Why is my toilet still clogged after plunging?

Author: Augustine Predovic  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

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.

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

If Your Toilet Keeps Clogging, Here's Why. 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.

How do you unclog a toilet if the plunger doesn't work?

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.

Can plunging a toilet make a clog worse?

With a plunger you are essentially pushing the blockage to the point it hits a bigger pipe. Most times with a soft blockage you are making it worse. Sounds like you have grease in your line.

What do I do if my toilet is clogged but still draining?

For the partial clog, your plunger is your best bet, especially if the water does drain. If pushing isn't getting you anywhere with the plunger try a slow push and a quick pull to try to suck the clog back up.

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 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.

Will letting a clogged toilet sit help?

Additionally, letting a clogged toilet sit for a long time makes it more likely that more buildup, debris, and waste will accumulate around the blockage. That also leads to more serious clogs stubborn enough to require professional plumbing services.

How do you unclog a worst clogged toilet?

Hot Water and Dish Soap

Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely. Alternatively, you could use hot water and shampoo from the sink if you wish to clear your toilet without leaving your bathroom.

How long should you plunge a clogged toilet?

Ideally, no more than five or 10 minutes. One plumber told us that if plunging goes on any longer, it's time to try a toilet snake or call an expert.

When I flush my toilet, it fills up with water then slowly drains.?

Check your water levels

Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.

Why is my auger not unclogging my toilet?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty.

What to do if the toilet won't unclog with the plunger?

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 leave a clogged toilet for too long?

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.

How do you unclog a fully clogged toilet?

DIY drano bomb: Mix two cups of baking soda, eight to ten tablespoons of dish detergent, and a quarter cup of Epsom salt. Let this mixture sit and harden overnight. Drop one of these “bombs” into the toilet bowl along with four cups of water. Wait 30 minutes, then flush.

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 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.

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 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.

Will flushing a toilet multiple times unclog it?

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. DO: If water is already rising, lift the tank lid and carefully use the rubber floater to block water from filling the hole at the bottom.

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.

Do I need to remove the toilet to unclog it?

Twisting a toilet auger into your drainpipe makes it easier to puncture and eliminate deep clogs. If you can't unclog the toilet with a plunger or an auger, you'll need to remove the toilet to get better access to the drain.

Will a toilet overflow if clogged?

A Clogged or Blocked Drain

Water will overflow from the toilet's bowl rather than the tank, causing a huge mess. In order to stop the overflow, you must treat the clog. For simple clogs, a plunger and some elbow grease will usually do the trick.

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