What do plumbers use to unclog toilets?

Author: Dr. Charlie Halvorson  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

Often referred to as a drain snake, a plumbing auger is a tool that consists of a long, flexible cable with a spiral shaped head that is used to clear blockages in pipes or drains. To clear a toilet clog, the auger is inserted into toilet and twisted by hand, or by machine, to help break up the obstruction.

What will a plumber do to unblock a toilet?

A toilet auger (also commonly known as a plumbing snake) is a toilet unblocker tool that is pushed into the toilet to clear the blockage in the waste pipe.

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.

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 badly blocked toilet poop?

Hot Water: Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it into the toilet from waist height. The heat can help soften the blockage. Be cautious not to splash. Plunger: Use a toilet plunger. Make sure you have a good seal around the drain and plunge vigorously. The pressure can help dislodge the clog.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger

What will break up hard stool in the toilet?

Taking laxative medications: Various constipation medications may help with passing hard stool, including: osmotic laxatives. emolient laxatives or “stool softeners” bulk-forming laxatives.

What is the best chemical to unblock a toilet?

Unblocking the toilet using soda crystals and vinegar

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.

Is it okay to leave a clogged toilet overnight?

Letting a clogged toilet sit too long can result in more severe problems. Beyond the risk of overflow and water damage, the clog could also cause toilet water to back up into other parts of your plumbing system, affecting sinks, showers, and even your home's main sewer line.

What is the best clog remover for toilets?

Drano is a top-rated product that has proven its effectiveness in clearing clogs in toilets and other plumbing fixtures.

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.

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.

How much does a plumber cost to unclog a toilet?

The national average cost to unclog a toilet is $200 to $700, with most people spending about $350 for a plumber to use an electric auger to clear the toilet drain clog and test the system. This project's low cost is $100 for a simple drain snaking or professional chemical treatment by a plumber.

Why is my toilet not unclogging with a plunger?

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.)

How do you unclog a majorly clogged toilet?

Pour ½ a cup of dish soap into your toilet bowl, if possible add a gallon of hot (but not boiling) water as well to help activate the clog-busting ingredients in the dish soap. Wait 20 minutes and then try out a test flush. You might need to scoop some of the water out with a cup or bowl to accommodate the hot water.

Can Mr. Muscle unblock a toilet?

Mr Muscle Drain Gel is marketed as safe for all types of pipes. The instructions suggest pouring the product directly into the clogged area and allowing it to work for a specified amount of time. Afterward, flushing with hot water helps clear the blockage completely.

What do plumbers recommend for a clogged toilet?

Accordion plungers can also be used on a clogged toilet and are what most professional plumbers use. They tend to create more suction than a flange, so if a flange plunger is not working, a plumber may move onto an accordion plunger. Cup plungers are best suited for clogged sinks and showers.

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.

Why is Drano not used in toilets?

Drano® Liquid Drain Cleaner, Drano® Dual-Force® Foamer Clog Remover, and Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover do not contain microorganisms. The trap configuration in toilets prevents these products from reaching areas where matter can accumulate and cause plumbing problems—so these products are ineffective in toilets.

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.

Should you turn off the water when unclogging a toilet?

Take the lid off the tank and push the flapper down to prevent water from running into the toilet bowl. Stopping water flow can prevent an overflow. Turn off the water supply located behind the toilet. This knob should be at the bottom of the toilet near the wall.

How long does it take for toilet paper to dissolve in clogged toilet?

What will dissolve toilet paper in a drain? Plain water will, in most cases, dissolve toilet paper in a toilet or sewer drain. Keep the paper wet and do not add any more paper into the toilet. If the toilet paper is going to dissolve, it should occur within twelve hours.

Can I pour something in the toilet to unclog?

Pour Dish Soap into the Toilet

If the hot water isn't loosening the debris enough to get the toilet to flush again, you might need to add some drain-safe lubricant into the mix. You can pour about a quarter-cup of liquid dish soap into the bowl to create the perfect recipe that removes a clog.

How to deep clean toilet pipes?

Heavy-duty plungers work better than traditional ones for clearing clogs. Baking soda and vinegar are a good, green way to unclog toilet pipes. Drain snakes or augers are great for removing tough clogs deep in the plumbing. Don't flush things like wipes and diapers to avoid future clogs.

How to unblock a toilet when you can't see the blockage?

Baking soda

Pour the vinegar and water mix into the toilet bowl and close the lid. When this combines with the baking soda it should start a chemical reaction that will generate a lot of foam. Allow the mix to work for 30 minutes then flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

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