How do you unblock the back of a toilet?

Author: Eunice Morissette  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Try tapping. The next thing you should do is tap the backside of the toilet bowl with your foot or knuckles, then try flushing again. Believe it or not, this simple step is often very effective. If the blockage is high enough in the toilet's plumbing, tapping may loosen it up and help the flow of water return to normal ...

How do you unclog the back of a toilet?

Start by using a plunger, which creates a vacuum to force clogs out of drains. Heavy-duty plungers with either ball-shaped heads or rubber flanges on the bottom are much more effective than conventional suction cup-shaped plungers. Make sure the toilet bowl contains enough water to submerge the head of the plunger.

How do you unblock a backed up toilet?

Unblocking your toilet using washing up liquid

Start by squeezing in about half a bottle of the washing up liquid, which will then sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Next, pour in the bucket of water to flush the washing up liquid down the u-bend. With a bit of luck, this will clear the blockage.

What will dissolve paper towels in the toilet?

A lye-based drain cleaner, that's usually the most common kind. Many times straight chlorine bleach will work, but do not mix with anything else—-AT ALL!

Why won't my toilet unclog after plunging?

The plunger requires a tight seal with the area around the drain. Without that seal, plunging moves water around but does not generate the suction it relies upon for its clog-fighting power. If you have trouble getting a good seal, apply petroleum jelly to the edge of the plunger.

Unclog A Toilet-3 Different Ways Guaranteed!

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.

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.

How to unblock a toilet full of tissue?

If the blockage is a build-up of tissue paper, pour 3-4 cups of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the toilet bowl. Give the hot water around 20 minutes to breakdown the blockage.

Can you use Drano to unclog a toilet?

There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow. (However, it will not open a completely clogged toilet. For that problem, see How to Unclog a Toilet.)

Can bleach unclog a toilet?

Bleach can often clear a toilet clog by breaking down the clog-causing materials. These include toilet paper, waste, and other debris. Pouring bleach into the toilet bowl and letting it sit can dissolve the blockage, improving water flow. But, bleach might not work for very tough clogs.

Will a toilet 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.

Why can't you use Mr. Muscle drain Gel in the toilet?

Mr Muscle Drain Gel is not recommended for use in toilets because the powerful chemicals in the gel can damage the porcelain and the flush mechanism, leading to costly repairs. Instead of risking damage, consider using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear toilet blockages.

Can you put anything down a toilet to unblock it?

Pour several squirts of dishwashing detergent down your toilet, and follow it up with some hot water. Wait for around 30 minutes to give the soap time to work, and then, flush your toilet. If the clog is severe, you can allow the dish soap to sit overnight before flushing the toilet.

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 do you unblock a deep clogged toilet?

Recap of Methods:
  1. Hot Water Method: Utilizes hot water to create pressure and dislodge blockages.
  2. Plunger Method: Creates suction and pressure to clear blockages.
  3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method: Chemical reaction to break down blockages.
  4. Toilet Auger Method: Physically removes or breaks up stubborn blockages.

How do you dissolve clogged toilet tissue?

Pour in boiling water.

The high heat will help soften compacted paper and flush small pieces away. Repeat using smaller amounts of boiling water if needed. Do not lean over the toilet during this.

What is the best liquid to unblock 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.

How to unclog a toilet when a plunger doesn't work?

If plunging the toilet doesn't work, here are seven ways to fix a clogged toilet.
  1. Drain snake. If the plunger isn't working, your next best option is to use a drain snake. ...
  2. Boiling Water. ...
  3. Chemical Drain Cleaners. ...
  4. Baking Soda Mixture. ...
  5. Vinegar Mixture. ...
  6. Squirt Gun Drainer. ...
  7. Call a Plumber.

What happens if you forgot to rinse Drano?

Leaving Drano in the drain for too long can also harm the environment. When the product is left in the drain, it can enter the water supply and make its way into rivers and streams. This can be hazardous to plant and animal life and contaminate drinking water.

How to empty a toilet bowl when clogged?

Shut off the water supply valve. Place the flange of a toilet plunger firmly into the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Plunge with an up-and-down motion to remove most water from the bowl. This should also force out any clog.

What is the best chemical to dissolve toilet paper?

Epsom salt helps break down toilet paper stuck in the sewer line.

What happens if you accidentally flush a tissue down the toilet?

What to Do If You Flush Facial Tissue or Paper Towels. If you do it once, it shouldn't cause any problems. However, if you have a habit of flushing these items down the toilet, you should watch for signs of trouble. If your toilet stops flushing properly, you might have a clog from paper towels or facial tissue.

Does hot water unclog a toilet?

The most common way to unclog a toilet without a plunger is by using hot but not boiling water. Heat up enough water to fill the bowl about halfway, then pour it into the toilet slowly and steadily. Let it sit in there for a while, and then repeat the process until you feel the water has started to drain.

What happens when you put Dawn in the toilet?

“Dish soap serves as a lubricant for clogs and helps them slide through the pipes,” explains Justin Cornforth, an experienced plumber and CEO at Ace Plumbing.

Will a dishwasher tablet unblock the toilet?

If the bowl is not looking too bad, you can simply drop the tablet into the bowl and leave it to work its magic (overnight is best). Some folk like to pour in some hot tap water to speed up the dissolve time - but it's not strictly necessary.

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