Clogged Toilet Solutions: 7 Simple Ways that Work!

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The toilet is the nastiest room in the house, that’s a fact. For that reason, cleaning it up is not quite on the list of the most interesting things you have to do. Still, it has to be done.

We decided to compile some interesting and quick clogged toilet solutions to help you deal with this situation.

These are mostly the items and ingredients you already have, which indeed makes these tips easily applicable.

clogged toilet solutions

How to prepare toilet for unclogging?

Before you get down to any of the fixes we are about to mention, there are some simple preparations you need to do.

Adding more liquid or whatsoever into the toilet that is about to overflow is WRONG.

These are the common steps:

  • Block the water from pumping into the toilet bowl by closing the flapper. That’s a circular drain stopper in the tank, attached to a chain. That water inside is clean, don’t worry.
  • Put on rubber cleaning gloves, as this job itself is a very dirty and unsanitary one, so taking this minimal precaution measurements is absolutely necessary. If something smelly caused the clog or if you plan to use heavier chemicals, you should also wear a medical face mask. Moreover, an old set of clothing is advisable.
  • If splashing occurs, some newspaper, paper towels, any towels will help soak up the liquid. We recommend paper as it is easier to clean it up after you finish.
  • Turn the ventilation on or open the window, as fresh air is what you will need when dealing with this situation.

Now that you know how to get yourself and the area prepared, let’s get down to action!

Clogged Toilet Solutions

Solution number 1 - The Plunger

If clogging is not too serious, heavy, stubborn, you can try this simple option. You need a plunger and nothing else. There are two types, a ball-shaped and the one that is fold-out rubber flange on the bottom.

What matters is that it is a quality one, as cheap ones simply won’t work. To make it work properly- run it under hot water prior to using it. That way the plunger will become softer, which will make it easier to create a seal.

So, insert it into the hole and submerge it in the water. We must mention that water inside the hole is the important part of the unclogging process as pulling and pushing the air won’t be effective.

plunger for overflowing toilet

You need to start slowly and increase the speed. Be patient, as it may take about 20 cycles for this to start working. At the end of the cycle flush the toilet and check the drainage.

This procedure works just fine for some average level clogging. That means you have to be sure that the cause of the blocked drainage is not some objects, such as children’s toys or similar. You can repeat it a few times, as it costs nothing but time.

Solution number 2 - DIY Drain Cleaner

The next thing to do is make a magic potion! Just kidding, but it is indeed about making a mixture which may be of help. All you need is water, baking soda and vinegar.

For the beginning, heat water, because only if hot, it will work with two ingredients we mentioned.

As for the amount, at least half a gallon, or preferably more, as smaller amounts won’t have enough forceful enough to break the clog. Make sure the temperature is well balanced, as the water too hot may cause the porcelain to crack.

How-to-Unclog a Toilet with Baking Soda

You need a cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar to create a fizzy mixture that will dissolve the clog.

After putting these in the toilet, pour the water, from around the waist level to create the exact force needed. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, the issue should be fixed.

This DIY solution works just fine with the waste of organic origin, but cannot dissolve an object. And a small tip for you.

If you happen to be out of these ingredients but want to unclog the toilet, you can use a bit of toilet soap. It’s not as powerful as this mixture, but trying to see if it works really costs nothing.

Solution number 3 - Enzyme Waste Removal Products

In case the first two options turn to be unsuccessful, don’t just reach for some heavy chemicals immediately.

Okay, they usually do the job but are not always the smartest choice. Bear in mind your own health and the environment.

Instead of those dangerous liquids, you can opt for some enzyme-based products.

United with bacteria (the good ones), they break down and liquefy the waste. Of course, provided that the waste is an organic one, not some objects.

All you need to do is follow the instructions. Depending on the stubbornness of the clog, you will need to pour a different amount of liquid.

These are normally left to work overnight, just like the previous solution, which means you shouldn’t flush the toilet for at least six to eight hours.

Such products won’t damage the pipes, which is another reason they make a good choice.

But what to do if a problem is a persistent one, but you still want to give your own shot in solving it?

The easiest would be to call a plumber. However, there are few more useful tips you can try before actually calling someone to have it done for you.

To have this job done you need patience and the right tools. Luckily, they happen to be all around, if you know what to look for.

Solution number 4 - Wire Coat Hanger?

Like we said, useful items are all around us, and often there’s more to them than it meets the eye at first. For example, would it ever occur to your mind to use a coat hanger to unclog the toilet?

But, believe it or not, it turns to be quite a good option. You just need to adjust it a bit.

Unravel and straighten it and wrap a rag at the end. This is to prevent the damages, as the end is rather sharp. To keep the rag in place, you can use duct tape, for example.

Once you finish making this useful gadget, put it in the drain, and maneuver in all the possible ways you can think of.

Twist it, push it, make circular movements. Keep on with until you see the water draining.

coat hanger

This “fashionable” method works fine if the cause of a clog is an object that is stuck within first few inches of the drain.

If you keep on trying, but you don’t seem to be reaching anything, perhaps it’s out of the reach, which means you need something longer.

Solution number 5 - Plumbing Snake

Have no worries, it’s not an actual animal we’re aiming at, but a tool with such a name.

A plumbing snake is quite a handy gadget designed with a purpose to reach the clogs that are somewhere far in the drain. The best one is called “closet auger”.

So, insert it into the drain and push it down until you feel the obstruction, then twist and push it to break it. Maneuver it for a couple of minutes until you see the water draining, then flush the toilet.

how-to-use-a-drain-snake

Similar to the previous solution, this one will work in case the clog is within the reach of the tool.

Click here for more details. If it’s not, well, then a professional is needed.

Solution number 6 - Vacuuming

Now, this surely is not something that would come to your mind (neither is the hanger, but it works), but it is also a useful fix to give it a try to before calling a plumber.

You can try the luck with wet/dry, not the ordinary vacuum cleaner. For the beginning, use it to suck the water that’s inside the bowl.

Then insert the flexible hose into the hole and wrap a towel around it to create a seal. Turn it on, and it stands pretty good chances that it will suck out the object that caused the clog.

Solution number 7 - Heavy Chemicals

As you can see, this one we choose to put as the last option, as it is the most dangerous one comparing to all the above-mentioned options.

This one is indeed the last step prior to calling a professional to deal with the issue. There are many liquids or powders that proved to be quite efficient with stubborn clogs.

But even if this is your choice, at least try with the less hazardous ones. It’s for your own and for the benefit of the environment. Just read the labels carefully.

Minimize the chances for a toilet to clog

If the situation happens, well, that’s it, it’s not like you meant it to. But there are few useful tips on how to decrease the chances of clogging.

First of all, teach the little ones that the toilet is not a super fun water slide for their toys. Keep it closed, and the less you risk that some superhero or a doll ends up inside.

Then avoid pouring down hardening compounds such as joint, wax, caulk and similar.

And finally, be economical with paper, don’t use more than you actually need.

Final thoughts: Clogged Toilet Solutions 

Now that you are knowledgeable of all these tips, you can see that calling a plumber is not necessarily the first thing to do when a problem occurs.

Moreover, you have these simple instructions on how to prevent or at least minimize the potential blocking.

Still, if you need them, don’t hesitate to try any of these clogged toilet solutions as they turn to be quite efficient.

After all, you will be proud of yourself for solving the issue using your own effort

Clogged-Toilet-Solutions