You can’t always just flush your worries away

A clogged toilet is a common problem that most people encounter at least once. It’s best to fix the issue right away to avoid an overflow of water and hazardous waste onto the floor and surrounding fixtures. This guide lays out eight tips to unclog a toilet, whether or not you have a plunger, snake, or chemical solution on hand.

1. Immediately Cut Off the Water Supply

As soon as you realize a toilet is clogged, stop additional water from filling the bowl, which could cause it to overflow. Do not flush again, and shut off the water supply if needed. You can either remove the tank lid and block the filling hole with the rubber flapper or turn the water shut-off valve behind the toilet.

2. Use a Plunger

A plunger used to unclog a toilet — Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

If your toilet is clogged with nothing in it, the blockage may be just out of view within the plumbing. If you can’t see the problem, a plunger is a good tool to try.

It's worth noting that the classic cup plunger is the least effective tool for toilets. The preferred tools are a flange plunger (with an additional circular flange at the bottom of the cup) or an accordion plunger.

If there is not enough standing water in the toilet bowl to cover the bottom of the plunger, add more from the sink or shower. Lower the plunger slowly and diagonally to cover the toilet drain hole completely without trapping additional air underneath. Push down to obtain suction, then give one hard pull. If water doesn't immediately start to drain from the bowl, repeat this process.

You can also plunge in reverse by pushing instead of pulling, forcing water down to loosen the blockage. Once the bowl is clear of water, turn the water supply back on and flush again to ensure the blockage is clear. If not, repeat the plunging process or try a different method.

3 toilet plunger types illustrated and compared, including cup, flange, and accordion

3. Snake the Toilet With a Drain Auger

A drain auger or plumbing snake is a flexible wire coil that extends into pipes to clear blockages without causing damage. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet drain hole and crank the handle clockwise to push the auger in. If you snag the blockage, reverse the crank to pull it out. Clean the auger when finished.

If you don't have an auger, you can make one in a pinch by unbending a wire coat hanger and fishing it into the drain. You can also rent an auger from your local home improvement center to avoid paying for a new tool.

4. Use a Toilet Brush

If there is no plunger or auger nearby, try loosening the blockage with a toilet brush. Angle the brush down the drain hole, twisting and pushing it into place. When it's gone as far as it can, rapidly push and pull on the handle to loosen the blockage.

If the bristles are too wide, insert the brush handle and use it as a makeshift snake. Try a different method if you don't see results after several seconds.

5. Use a Chemical Drain Opener

One alternative to plunging and snaking tools is a chemical drain opener. These products are available at most home goods stores and contain enzymes that help break down solid waste when used according to the package instructions.

Make sure you purchase a product that's safe for toilets and septic tanks. When handling chemicals, always protect yourself with gloves and other safety gear.

6. Use Hot Water and Homemade Solutions

A person pouring baking soda on a toilet — Photo: Sumeth Charee / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Try pouring a half-gallon of hot water into the bowl and letting it sit for a few minutes. Don't use boiling water, as this can damage porcelain toilets.

To speed up the process, add one of several solutions along with the hot water:

A quarter cup of liquid dish soap, hand soap, or body wash
Two solid dish detergent tabs
One cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar

Allow your solution to sit overnight and dissolve the clog, then attempt to flush the toilet again.

7. Don Gloves and Remove Solid Objects By Hand

When a solid object, such as a hairbrush, hand towel, or child's toy, is accidentally dropped into the toilet, you may be able to unclog it by hand. Don a pair of long plumbing gloves and reach your arm into the toilet drain to grab the item. Thoroughly wash your gloves, hands, and the object afterward.

8. Call a Plumber

If your DIY methods don't work and the clog doesn't clear itself after a day or so, call a toilet pro near you. Depending on what is clogging your toilet, this may be your best option to avoid damaging your plumbing. Clogs may be as simple as a buildup of waste and toilet paper, but they can also be more serious.

This is especially true if you smell gas in your bathroom, which can indicate a sewer problem. In this case, open your bathroom windows and contact a plumber immediately.

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8 Tips To Unclog A Toilet