Best 5 Ways to Unclog a Toilet
For Northern California Homeowners
Clogs are a common toilet problem.
Knowing how to unclog a toilet without needing a plumber every time can be handy.
First: Take a deep breath: this is fixable.
Second: Don’t keep flushing, this will only make things worse by filling the bowl with more water causing it to overflow.
Instead, try the following tricks to remove the clog.
1. Plunge the Toilet
The plunger is the classic go-to tool for unclogging toilets. If the clog is minor, this method usually works.
Choose the right plunger: For toilets, a flange plunger is best. It has a bell-shaped end that creates a better seal in the toilet bowl, which creates a vacuum when plunging. You can buy them online or at most hardware stores.
Add some water if needed: If there’s not a lot of water in the bowl, pour in enough to cover the rubber end of the plunger. The water helps with suction and makes it easier to dislodge the clog.
Plunge with purpose: Place the plunger over the drain hole, making sure it seals tightly. Then push down and pull up with some force. Don’t worry about speed, focus on creating strong pressure and suction power. After about 10–15 pumps, pull the plunger up and check if the water is draining.
Repeat.
If this doesn’t work, try the next trick.
2. Hot Water and Dish Soap
Dish soap and hot water might sound strange, but it can be effective on stubborn clogs.
Step 1: Add a generous amount of dish soap (about a cup or so) into the toilet bowl. Dish soap is slippery, so it helps to lubricate the clog.
Step 2: Heat up a pot of water, but don’t let it get super-hot. Boiling water can crack porcelain, and we don’t want that. Just make it hot enough to loosen the clog.
Step 3: Carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. If you’re lucky, the combination of hot water and soap will break down the clog enough for it to flush away.
Step 4: Try plunging again to see if the clog will dislodge.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mixing baking soda and vinegar creates a bubbly reaction that can help loosen a clog.
Step 1: Pour about one cup of baking soda into the toilet.
Step 2: Follow it up with two cups of vinegar. The mixture will fizz, which is perfectly normal.
Step 3: Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This can help break up the clog naturally.
Step 4: After waiting, flush the toilet to see if it’s clear.
4. The Wire Hanger Hack
If you don’t have a plumber’s snake, a wire hanger can serve as a quick DIY solution.
Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Unwind the wire hanger and straighten it out as much as possible. Wrap a small cloth around one end and secure it with tape. This is to avoid scratching your toilet.
Step 2: Insert the wrapped end into the drain and gently push to break up the clog. Be careful and use a gentle, twisting motion. You don’t want to damage the pipes or scratch the bowl.
Step 3: Once you feel the clog loosening, remove the hanger and try flushing again.
5. Chemical Drain Cleaners—Use with Caution
If the toilet is still clogged, chemical drain cleaners can help.
But use them sparingly.
These chemicals can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if you have an older plumbing system.
Make sure your plumbing system can handle these harsh chemicals without damage.
Chemical drain cleaners are not environmentally friendly.
And they can be harsh on your plumbing, especially if you use them often.
Always follow the directions carefully and use gloves to protect your skin.
Pour the cleaner directly into the toilet, wait as instructed, and then flush the toilet.
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes, a clog won’t budge, no matter how hard you try.
If you have a stubborn clog or if your toilet is clogging frequently, it may be time to call in a professional plumber.
Repeated clogs can be a sign of a larger issue in your plumbing system.
In Sacramento, we know that plumbing issues can arise at the worst times, which is why our team is always ready to help.
From basic clogs to major repairs, we’ve got the tools and experience to get your bathroom back to normal.
In Conclusion
A clogged toilet can be frustrating.
But with these DIY tricks, you’ll be more prepared the next time it happens.
Just remember don’t panic, try the simple solutions first, and call a pro if things aren’t improving.
And, if you need professional help, call Millennium Plumbing Specialist.
We provide plumbing services in Sacramento County and surrounding counties.
