Tips to Fix a Clogged Toilet that Won’t Flush

We’ve all been there—you flush the toilet, and instead of everything swirling down the drain as it is supposed to, the water level starts rising ominously. A clogged toilet can be a real headache, especially if you don’t know how to unclog it. Fortunately, unclogging a toilet is a skill everyone can learn. This guide from the plumbing authorities at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will walk you through a few useful methods to unclog a toilet that won’t flush, helping you feel prepared the next time you face this frequent household difficulty.

The Reliable Plunger Trick

The most common strategy for unclogging a toilet is with a plunger. But not just any plunger will do. It’s important to use a flange plunger that is expressly fashioned for toilet bowls. The rubber flange on the cup produces a better seal to build up the pressure required to dislodge the clog. Here’s how to use a plunger properly:

1. Ensure there’s some water in the bowl. If there’s no water in the bowl, add water from the sink using a cup.
2. Place the plunger at an angle to be sure the flange goes into the hole at the bottom of the bowl.
3. Push the plunger up and down several times, being mindful not to break the seal.
4. After several plunges, wait a few seconds and watch to see if the water starts draining from the bowl. If not, resume plunging. But if the water recedes, take out the plunger and flush to see if the clog is cleared.

No Plunger? No Problem!

While your residence should have at least one plunger, you may not have one handy at the moment. Here are a couple of alternative ways to unclog a toilet with no plunger.

Remove a Toilet Clog with Hot Soap and Water

Hot water and soap is a surprisingly effective stand-in for a toilet plunger. This method works best for softer clogs that need a light push. Here’s how it works:

1. Take out some water from the toilet bowl if it’s too full. Scoop the plumbing water out of the bowl with an old cup and pour it in your tub or shower drain.
2. Add a large portion of dish soap or liquid detergent into the bowl. The soap helps lubricate the clog, making it easier for it to move through the pipes.
3. Cautiously pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl. The force of the water together with the slippery soap should eliminate the clog.
4. Let the mixture sit for roughly 20 minutes, giving it time to work its magic.
5. Try to flush the toilet. If the water level goes down, you’ve effectively unclogged your toilet!

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Unclog a Toilet

Baking soda and vinegar is a powerful mixture. Here’s how to attempt this environment-friendly strategy for unclogging toilets:

1. 1Take out unwanted water from the bowl to protect against an overflow.
2. Pour about a cup of baking soda straight into the toilet bowl, then pour in two cups of white vinegar. The blend of baking soda and vinegar generates a fizzing action that breaks down the clog. Put in the vinegar slowly to minimize overflow from the fizzing reaction. 
3. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for at least 20 minutes.
4. After waiting, try flushing the toilet. If the water flows easily, your problem is gone. If not, try one of the other methods or call a plumber for help.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with a Coat Hanger

This strategy is particularly effective for clogs caused by foreign objects or compact materials. It consists of making a homemade drain auger with an old coat hanger. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial:

1. Unwind a wire coat hanger until it’s relatively straight.
2. Wrap a small cloth around the end of the hanger and then wrap it with duct tape to shield your toilet bowl from scratches.
3. Put the wrapped end into the toilet and gently push it in the drain hole.
4. Push the hanger in many directions to free the clog. Keep in mind you need to be gentle to avoid damaging the porcelain or plumbing.
5. After a few minutes of careful prodding and poking, take out the hanger and attempt a flush. If the water drains away, you’re good as gold. If the issue won’t go away, it may be time to call in the experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your Plumbing Needs in the U.S.

While the methods detailed above work good for straightforward clogs, some circumstances call for professional help. If you’ve tried plunging or other techniques without success, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. We know how aggravating a clogged toilet and other plumbing problems can be in a home or business. That’s why our knowledgeable plumbers provide speedy, long-lasting solutions. Call us to take care of messy plumbing problems, and we’ll ensure your 100% satisfaction. To schedule our skilled plumbing services in the U.S. and nearby towns, call 866-397-3787 today!