How to fix clogged toilet plunger not working?

Author: Nora Hudson  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

The dynamic duo of baking soda and vinegar can be a lifesaver in unclogging a toilet. 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.

How to unclog a toilet if the plunger isn't working?

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.

Why is my plunger not creating suction?

#1: You Need a Tighter Seal

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.

How to unblock a toilet that won't unblock?

The combination of soda crystals and white vinegar is a great way to dissolve blockages, and best of all, you've probably already got them in your cupboards. All you need to do is pop a handful of the crystals down your toilet and follow it with a cup of white wine vinegar.

Does letting a clogged toilet sit help unclog it?

Yes. But you need not wait that long. Unless the clog is caused by a child throwing a toy in. Then you will wait a long time and it will never become unclogged. So I bought a replacement toilet.

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 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.

What will dissolve a blocked toilet?

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Instead of creating a volcano, this vinegar and baking soda mixture will work together to loosen up the clog in almost no time. We suggest wearing rubber gloves for this. As this method creates a pretty chemical reaction, it is recommended that you use it in a toilet bowl that is not too full.

How do you unblock a badly blocked bathroom?

How do you unclog a bathroom sink drain?
  1. Use a “Zip-It” drain cleaning tool to remove hair clumps. ...
  2. Pour boiling water into the sink drain. ...
  3. Try using vinegar & baking soda. ...
  4. Try plunging the clogged drain. ...
  5. Take apart your P-trap and clean it. ...
  6. Use a drain snake (or a plumber's snake) to snake your drain. ...
  7. Call a plumber!

How to unblock a badly blocked toilet without a plunger reddit?

The dish soap and hot water method is so effective that it's my goto. No more plunger 🪠 for me. You're gonna want a plunger 🪠 one day when you don't want to stick your hand and a cup in that toilet. A few ounces of Dawn dish soap- pour in- walk away - return in 15 minutes and flush.

Can I leave a clogged toilet overnight?

Don't Leave a Toilet Clogged Overnight — Take Action!

While it might not always lead to disaster, the potential for overflow, water damage, and bacterial growth makes it a gamble you don't want to take. Instead, try to address the issue as soon as possible.

How can I make my plunger work better?

One of the best-kept secrets of the plumbing world is using petroleum jelly to enhance the seal between the plunger and the drain. Applying a generous coat of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger helps create a better suction seal. This simple trick can significantly improve your plunging success rate.

Why is my toilet plunger not forming a seal?

Too little water, and you won't be able to get a proper seal around the drain. Make sure the water level is just deep enough to fully cover the plunger cup. If you need to bail water out, wear rubber gloves and use a bucket or cup.

Will dish soap 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. What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?

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.

How to make a homemade plunger?

Steps
  1. Use gloves to remove as much water and debris as possible.
  2. Fill up a large plastic bottle with hot water.
  3. Place your gloved thumb over the bottle's spout.
  4. Insert the bottle directly into your toilet bowl and remove your thumb from the opening.
  5. Use two hands to squeeze the bottle and force water pressure into 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.

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 unclog a toilet fast without a plunger?

Measure one cup of baking soda and pour it into the toilet. Then, pour two cups of white vinegar onto the baking soda to create a chemical reaction that fizzes. As it fizzes and circulates in the bowl, you may see the water level drop which indicates that the blockage is clearing.

Does flushing a clogged toilet make it worse?

Start by using a plunger gently to try to push the tissue through. Avoid flushing repeatedly as this can cause the toilet to overflow.

Should I let a clogged toilet sit?

If you let a toilet stay clogged for any extended time, it could strain the plumbing system in your home. That might seem like a relatively localized issue, but the pressure from a toilet blockage can impact other areas of your home's plumbing. That's especially true if the clog is down deep inside the pipes.

How to unclog a toilet when the water is high?

Use Baking Soda To Unclog a Toilet – Something a little stronger than dish soap for dealing with a clogged toilet is a baking soda/vinegar combination. 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.

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