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

Author: Dr. Dulce Klein MD  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

For those times when you don't have a plunger on hand or it fails to clear the clog, you can try to use a toilet brush or plumber's snake to break up the blockage. You can also pour soapy and hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl to try to melt the clog and get it moving.

How do you unclog a toilet when the plunger is not working?

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 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.

Will letting a clogged toilet sit unclog it?

Answer: No. It will not work. You will need a plunger, a poop stick, a poop knife, or your brother's shoes to mix it all up into a flushable condition.

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.

Unclog A Toilet-3 Different Ways Guaranteed!

Why is my toilet still clogged even after I use the plunger?

You might be using the plunger wrong

If the water level is low, the plunger may not seal properly or achieve the suction it needs to be effective. Pour water into the toilet if you need to. Position the plunger directly over the drain opening and plunge slowly and gently a few times. This ensures you have a good seal.

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 to unblock a toilet that's blocked with 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.

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?

What happens when you can't unclog a toilet?

If not addressed, a clogged toilet can lead to leaks or overflow, causing water damage to your home. If you see water seeping from the base of your toilet, it's time to call a professional. 4. How often should I have my sewer line inspected or cleaned?

How long does a blocked toilet take to unblock?

Often if clogged by fecal and or toilet paper, the blockage will soften over night. If you add water to the bowl until the level is close to the rim, and go to bed, in my experience often you will wake up in the morning to find the toilet cleared as the blockage softened and worked it's way out.

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.

Why is my toilet clogged with nothing in it?

The Short Answer Is: A toilet can repeatedly clog due to several reasons, including inadequate flushing power, an obstructed trap or drainpipe, or an accumulation of non-flushable materials like toilet paper, hygiene products, or foreign objects.

Will a toilet unclog eventually?

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 you unblock a badly blocked toilet bowl?

Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Then try pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. The mixture will bubble excessively, which is why it's important to first remove the excess water. Let the bubbles sit for at least 20 minutes before you try to flush.

How to unclog a toilet with no plunger?

Pour a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl. Add a few tablespoons of dish soap to the water, says Mock. Let the hot water and soap sit so it has time to soften the clog; attempt to flush the toilet. Repeat the process as needed until the clog is cleared.

What to do if the plunger doesn't work?

For those times when you don't have a plunger on hand or it fails to clear the clog, you can try to use a toilet brush or plumber's snake to break up the blockage. You can also pour soapy and hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl to try to melt the clog and get it moving.

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.

What dissolves toilet paper quickly?

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.

What happens if you leave a clogged toilet for too long?

It's important to take action quickly when it comes to a clogged toilet. If you wait too long, the blockage can become more difficult to remove and cause further damage to your plumbing system. Additionally, if you attempt to fix the problem yourself without proper knowledge or tools, you risk worsening the situation.

How do you unclog a toilet that has something stuck in it?

Directions for Removing an Object Flushed Down the Toilet
  1. Turn off the water. Turn off the water to the toilet by twisting the valve that is located behind the toilet.
  2. Try to fish out the object with your hands. ...
  3. Use a plunger. ...
  4. Up next is the drain snake. ...
  5. Bring out the wet/dry vacuum. ...
  6. Last but not least, call a plumber.

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.

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