How to Unclog a Toilet Without Making It Worse

by | Jun 10, 2021 | Affordable Carrboro Plumber, At Drain Express, Bathroom Plumbing in Chapel Hill

TL;DR: Start with a toilet plunger (not a sink plunger) and create a tight seal while plunging vigorously for a few minutes. If that fails, use a toilet snake to break up the clog. Never use harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and toilet.

Table of Contents

How to Unclog a Toilet Drain

You can unclog most toilets by using a plunger or toilet snake, starting with the plunger as your first step. Before you start, lay towels around the toilet base to catch any water that might spill.

You’ll need these tools:

  • A toilet plunger (not a sink plunger)
  • A toilet snake
  • Gloves
  • Towels

How To Unclog A Toilet

Using the Right Plunger

A toilet plunger is different from a sink plunger. A sink plunger has a simple cup design and is often red, but it won’t work well on your toilet. A toilet plunger has a smaller cup that fits into the drain and creates a better seal for more efficient plunging.

How To Unclog A Toilet

How to Plunge Correctly

Once you have the right plunger, make a tight seal with the drain. Push all the air out by plunging once. Then plunge vigorously up and down for several minutes. Make sure the toilet has enough water to keep the plunger submerged throughout the process. After a few minutes, try flushing the toilet to see if the clog has cleared.

What To Do If Your Toilet Remains Clogged After Plunging

If plunging doesn’t work after several minutes of effort, move on to using a toilet snake to break up the clog. The snake is fairly simple to use. Slide the snake down the drain and manually turn the handle while pulling it in and out. This action breaks apart the blockage so water can flow freely again.

Never use chemical drain cleaners if the plunger and snake don’t work. Harsh chemicals like Drano contain oxidizing agents that heat up to dissolve clogs, but they can damage PVC pipes and porcelain toilets. The damage they cause is often worse than the original clog.

Do Plumbers Unclog Toilets

Yes, professional plumbers regularly unclog toilets and can handle clogs that DIY methods won’t fix. If your toilet won’t unclog with a plunger or snake, you may need to remove the toilet to access the root of the problem. There’s also a chance you need your sewer line cleaned out, which requires professional equipment and expertise.

Plumbing and drain cleaning experts like Drain Express have the tools and knowledge to diagnose why your toilet keeps clogging and fix the underlying issue, not just the symptom.

What To Do If Your Toilet Won’t Unclog After Plunging

If your toilet still won’t unclog after plunging, use a toilet snake to break up the clog by sliding it down the drain and turning the handle while pulling it in and out. If the snake doesn’t work either, the clog is likely deeper in your plumbing system or sewer line.

At this point, stop trying DIY methods and call a professional plumber. Attempting to force water through a stubborn clog can damage your pipes and cause flooding. A professional can safely remove the toilet if needed and clean out your sewer line.

Can a Clogged Toilet Unclog Itself

A clogged toilet will not unclog itself on its own. Water may drain slowly over time if the clog is minor, but it requires action to fully clear the blockage. Waiting can make the problem worse because pressure builds up and water can back up into your home.

The sooner you address a clog with a plunger or snake, the faster you’ll get your toilet working normally again.

How to Unclog a Toilet That Won’t Plunge

If a toilet won’t plunge, switch to using a toilet snake to physically break up the clog. A snake works differently than a plunger. Instead of creating pressure, it cuts through or dislodges the blockage so water can pass.

Slide the snake down the drain and turn the handle while moving it in and out. If the snake also doesn’t work, the clog is located deeper in your drain line or main sewer line, which requires professional equipment to clear.

How Long Does It Take to Unclog a Toilet

Most toilet clogs clear within a few minutes of plunging if they’re simple blockages. You should plunge vigorously for at least 2 to 3 minutes before trying to flush. If plunging doesn’t work, switching to a toilet snake typically takes another 5 to 10 minutes.

If neither method works within 15 minutes of effort, stop and call a professional. Spending more time on DIY methods won’t help if the clog is in your sewer line or requires toilet removal.

Can Liquid Plumber Be Used in Toilets

Liquid Plumber and similar chemical drain cleaners should never be used in toilets. These products contain harsh chemicals that can damage PVC pipes and porcelain. Even though they may dissolve some clogs, the damage to your plumbing system makes the cost of repair far higher than calling a plumber in the first place.

Stick to mechanical methods like plungers and snakes, which are safe for your toilet and pipes.

Can I Use Caustic Soda to Unblock a Toilet

Caustic soda should not be used to unblock a toilet because it can damage your pipes and toilet bowl. Strong chemical cleaners are risky for your plumbing system and can create safety hazards in your home.

Using a plunger or toilet snake is always the safer choice for clearing toilet clogs.

Best Way to Unblock a Toilet

The best way to unblock a toilet is to use a toilet plunger first, then move to a toilet snake if plunging doesn’t work. This two-step approach handles most clogs without damaging your pipes.

Remember to protect your floor with towels, make sure the toilet has enough water for the plunger to seal properly, and plunge vigorously for several minutes. Never use chemical drain cleaners, as they cause more damage than they solve.

Does Flushing a Clogged Toilet Make It Worse

Yes, flushing a clogged toilet can make it worse by causing water to overflow and flooding your bathroom. When a toilet is clogged, water can’t drain, so flushing adds more water that has nowhere to go.

If you notice your toilet is clogged, stop flushing immediately. Grab a plunger instead and work on clearing the clog. If water is already rising, turn off the water supply by closing the shut-off valve behind the toilet to prevent overflow.

Quick Recap

  • A toilet plunger (not a sink plunger) is your first tool for clearing clogs
  • Lay towels around the toilet before you start to catch spills
  • Make a tight seal and plunge vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes
  • If plunging fails, use a toilet snake to break up the clog
  • Never use chemical drain cleaners as they damage pipes and toilets
  • If the snake doesn’t work, call a professional plumber
  • Stop flushing once you notice a clog to prevent overflow

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger?

A toilet plunger has a smaller, more tapered cup that fits into the toilet drain for a tight seal. A sink plunger is just a simple cup design, often red, and doesn’t create enough suction for a toilet. Using the wrong type of plunger is why many people think plunging doesn’t work.

Can I use a plumbing snake on my toilet?

Yes, a toilet snake (also called a toilet auger) is specifically designed for toilet clogs. It slides down the drain and breaks up blockages with a twisting motion. Make sure you get a toilet snake and not a larger drain snake made for other pipes.

What should I do if water is overflowing from my toilet?

Turn off the water supply immediately by closing the shut-off valve located behind the toilet. This stops more water from entering the bowl. Then use towels to soak up the water and prevent it from spreading across your floor. Once the immediate problem is under control, you can assess the clog and decide whether to plunge or call a plumber.

Why shouldn’t I use Drano or other chemical cleaners in my toilet?

Chemical drain cleaners contain strong oxidizing agents that heat up to dissolve clogs, but they also damage PVC pipes and porcelain toilets. The cost of repairing heat damage to your plumbing system will be much higher than paying a plumber to remove the clog safely with mechanical methods.

When should I call a professional plumber instead of trying to unclog it myself?

Call a professional if a plunger and toilet snake don’t clear the clog after 15 minutes of effort. You should also call a plumber if the clog keeps coming back, which suggests a deeper problem in your sewer line. A professional can diagnose the root cause and fix it properly.

Can a clogged toilet cause damage to my home’s plumbing?

Yes, a stubborn clog combined with repeated flushing can cause backups that damage your entire plumbing system. It can also lead to sewer line issues if the blockage is downstream. This is why it’s important to stop flushing once you notice a clog and address it promptly with either DIY methods or professional help.

How can I prevent toilet clogs in the future?

Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Never flush paper towels, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, or other items that don’t break down. Avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper at once. Regular plumbing maintenance also helps catch problems before they become emergencies.

Ready for Professional Help

If you’ve tried plunging and snaking without success, we’re here to help. Your toilet clog might signal a deeper issue in your sewer line that requires professional attention. We serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Carrboro, Burlington, Apex, Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Garner, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Mebane, Siler City, and Fuquay-Varina.

As plumbing and drain cleaning experts, we have the equipment and experience to handle clogs that DIY methods won’t touch. Call Us at (919) 968-0070 today to get your toilet working again.