Does the toilet water tend to overflow nearly to the top of the bowl after flushing? Well, if you’re having this problem, you should know that your toilet might have been clogged up.
Using a clogged toilet is not only frustrating but can be also embarrassing. You might have tried several methods to unclog the toilet, but it fails at the end. For this reason, we have put together the best possible tips to unclog toilet when nothing works.
So what are you waiting for? Read on as we reveal to you 9 ways on how to unclog a toilet fast.
How To Unclog Toilet When Nothing Works?
1. Use Plunger
Plunger stands as a great tool you can use to unclog a toilet. As a homeowner, whether you’re using a corner toilet or a compact toilet for small space, this is a handy tool to have in your house. Depending on your budget or choice, you can decide to buy the one with flange or the heavy-duty ones.
Now, let’s show you how to unclog a toilet with a plunger. First, put on rubber gloves before using the plunger to prevent the toilet water from splashing or touching your hands. Hold the plunger at the handle and insert the rubber part into the toilet bowl.
Once you have inserted it and you notice a completely airtight vacuum, push down the plunger slowly, and then add more force. Plunge it in several times to achieve a tighter vacuum, and then pull it out quickly. This will help loosen the clog and push everything down the toilet drain.
With that said, you can now enjoy a better flush and toilet. At first, if it doesn’t work, repeat the process numerous times to push down anything clogging the toilet. However, if after doing this several times, and it yielded no better result, then apply the next option.
2. Combination of Baking Soda and Vinegar
If the plunger doesn’t work, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda is another ideal option. These substances are mostly present in the kitchen, but if it is not available, you can head to local store to get one. Once you have them, follow this procedure on how to unclog the flushing toilet with baking soda and vinegar.
First, pour 2 cups of water and a cup of soda into a container. Mix thoroughly, and then pour the mixture into the toilet bowl. Afterward, pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet and wait for several minutes or even hours.
You will notice bubbles from the bowl when you add vinegar due to the combination of the substances. The reaction going on between the baking soda and vinegar will help loosen the materials blocking the toilet, thus allowing the water to flow freely. With that said, it unclogs the toilet. But if this method does not work, try the next option.
3. Try a Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is readily available in most homes, but if you don’t have it, then you need to purchase one. A plumbing snake, commonly known as “Closet Auger” is a flexible wire used to clean the toilet.
This flexible cleaning tool can maneuver its way to reach deep down the drain. It has a rubber coating to help protect the porcelain from scratches and damages when pushing it into the toilet.
Since you won’t want your hand covered in liquid waste, ensure to wear a glove before inserting the plumbing snake. With the gloves on, put one end of the snake tool into the toilet bowl. Gently push it down and further into the toilet until you feel a resistance.
Push and twist the handle in a clockwise motion to allow the snake to push the obstruction into the toilet drain. Continue the movement until you notice the tool moves freely without any resistance.
Once you feel no obstruction, flush the toilet. If it flows faster, this means the clogs are not there anymore, but otherwise, you should try the process one more time. However, if this fails after second try, you should use the next option.
4. Use Dish Soap and Hot Water
If a plumbing snake does not work, water and soap may be what you need. Boil a gallon of water, and then leave it to cool a little bit.
While you’re waiting, add a few pieces of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Afterward, pour the warm water gently into the toilet bowl and leave it for some minutes before flushing.
The combination of the soap and warm water will loosen the clog, thus removing it in the process. After waiting for several minutes, flush the toilet to push out the clogs out.
We believe by now, you have known how to unclog a toilet with dish soap. However, if this method fails, try the next option.
5. Suck out the Clog with Wet/Dry Cleaner
This method can be very irritating since it has to remove the clog by sucking it out. However, it is highly effective compared to some of the methods mentioned in this article.
You can decide to use the regular vacuum or the heavy-duty types for better results. However, whichever one you choose, make sure you use the wet and dry variety, which can withstand water.
Wear rubber gloves and use the vacuum to suck out the water completely. The reason is to allow the vacuum to remove any debris that is clogging the toilet faster.
After emptying the bowl, put the vacuum hose into the toilet and push it down gently into the drain. Tie an old towel around the hose and push it a few inches into the hole to create a suction effect. Then switch on the vacuum to allow it suck out the clog from the toilet.
Flush the toilet and observe if the water flows quickly. If it drains slowly, it means that the clog is still present. Hence, you should consider the next option if this method does not work.
6. Using Wire Hanger
Get a wire coat hanger and then loose and straighten it up. Cover the wire at one end with an old cloth to prevent it from scratching and damaging the toilet porcelain. Wrap up the fabric with duct tape to secure it in place.
This method is an ideal option if the obstruction is just a few inches from the drain. Now, with your gloves on, place the covered point of the wire into the bowl. Then push it down the drain.
Twist the hanger and continue to push into the drain. This will allow the wire maneuver into the drain to clear out anything clogging the toilet. If you notice any resistance, continue to push it further until the water starts to drain.
Once the water drains, flush the toilet to clear out any obstruction and dirty water. If the water drains slowly after flushing, you might want to use the snake tool again. The reason is that the anger might not be long enough to push everything into the drain.
7. Use an Enzyme Product
Enzyme waste removal product also works great when used to unclog a toilet. Buy an enzyme product that can liquefy waste material effectively. You can get this product from most grocery and home improvement stores that focus on the plumbing line.
This enzyme waste removal is mostly used in a septic system to disintegrate waste. The best part is that it doesn’t harm your pipes and your health as well. However, except for organic waste, it will not work on toilet clogged by toys or other solid objects.
Here is a great tip on how to unclog a toilet with enzymes. First, read the guide on the product label to know the recommended amount to pour into the drain.
After you have read it carefully, pour the required amount of the enzyme as instructed into the bowl. Then wait for a few minutes to allow the enzymes to come into action. That way, it softens the clog, and allows the toilet to drain.
8. Use Chemical Drain Cleaner
If the toilet is still clogged, consider using a drain cleaner. If you don’t have it, head to any grocery or home improvement stores to buy one.
This cleaner works great to soften any solids clogging the toilet. However, they contain toxic substances that can be harmful to human health, pets, and the drain pipe. Hence, use this method as the last option if the methods mentioned above do not work.
If the toilet is clogged due to solid obstruction, consider using a plumber snake rather than a chemical solution. Also, avoid using cleaners that are not specialized for toilets as this can cause a lot of damage. For this reason, if you want to buy one, choose drain cleaners that are recommended for toilet use.
After you have purchased it, read the manufacturer’s s instructions on the container carefully. Pour the required amount into the toilet, as stated by the manufacturer. Wait for 5-10 minutes and then flush the toilet to push down the obstruction.
Ensure to open all windows to keep the toilet well ventilated before carrying out this method. Also, the toilet seat should be up when pouring so that the chemical does not sprinkle on it. If this method fails, too, you have no choice but to call a trusted plumber.
9. Contact an Experienced Plumber
If you have tried all the tips to unclog a toilet and they still fail, then you have to call a plumber. Sometimes your toilet might need to be removed completely to solve this problem. Since you might not have the tools to carry out such a project, contacting a plumber will be an ideal option.
The plumber will have to check and work on the toilet to remove the material clogging the toilet. Some might go as far as giving you tips to prevent such problem.
Wrap Up
Flushing toilets can be a huge problem when it gets clogged. Luckily, with the provided tips to unclog toilet when nothing works, you can quickly get your system back to normal and enjoy a better flush.
The best part is that the tools needed to do-it-yourself are readily available in your home. However, if you don’t have them, head to any home improvement stores to get them at an affordable price. Before you call a plumber to unclog your toilet, make sure you have tried out these tools:
- Plunger
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Plumbing snake
- Soap and warm water
- Wet and dry vacuum
- Wire coat hanger
- Enzymes products
- Chemical drain cleaner
However, if all fails in the end, contact a plumber to come to check the problem.
