilet:

Extended blockages that won't clear: If you've tried plunging, augering, and snaking the toilet multiple times with no success, then the clog may be very extensive. Continuing to try DIY methods could potentially damage your plumbing. Calling a plumber to thoroughly clear the clog is the safest solution.
Frequent clogging occurrences: If your toilet is getting clogged very frequently, there may be an underlying issue that requires professional attention. A plumber can inspect the toilet and pipes to determine if there is a blockage deeper in the drain line, a problem with the toilet mechanism, or some other reason causing repeated clogs. They have the right tools and expertise to get to the source of the problem.
Drain line issues: If you suspect the clog may be further down the main drain line, it's best to call a plumber right away. They have specialized drain cleaning equipment like power augers that can reach deep blockages. Attempting to clear a main drain clog on your own with limited homeowner tools can be frustrating and ineffective.
Rusty water backing up: If you notice rust colored water coming up from the toilet bowl, there may be corroded cast iron pipes that need repair or replacement. This type of job requires the skills of an experienced plumber.
Sewage overflow: If the clogged toilet is causing sewage to overflow, stop using the toilet and call a plumber immediately. Raw sewage can cause property damage and health hazards if left unchecked.
No indoor access: Sometimes drain cleanouts and main sewer lines are located outdoors with no interior access. You'll need a professional plumber who can work outdoors to clear clogs in these scenarios.

Calling on the expertise of a licensed plumber is highly recommended in these instances where significant drain line problems, health hazards, or specialized equipment are involved. Don't hesitate to call for professional assistance when faced with serious and complex clogged toilet issues.

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