How to Unclog a Toilet

There are few household problems as frustrating, and urgent, as a clogged toilet. You press the handle, expecting everything to swirl away, but instead, the water rises… and keeps rising. A clogged toilet can stop a household in its tracks, create unpleasant odors, and in severe cases, cause messy and costly water damage.

Toilets are one of the most used fixtures in any home, so when they fail to flush properly, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s a sanitation issue. Acting quickly can save you from overflow disasters, structural water damage, and the risk of harmful bacteria spreading.

This guide will explain how to safely unclog a toilet using DIY methods for small, simple blockages and why serious clogs are better handled by trained professionals. You’ll also learn how to identify the difference between a minor and major clog, what tools plumbers use, and how to prevent future blockages.

Why Toilets Get Clogged

Toilets clog for several reasons, many of which have to do with what’s flushed down the bowl, or the state of the pipes behind it. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Excess Toilet Paper – Using large amounts in a single flush can easily overwhelm the toilet’s trapway, especially in low-flow models.
• Non-Flushable Items – Wipes labeled “flushable” often don’t break down quickly enough, leading to buildup. Sanitary products, cotton swabs, paper towels, and small toys are frequent offenders.
• Low-Flow Toilet Limitations – Early-generation low-flow toilets (from the 1990s) often don’t have enough flushing power to move waste efficiently.
• Hard Water Buildup – Mineral deposits inside pipes reduce flow capacity over time, making clogs more likely.
• Sewer Line Blockages – Roots, collapsed pipes, or buildup deep in the line can prevent proper drainage.

Plumbing industry data shows that toilet clogs account for nearly 25–30% of residential plumbing service calls, highlighting how common this issue really is. While some clogs can be resolved with simple tools at home, others are symptoms of more serious plumbing problems.

Signs Your Toilet is Clogged

Not every toilet blockage is dramatic or obvious. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent a minor issue from turning into a messy overflow. Look out for:

• Slow Draining or Rising Water – If water lingers in the bowl or rises dangerously high after flushing, you’re likely dealing with a clog.
• Gurgling Sounds in Other Drains – Air trapped in the plumbing system due to a clog can cause bubbling noises in sinks or showers.
• Foul Odors – Persistent bad smells could mean waste isn’t clearing the drain line properly.
• Overflowing Water – The most obvious and urgent sign that your toilet is blocked.
• Recurrent Clogs – If you’ve plunged the toilet multiple times in a week, there’s likely a deeper issue.

Knowing whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a major clog will guide your next steps.

DIY Methods for Minor Toilet Clogs Only

If your toilet flushes partially, doesn’t overflow immediately, and there are no other plumbing symptoms in the house, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. These safe and effective methods can help you unclog a toilet with a small blockage.

The Plunger Method

A plunger is the most common and often most effective tool for clearing a minor toilet clog. For best results, choose a flange plunger, not the flat-cup kind made for sinks. The flange (the extra rubber sleeve on the bottom) creates a tighter seal inside the toilet drain, allowing for more suction and pressure.

To use it:

1. Place the plunger into the toilet bowl so the flange fits into the drain opening.
2. Push down gently at first to remove trapped air.
3. Then plunge vigorously for 15–20 seconds, maintaining the seal.
4. Pull up sharply to help dislodge the blockage.

Always avoid splashing by working steadily rather than frantically, and wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria.

Hot Water + Dish Soap

This method works best for soft clogs caused by excess toilet paper or waste. The soap acts as a lubricant, helping the blockage slide through the pipes, while hot water breaks it down.

• Squirt about half a cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl.
• Heat a bucket of water until it’s hot but not boiling, boiling water can crack porcelain.
• Pour the hot water from waist height into the bowl to increase force.

Wait 10–15 minutes, then flush to see if the clog has cleared.

Toilet Auger (Manual Snake)

When a plunger isn’t enough, a toilet auger (or closet auger) can help. This flexible, coiled wire tool is designed to reach just beyond the toilet trap to break up or hook onto obstructions.

• Insert the auger’s end into the bowl and crank the handle to extend the cable into the drain.
• Once you feel resistance, twist and push to break up the clog.
• Pull the cable back slowly to avoid scratching the porcelain.

This method is ideal for clogs caused by small foreign objects lodged just past the trap.

Baking Soda + Vinegar

This natural method works for organic clogs but won’t help if the blockage is due to plastic, toys, or other hard materials.

• Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by one cup of vinegar.
• Allow the fizzing reaction to work for 30 minutes.
• Flush with hot (not boiling) water to help push the loosened material through.

⚠ Important: If you suspect a major clog, multiple fixtures are backing up, water is overflowing, or odors are coming from drains, stop DIY attempts and call a professional. Forcing a blockage can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repairs.

Why DIY is Risky for Major Clogs

While DIY fixes can be satisfying, they aren’t always safe for serious plumbing issues. Attempting to unclog a toilet with a deep or stubborn blockage can:

• Crack the Porcelain – Excessive force with a plunger or auger can damage the toilet bowl.
• Push the Blockage Deeper – Making it harder (and more expensive) to remove.
• Cause Sewer Backup Contamination – Overflowing sewage water can introduce harmful bacteria into your home.
• Miss Underlying Issues – Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or sewer line damage require professional diagnosis and repair.

If you’re facing repeated or severe clogs, professional help is the safest choice.

Professional Toilet Unclogging for Major Blockages

For major clogs, professional plumbers bring the expertise, tools, and safety measures that go beyond what most homeowners have on hand.

Professional Tools & Techniques

• Hydro Jetting – High-pressure water jets clear stubborn clogs and clean the inside of pipes.
• Motorized Augers – Heavy-duty versions of manual snakes can cut through thick obstructions and roots.
• Drain Camera Inspections – Small waterproof cameras identify exactly where and what the blockage is, eliminating guesswork.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber

• Accurate Diagnosis – Professionals can determine if the problem is in the toilet, drain, or main sewer line.
• Preventing Repeat Clogs – Proper cleaning and repair ensure the problem doesn’t come back.
• Avoiding Costly Damage – A quick professional fix is often cheaper than repairing water damage from an overflow.

Emergency Services for Severe Clogs

Some toilet problems can’t wait until the next day. Many plumbing companies offer:

• Same-Day Service – Get your toilet back in working order quickly.
• 24/7 Availability – For overflow or sewage emergencies at any hour.

Cost of Unclogging a Toilet

Clearing a minor clog at home might cost nothing beyond your time, or up to $30 if you buy a plunger or auger. Professional unclogging services typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Sewer line repairs or replacements can cost significantly more, but catching problems early saves money in the long run.

Preventing Future Toilet Clogs

The best clog is the one that never happens. Reduce the risk of future blockages by:

• Flushing only human waste and toilet paper.
• Using less toilet paper per flush.
• Scheduling yearly professional drain inspections.
• Teaching children what should never be flushed.

Our Professional Guarantee

At Redwood Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc., we understand that a clogged toilet is more than an inconvenience, it’s a disruption to your home and daily life. Our licensed, insured, and highly trained plumbers respond quickly, work cleanly, and deliver lasting results. We use industry-leading equipment, provide honest pricing upfront, and back our work with a satisfaction guarantee.

Call now: (707) 574-9875 ,  Your trusted local partner for all toilet and drain repair needs.

Frequently Asked Questions