Can plunging a toilet make a clog worse?

Author: Dr. Sasha Huels Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

One common question people ask is, “Can plunging make a clog worse?” The short answer is yes, but only if you're not using toilet plungers correctly. Using too much force or plunging too vigorously can push the clog further down the drain, making it harder to remove.

Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?

With a plunger you are essentially pushing the blockage to the point it hits a bigger pipe. Most times with a soft blockage you are making it worse. Sounds like you have grease in your line.

What to do if your toilet won't unclog after plunging?

Start by pouring about one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. This mixture will create a foaming action that can break down the clog. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then flush the toilet.

Why is my sink clogged worse after plunging?

Displacement of Debris: Plunging can push debris deeper into the pipes rather than removing it. If the clog is made up of hair, soap scum, or other materials, the force of the plunger may compact these materials further down the drain.

How do you unblock a severely clogged toilet?

Make your own drain cleaner by pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet and adding a half gallon of hot water. Dish soap can also help loosen some obstructions. When using either method, allow the solution to sit overnight and then flush the toilet to see if the obstruction has cleared.

How To Unclog A REALLY Stuck Toilet! 2024 UPDATES - GUARANTEED TO WORK!

What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?

One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.

Will letting a clogged toilet sit unclog it?

Leaving a clogged toilet overnight may seem like a harmless way to put off an unpleasant task, but it can lead to more significant issues. The most obvious problem is that the clog might not magically disappear. Instead, it can worsen as the blockage hardens or settles deeper into the pipes.

What to do if the sink is clogged and the plunger doesn't work?

Bicarbonate of soda (or baking powder) and white vinegar

All you need to do is pop a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole and chase it with a cup of white vinegar. Leave it for about five minutes and then try flushing the blockage with the hot kettle water.

Can plunging damage pipes?

Forceful plunging can damage the drain line and cause leaks.

When I plunge my sink, black stuff comes out.?

The black stuff that comes out of your drains is most likely a mixture of hair, soap scum, body oils, and other organic matter that has accumulated in your pipes over time.

How long should you plunge a clogged toilet?

Ideally, no more than five or 10 minutes. One plumber told us that if plunging goes on any longer, it's time to try a toilet snake or call an expert.

How long does dish soap take to unclog a toilet?

Pouring dish soap down a toilet will unclog many obstructions. Pour 1/2- to 1-cup of dish soap directly in the toilet water and wait about 30 minutes before flushing. Follow the dish soap with a gallon of hot water if dish soap alone does not work.

Why won't my toilet unclog with a snake?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake.

Is it okay to leave a clogged toilet overnight?

This makes it potentially harmful to your health. That also means you need to sanitize the area around your toilet. So, is it okay to leave a toilet clogged overnight? No, because you risk the clog escalating into a worse problem.

Why is my toilet not unclogging after plunging?

You may just be using it incorrectly. Do this: Next time you have a clog, use your plunger like this: Ensure the flange lip is unfolded. Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.)

What not to do when unclogging a toilet?

3 Ways NOT to Unclog Your Toilet (Unless You Want to Damage It)
  1. Using chemical drain cleaners (like Drano) Most chemical drain cleaners clear your drain by breaking down the clog with a chemical reaction. ...
  2. Plunging down too hard. ...
  3. Using the wrong plumber's snake.

Can plunging a toilet burst a pipe?

If you're wondering, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” the answer is yes, and it's a situation that requires immediate attention.

Can you plunge a toilet too much?

In fact, pushing the plunger in with enough force can even break the seal of the toilet gasket (the seal between the toilet and the floor where the plumbing exits). It is the pulling action that actually creates suction, which effectively and safely frees up the clog.

How to block overflow when plunging?

Get a plunger (available from any DIY store) and cover the plug hole, use a wet cloth or paper towel to cover the overflow. Fill the sink with water so it covers the plunger and creates a seal. With your cloth covering the overflow, start pumping the plunger up and down around 4 to 5 times – maybe more if necessary.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

Will a clogged sink eventually drain?

While it's not the end of the world, it won't cause immediate damage to your home and the water will eventually drain away, a slow drain is still a problem that needs to be fixed. A drain that is slow to empty will mean there is already a clog in the system and, over time, one that will only get worse.

Will a toilet clog eventually dissolve?

Clogs consisting of degradable materials like waste and toilet paper could clear on their own over time. These substances break down within water and don't always require you to take action to eliminate blockages. However, non-degradable clogs won't resolve on their own and can lead to other serious issues.

How long does it take for a clogged toilet to unclog itself?

Sometimes a toilet will unclog itself if you leave it for a few hours. This is due to the fact that most items will start to soften in water depending on what is causing the blockage.

Will flushing a toilet multiple times unclog it?

DO NOT: Take the flush-and-a-prayer method of flushing again – and again - until the blockage breaks up. Chances are this could lead to overflow. DO: If water is already rising, lift the tank lid and carefully use the rubber floater to block water from filling the hole at the bottom.

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