A clogged toilet is one of those household problems that tends to happen at the worst possible time—whether it’s during a family gathering or right before guests arrive. While a clog is often easy to fix with a few basic tools, there are times when the situation calls for a professional plumber. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you unclog your toilet on your own and know when to call in the pros.
What Causes Toilet Clogs?
Toilet clogs are usually caused by flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed, like excessive toilet paper, sanitary products, or other debris. In some cases, mineral buildup or obstructions further down the drain can also contribute to blockages. Understanding what caused the clog will help you prevent future issues. If the clog seems minor, it’s something you can likely fix yourself. If the problem seems more serious, like affecting multiple fixtures (e.g., sinks, showers), it could be a problem in your main sewer line, in which case a professional plumber is needed.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools to handle the clog:
Flange plunger (designed specifically for toilets)
Plumbing snake (auger)
Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
Old towels (for spills or overflows)
Bucket (to remove excess water, if needed)
Disinfectant (to sanitize the area afterward)
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before diving in, it’s important to assess the severity of the clog:
Minor clog: If the water in the toilet bowl drains slowly or comes up high but eventually goes down, it might be a minor clog. This can typically be fixed with a plunger.
Major clog: If water isn’t draining at all or the water backs up into other fixtures (like sinks or bathtubs), this may indicate a more serious problem. In this case, a professional plumber should be called.
Step 2: Use the Plunger
Your first tool of choice should always be the flange plunger, which has a flat rim with an extra flap designed to create a better seal around the toilet drain. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Seal the Drain: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl, making sure the flange is fully submerged in the drain. This will create a tight seal that helps generate more pressure.
Gentle Push: Start with slow, controlled plunges to build up pressure and avoid splashing. Work the plunger up and down slowly at first.
Apply Pressure: Once the seal is secure, increase the force of your plunging with steady, firm pushes. This will help loosen the clog.
Check for Drainage: After 10–15 plunges, check if the water starts draining normally. If it does, flush the toilet to confirm that the clog is gone.
Step 3: Try a Plumbing Snake (Auger)
If the plunger didn’t clear the blockage, it’s time to try a plumbing snake (also known as an auger). Here’s how you can use it:
Insert the Snake: Place the auger’s coiled end into the toilet drain and gently push it down the pipe. You’ll feel resistance when it hits the clog.
Rotate and Work Through the Blockage: Slowly rotate the handle of the auger to either break up or pull out the clog. You may need to repeat this step a few times, pulling the snake out and reinserting it deeper into the pipe.
Test the Drain: Once you think the blockage is cleared, remove the auger and flush the toilet to check if the clog has been resolved.
Step 4: Clean Up
Once the toilet is unclogged, it’s important to clean up properly:
Sanitize the Area: Wipe down all tools, including the plunger and auger, with disinfectant. Clean the toilet and surrounding surfaces that might have been exposed to contaminated water.
Dispose of Gloves: Safely dispose of your rubber gloves or disinfect them if you plan to reuse them.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
While DIY repairs can be cost-effective, there are some common mistakes that can make the situation worse:
Using the Wrong Plunger: Always use a flange plunger, not a regular cup plunger. The flange plunger is designed to create a better seal in the toilet drain.
Flushing Repeatedly: If the toilet is clogged, resist the temptation to flush multiple times. Flushing repeatedly can cause the toilet to overflow, making the problem worse.
By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tackle a toilet clog and save yourself a costly plumber’s bill. However, if the clog persists or if you’re dealing with multiple blocked drains, it’s time to call in a professional.