In this article, you're going to learn how to unclog toilet when nothing works.
Let's be honest, there is nothing more embarrassing than a stinky clogged toilette. It's bad enough that you have to deal with it, but having guests over isn't even an option.
If you have ever wondered how to unclog a toilet especially when it is badly blocked, then we are here to show you easy-to-use, effective methods to unblock it without calling in professional help.
And if you have, you probably must have missed out on some key steps or misused the tools.
But before we get into unclogging clogged toilets, shouldn't we learn about preventing clogging in the first place?
Let's look at how you can prevent a toilet from clogging before we get to the main business, learning how to unclog that nasty clogged toilet when nothing else works.
Can't Unclog Toilet? Start with Toilet Clog Prevention
Have you wondered what causes a toilet clog? Or better still, how can you prevent a toilet clog from happening? Before you mull over how to unclog the toilet when nothing works, it is smart to take preventative measures.
After all, the better way of eliminating toilet clogs is not allowing them to happen in the first place!
Here’s how you can prevent toilet clogging.
a) Mindfully Flush the Toilet Bowl
What does your toilet-flushing normal routine look like? Maybe you’re the type of person who pours dirty mopping water down your toilet bowl before flushing.
Dirty water may contain small rocks, pebbles, and other objects that may clog your toilet in the long run. It is, therefore, important that you check what you flush down your toilet carefully.
Anything that’s not from your body and is not toilet paper shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet drain.
If you’re sharing the bathroom with other house occupants, you may consider attaching a list of the things that should not be flushed in the toilet on the toilet wall.
This way, you may help control what ends up in your toilet bowl during flushing, even in your absence. This preventative method also greatly helps avoid stress from how to unclog the toilet when nothing works.
b) Use a Double Flush More Often
Sometimes accumulation of tissue paper in your toilet bowl can lead to a clogged toilet when you flush your toilet. When the toilet papers and poop meet in the bowl, the situation may become worse and you may find that you simply can't unclog a toilet by yourself.
You’ll need lots of water to flush them down the toilet drain effectively. In most cases, the process is never smooth, and water may overflow near the top of the toilet bowl.
It would be best if you considered flushing your toilet in phases. For example, the first phase should be flushing down the poop before throwing in the tissue paper. This helps avoid situations where you can't unclog the toilet every day, traditional means.
The second flushing should be for the tissue paper after you’ve thrown them into the bowl. This prevents the worry and stress over how to unclog the toilet when nothing works. Simply by flushing twice, you can get rid of the clogged toilet paper, tissue, etc.
If you’re using a dual flush toilet, you might not need to worry about double flushing as the toilets offer powerful flushes that are enough to eliminate the waste in one flush.
c) Clear the Toilet Tank
Toilet tanks are always seen as the extra space for storing bathroom supplies like dish soap, brushes, and tissue papers.
While this may seem convenient, it is not an excellent idea as these items could easily fall into the toilet bowl and the next thing you know, you are searching for ways how to unclog the toilet when nothing works.
When some of these items get to the toilet drain, you may not easily pull them off, leading to a clog. This is why it is recommended that you keep your toilet tank clear and empty and store toiletries in a nearby cupboard or shelf.
d) Trace the Growth of Tree Roots that may Cause a Clog
Clogged toilets sometimes occur due to the interference caused by tree roots when they disturb the normal operation of the main sewer lines. This can be bad and you'll find that you can't unclog the toilet due to the nature of the clog.
Tree roots growing next to your house’s plumbing system may reach the pipes, penetrate them and clog them, leading to clogged toilets back in the house. They can also break pipes or seriously affect their functioning.
This is not an easy precautionary measure to achieve. However, if you suspect a tree might be standing too close to the plumbing system, you may need to call a professional plumber for help.
The plumber should carry out an initial inspection to assess the condition of the pipes.
You can then remain to monitor the performance of your toilet and other drainage systems in the house.
e) Never use Strong Chemical Drain Cleaners
If your toilet won't unclog on the first few tries, it doesn't mean that you waste money on expensive, strong chemical drain cleaners. Among the many mistakes committed by homeowners, picking the wrong cleaners for toilets is among the most common ones. This is one of the top reasons why you can't unclog the toilet through the normal, everyday means.
When you use one of the strong chemicals for cleaning your toilet, chances are the chemical could ignite a chemical reaction with the drain pipes and corrode them.
If a pipe is corroded, impurities may get into the pipe, leading to the pipes and toilets clogging.
Carry out some research on the available reliable cleaners before you buy one for your toilet.
Top 7 Clogged Toilet Solutions
Can't unclog the toilet? Frustrated after several attempts only to quit trying? Well, there are several clogged toilet solutions that will make your life so much easier without calling in professional help.
A clogged toilet is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, but it happens often anyway. They happen when you have no extra bucks to pay a professional plumber to come and fix them, but fret not! Our handy tricks to unclog toilets are at your disposal! You do not need expensive materials or solutions, nor do you need to call in plumbing services. Our clogged toilet tricks will work wonders if carried out properly.
It is highly crucial that you learn how to unclog the toilet when nothing else works so you can solve such problems when they occur and in those instances when you can’t hire a plumber.
Here are some of the helpful tricks on how to unclog the toilet when nothing else works. If you can't unclog the toilet, don't fear! We've got your back.
1. Use a Plunger
One of the most tried and tested clogged toilet solutions is using a handy plunger. If you have ever wondered how to unclog the toilet when nothing works, then this should be your first solution! Most homeowners will have a spare plunger or two lying around for clogged toilet emergencies and you can easily unclog the toilet within minutes with the help of a plunger.
A plunger qualifies as an excellent tool for when you can't unclog a toilet.
Plungers come in two versions; one with flange and another that’s heavy-duty built. You can always choose the one that best fits your budget comfortably.
One of the best ways to unclog a toilet is by using your plunger and it is also incredibly easy!
First, you’ll need to wear rubber gloves as a protective measure against toilet water splashing on your hands.
Secondly, grab the plunger by the handle and insert the rubber part into the toilet bowl until you achieve a completely airtight vacuum.
Then start pushing down the plunger slowly as you progressively add more force. Continue doing this repeatedly until you achieve a tighter vacuum, then pull it out once.
When you pull out the plunger, the clog will easily loosen, allowing everything to flow down the drain. If your toilet won't unclog, repeat the vacuuming method a few times to loosen everything and help it down the drain pipes.
The subsequent flushes will be smoother and easier. However, the method might not work depending on the nature of the plug you’re dealing with.
Do not fret when that happens. You can try the other methods below for the best results.
2. Use a Mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Toilet won't unclog with the plunger? No need to panic! Our handy clogged toilet solutions include another easy-to-use unclogging method that only requires items lying around your house.
This is the second most reliable method of unclogging a clogged toilet when a plunger fails to offer satisfactory results. How to unclog the toilet when nothing works, you wonder? Well, items like baking soda and vinegar lying around the house might be just the solution!
If you are wondering how to unclog a toilet without a plunger, then we recommend a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar which works as a readily available solution to deal with toilets that have been clogged for some time.
Make sure you have soda and vinegar at home before you begin mixing the solution.
Once you have the baking soda, cups, vinegar, bowl/container, and water ready, you can make the solution.
Pour two cups of water and one cup of soda into the bowl/container. Mix the solution thoroughly and pour it into the toilet bowl.
Now pour 2 cups of vinegar into the bowl and give it some time. You can attend to your other kitchen duties as you wait for the vinegar to get deep into the toilet.
The presence of vinegar in the bowl will trigger a reaction that will be noticeable with the presence of bubbles.
This reaction between vinegar and baking soda will cause the materials blocking your toilet to loosen up and allow water to flow freely.
The solution reaches the innermost sections of your toilet that the plunger couldn’t get to.
To easily dissolve the strains of the solution from the toilet, you can add a gallon of boiling water. This will help clear the solution strains within hours.
You should wait for about 6 to 8 hours before you flush the toilet after using this method to unclog toilet when nothing works.
3. Use Dish Soap and Hot Boiling Water
Still can't unclog toilet? No worries! Sometimes clogged toilet solutions are the simplest of methods that require nothing but hot, boiling water and dish soap.
This also works when your toilet won't unclog with plunger either.
All you need to get this done is boil a gallon of water and give it time to cool off to a warm temperature.
Cut a few pieces of the dish wash soap, add them into the toilet bowl, pour the warm water, and give it some time.
After a few minutes, flush the toilet so the solution can get down the drain and push out any remaining clogs.
This is one of the simplest clogged toilet solutions that loosens the plug allowing the drain pipe to be free of any stubborn gunk.
By now, you should be having a solution on how to unclog toilet when nothing works. However, if that’s not the case yet, there are a few more options you could try.
4. Use a Plumbing Snake
If you have an active, functioning toilet, owning a plumbing snake (Closet Auger) is something you should not think twice about. One of the best solutions for how to unclog toilet when nothing works, is a handy plumbing snake!
A plumbing snake is a flexible wire that’s useful for cleaning toilets. If you’re yet to own one, you can always shop for a plumbing snake in your local stores at affordable prices.
While using this effective tool, you’ll have little to worry about your toilet’s porcelain as it’s fitted with rubber coating to protect the porcelain from scratch.
Notice your toilet blocked but nothing in it? Time to whip out your plumbing snake and let it do the job! It is an effective clogged toilet solution for times when your toilet won't unclog with plunger or if you are struggling with how to unblock a badly blocked toilet.
You can use a plumbing snake to maneuver your way deep down the drain.
It’s crucial that you put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from splashes of liquid waste.
Once everything is set, insert one end of the closet auger into the toilet and push it down the toilet until you feel some resistance from inside.
You can push the tool further while twisting it to push the plug into the drain. Continue performing the movements until nothing is blocking its path to set the water completely free.
Once you’ve achieved zero obstruction, you can now flush the toilet and check how fast the water flows.
A faster flow means the clogs are out of the way, but a sluggish flow means some clogs are still in the path of the water, and you need to redo the process.
5. Use a Wire Coat Hanger
Toilet won't unclog with plunger? Can't unclog toilet with baking soda and vinegar either? Or perhaps your toilet is clogged with nothing in it! Whatever the situation might be, if you do not have the necessary tools lying around, you can always use a wire coat hanger!
All you have to do is loosen it and straighten it up in readiness for the task ahead.
You can proceed to cover the wire up with an old towel at one end to prevent it from scratching the porcelain. Then wrap up the old towel using duct tape to achieve a good seal around the wire hanger.
This is an ideal method of how to unclog toilet when nothing works, and the clog lingers only a few inches from the drain.
Now insert the covered end of the wire into the bowl, then push it into the drain as you twist it to remove any clog blocking water from moving freely into the drain.
Continue pushing even when noticeable resistances are coming in from the toilet. Only stop when the water starts to drain again.
You can now flush to eliminate any lingering obstruction inside the bowl.
The hanger should achieve the same result as the snake tool. However, in most cases, it doesn’t work because of its limited height. Therefore, if it fails to achieve the desired results, you can use the plumbing snake to finish the work. Wired coat hangers are one of the best clogged toilet solutions as it ensures that your pipes are unclogged all the way through!
6. Use a Suction Cup
If your toilet won't unclog through any of the aforementioned means, you can try a suction club! One of the most effective clogged toilet solutions on our list is using a handy suction cup to remove debris and poop.
You’ll need to buy suction cups specially designed to suck out small plugs that are blocking the path of water in the drain.
The suction cups are designed with long handles to prevent your hands from getting immersed in dirty, unpleasant water.
To use one, place the suction cup so that it completely covers the hole's bottom hole to create a vacuum so that air won’t pass through.
Now press firmly as you lift and lower the suction cup to create a suction effect that will suck out the plug from the drain.
A suction cup can only suck out small pebbles and will not work effectively with larger ones.
You can use a special hose for the larger pebbles to generate enough force for sucking out the pebbles and this works as a perfect solution for how to unclog toilet when nothing works.
7. Use an Enzyme Product
Tried everything but your toilet won't unclog? We have a suggestion for you! You can use an enzyme product!
An enzyme product liquefies waste material in toilets to help unclog them in a quick, successful process.
The product is cheaply available in most groceries and local plumbing stores and is mainly used to disintegrate waste in septic systems and is one of the best clogged toilet solutions.
It only works effectively to eliminate organic waste that is clogging your toilet's drain. Anything besides organic wastes will demand that you use a different tool.
When using an enzyme product to unclog toilets, start by reading the product instructions so you may understand how to use the specific product.
Pour the recommended amount of the enzyme into the bowl and wait for a few minutes for it to work on the clogs.
You can flush the toilet to see whether the waste has been broken down to allow easy water flow.
Materials To Have On Hand
Here are some of the key materials you will need to unclog a toilet:
- Plunger: Use this to create a vacuum to help unclog the toilet.
- Plumber’s Snake: This tool helps loosen any clogged material in your pipes and release it from the plumbing system.
- Bucket: Place this near the toilet so that you can catch any excess water or debris during the process.
- Gloves: To protect yourself, wear gloves when handling any materials related to unclogging a toilet.
Safety Precautions
Always make sure to exercise caution when attempting to unclog a toilet. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Turn off the water supply valve before beginning the process and be sure it is completely shut off before proceeding.
- Do not use any chemical products to unclog the toilet, as they can damage the pipes.
- Be careful not to cause any property damage while attempting to unclog a toilet.
- Make sure that all electrical appliances are turned off and away from the area before starting work.
Cautions During The Process
When attempting to unclog a toilet, it is important to take certain precautions:
- Do not allow standing water in the bowl to get too high, as it can lead to overflow or other hazardous situations.
- Be aware of any tools you may be using near electricity outlets or fixtures.
- Avoid using too much force with your plunger; this could result in further clogging.
- If using a plumber’s snake, take care not to puncture the toilet bowl.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
In some cases, it may be best to call a professional plumber rather than attempt to unclog the toilet yourself. If the lcog is not clearing after multiple attempts, or if you are uncertain how to proceed, a professional plumber can help. Additionally, they will have the right tools and safety equipment to get the job done quickly and safely.
When it comes to unclogging a toilet, it is important to exercise caution and take all necessary safety precautions before beginning the process. If unsure of your ability to complete the task, be sure to contact a professional for assistance. Safety always comes first when attempting any plumbing repairs!
FAQs on How to Unclog Toilet when Nothing Works
What can you do if your toilet won't unclog with plunger?
If your toilet won't unclog with plunger, you can use a variety of alternative methods including using a plumbing snake, wire coat hanger, hot water and soap, or even a suction cup. If all else fails, you may need to call in the professionals. Clogged toilet solutions greatly depend on the level of clogging emergency. If it isn't too serious, you can easily deal with it yourself at home with one of our aforementioned handy tips and tricks!
What to do when your toilet blocked but nothing in it?
If your toilet is blocked but nothing in it, then it may be because there is clog at the end of the drain pipes. Sometimes clog is not visible, but that doesn't mean it is not there. In such cases, you may need a slightly larger plunger or a plumbing snake to reach deeper down the drain pipe and clear the way for the clog to flow through smoothly.
How to unclog a toilet that has been unused for a long time?
Unclogging an unused toilet follows similar rules. You may need to clean the bowl first and use a plunger or plumbing snake to loosen the clog in the pipes and let it flow down with ease.
How to unblock a badly blocked toilet?
If you are stressing over how to unlock a badly blocked toilet, then you can try getting rid of the problem by using a plunger first and if that doesn't get the job done, then we recommend a combination of a suction cup to get rid of smaller matter and debris first and then move on to using an enzyme product or a plumbing snake to clear out the larger clog for easy flushing.
If this still doesn't work, you may want to call in professional plumbing services as the clog may be from something other than poop or toilet paper. A badly blocked toilet could also be a result of clogged hair, jewelry that may have been accidentally flushed, etc.
Will a Toilet Eventually Unclog itself?
Unclogging a toilet isn’t one of the easiest or pleasurable tasks around, especially if you’re dealing with a clogged toilet with poop. That explains why many homeowners prefer leaving the toilet until it unclogs itself.
While it’s true that toilets can unclog themselves with time, sometimes they don’t.
A toilet unclogs itself when the cause of the clog is a water-soluble material. However, when the clog is caused by insoluble materials like pebbles, you might be forced to unclog it yourself.
What Solution Do I use to Dissolve Poop Faster?
To dissolve poop faster, you’ll need baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.
You’ll pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl and add the vinegar in little portions to avoid an overflow when the mixture starts to fizzle and bubble.
The poop will eventually dissolve into water and drain away.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Blocking?
If your toilet is regularly clogging, then it’s time you checked the roofing vent that allows fresh air into the toilet to increase flushing pressure.
More often, bird nests and tree leaves clog this vent, thus reducing flushing pressure which causes the toilet to block regularly.
What are some common causes of a clogged toilet?
Common causes of a clogged toilet include too much toilet paper, a foreign object getting stuck in the drain, or a build-up of hair and other debris.
How can I tell if my toilet is clogged?
You may notice that the water drains very slowly or not at all when flushing your toilet. Additionally, you might see water rising up in the bowl after flushing. This is usually an indication that there’s something blocking the flow of water from leaving the toilet.
What should I do if my plunger isn’t working to unclog the toilet?
If your plunger does not work to successfully unclog your toilet, you may need to use a plumbing snake. This tool is designed to reach further down into the pipes and remove any clogs that may be stuck there. If your problem persists, you may need to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Toilet Won't Unclog? Don’t Wait Until it’s too Late!
Now that you’ve learned about the seven most reliable tricks of unclogging a toilet when nothing else works, you can’t afford to leave your unclogged toilet clogged.
You can try as many of these tips as you can until you eventually get a solution for your clogged toilet.
Start using the cheaply achievable solutions as you advance to those that are seemingly complex.
