Can repeated flushing unclog a toilet?

Author: Alexie Fritsch II  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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.

Will flushing a toilet multiple times unclog it?

Stop Flushing!

This can create a much bigger (and must smellier) mess. You should never flush a clogged toilet more than once. Instead, take the lid off the back of the toilet and close the flapper. This will prevent any more water from running into the toilet bowl while you're working.

What happens if you flush the toilet too many times?

Repeatedly flushing too much can result in a backup. An old toilet may overflow or break. A low-flow toilet doesn't have high enough pressure to handle a larger mass of toilet paper.

Should you keep flushing a blocked toilet?

Basically, don't flush a clogged toilet. Unclog it as soon as it gets clogged. DO NOT leave it for others.

Will a clogged toilet overflow if you keep flushing it?

Flushing a clogged toilet will make it overflow and water will go all over the floor and down any holes in the floor and wall perimeter.

5 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

Will a toilet unclog itself over time?

Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.

Does letting a clogged toilet sit help 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 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 a blocked drain clear itself?

In some cases, a blocked drain can clear itself. This depends on the cause and severity of the blockage. For example, minor clogs caused by soap scum or small debris might eventually break down and wash away. Most blockages stem from more persistent issues, such as hair, food waste, or tree roots.

Will toilet paper dissolve in a clogged toilet?

Toilet paper blockages will occur in the toilet, in the connection between the toilet and the sewerage drain or in the sewerage drain. A small number of toilet paper blockages may dissolve if you add more water into the toilet or sewer drain.

Can you flush a toilet twice in a row?

If you have to flush the toilet twice, there most likely isn't enough water flowing into the bowl. This means the siphoning effect is too weak to clear everything out of the toilet in one go.

Why does my toilet flush but poop stays after flushing?

It may be because your toilet drain is clogged, a faulty water tank, low water pressure, or even the design of your toilet. The good news is that it is easy to fix this problem. You can either get in touch with a professional plumber or try it yourself.

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.

How to fix a toilet that keeps clogging up?

Toilet paper overuse and flushing foreign items are common sources of toilet trap clogs. To eliminate a clogged toilet trap, use a flanged plunger in the toilet bowl to push clogged material and excess waste through the trap. For tough clogs, it may require the use of a toilet auger to break up the clog.

Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.

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.

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.

Will a toilet unblock if you keep flushing?

STEP 1 – Avoid repeated flushing and close your “flapper”

Once your toilet is blocked, no amount of flushing will unblock it. All that will happen is your toilet's water level will rise and that's the last thing you want! So, your first task is making sure you close the flapper in your tank to stop the water supply.

How do you unclog a massively clogged toilet?

Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into your toilet. It will begin to fizz but this is okay. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then try a test flush. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Coat Hanger Drain Snake – Sometimes clogs are just too stuck for a liquid method to work.

Will toilets eventually unclog?

Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.

How do professionals unblock a toilet?

Plumbing snakes come in different lengths and sizes, and can be used for different types of toilet clogs. Typically, it's the job of a professional drainage engineer to use a plumbing snake to clear clogged drain pipes.

What is the best liquid to unclog a toilet?

Drano for toilets is a popular choice for many homeowners when dealing with stubborn clogs. This powerful product has been a trusted solution for many years, effectively breaking down and dislodging blockages that can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage in the bathroom.

What dissolves toilet paper fast?

Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl water surrounding the blocked toilet. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar down the inside of the bowl to avoid splashes. Stand back as a fizzy foam reaction occurs, potentially breaking apart paper. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it repeatedly.

Previous article
How to soften a grey kitchen?
Next article
Does a PUR water filter remove E. coli?