16 Ways To Unclog A Toilet

You may know about some of the tools to unclog a toilet, but what do you do if you don’t have the proper tools available when you need them? Or what if one particular method failed you? Here is a list of alternatives and how I rate them. You may combine different methods to yield the ultimate success. Happy unclogging!

For the full video tutorial, visit Genius Asian.

The Top Methods Ranked

Here is a quick reference ranking the most effective methods. Start at the top and work down.

Method	Effectiveness	Difficulty	Cost	Best For
Flange plunger	Excellent	Easy	$8-12	First attempt on any clog
Toilet auger (closet auger)	Excellent	Medium	$15-30	Clogs a plunger cannot clear
Hot water + dish soap	Good	Easy	$0	Soft clogs, no tools available
Wet/dry vacuum	Good	Medium	$0 (if you own one)	Object lodged in trap
Baking soda + vinegar	Moderate	Easy	$0	Partial clogs, slow drains
Wire hanger snake	Moderate	Easy	$0	Shallow clogs, emergency use
Enzyme drain cleaner	Moderate	Easy	$8-15	Organic matter buildup
Garden hose pressure	Good	Medium	$0	Stubborn clogs (see limitations)

The Plunger: First Line of Defense

A proper toilet plunger (flange plunger, not a flat cup plunger) clears about 90 percent of toilet clogs. The flange — the extra rubber flap that folds out from inside the cup — creates a better seal in the curved toilet drain.

Technique matters more than force:

Insert the plunger at an angle to fill the cup with water, not air. Water does not compress — air does. A water-filled plunger creates far more hydraulic force.
Fit the flange into the drain opening and press the cup firmly against the porcelain to create a seal.
Push down slowly on the first stroke to establish the seal, then plunge vigorously with 15-20 fast strokes.
On the final stroke, pull up sharply to create suction.
Repeat three rounds. If the water begins to drop after plunging, the clog is loosening — continue until it drains completely.

Hot Water and Dish Soap (No Tools Needed)

This is the best no-tool option for soft clogs:

Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the bowl (1/4 cup).
Heat a pot of water to just below boiling — do not use boiling water, which can crack porcelain.
Pour the hot water from waist height into the bowl. The height gives the water momentum.
Wait 10-15 minutes. The soap lubricates the clog while the heat softens it.
Flush. If the water level drops slowly, repeat the process.

The Toilet Auger

For clogs that resist the plunger, a toilet auger (also called a closet auger) is the next step. It has a flexible cable inside a rigid tube with a rubber sleeve that protects the porcelain.

Insert the auger into the bowl with the curved end going into the drain.
Crank the handle clockwise while pushing forward until you feel resistance.
Continue cranking to bore through or catch the obstruction.
Pull the auger back slowly. If you snagged an object, it will come out with the cable.
Flush to test. Repeat if needed.

Tools You Will Need

Tool	Purpose	Cost
Flange plunger	First-attempt clog clearing with hydraulic pressure	$8-12
Toilet auger (closet auger)	Reaching clogs deeper in the trap that plungers miss	$15-30
Rubber gloves (long-cuff)	Hygiene protection for all methods	$5-8
Bucket	Bailing excess water to prevent overflow	$0 (household)
Old towels	Protecting the floor from splashes	$0 (household)
Dish soap	Lubricating soft clogs in the hot water method	$0 (household)
Enzyme drain cleaner	Overnight treatment for organic matter buildup	$8-15

Tips for Unclogging a Toilet

Stop the water immediately if the bowl is about to overflow. Remove the tank lid and push the flapper valve down to stop water from entering the bowl. Then turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
Never use chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr) in a toilet. The chemicals sit in the bowl and can damage the wax ring seal, crack porcelain from heat generation, and create a dangerous splash hazard if you plunge afterward.
Use cold water when flushing after clearing a clog. Hot water can crack a cold porcelain bowl — the thermal shock is a real risk especially in winter.
Prevent future clogs by using only toilet paper (no “flushable” wipes, which do not break down despite the label). Keep a wastebasket next to the toilet for everything else.
Place the plunger in the bowl before you start so it warms to the water temperature. Cold rubber is stiffer and does not seal as well.
For recurring clogs in the same toilet, the problem may be mineral buildup in the jet holes under the rim (see our toilet flush test guide) or a partially blocked vent pipe on the roof.

Alternative Methods

Beyond the methods shown in the video, here are additional approaches for stubborn clogs.

1. Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner

When to use: Slow drains or partial clogs caused by organic matter.

Pros: Safe for all pipe types, environmentally friendly, no harsh chemicals, works overnight
Cons: Very slow acting (4-24 hours), does not work on solid obstructions, not for emergencies
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated cost: ~$8-15 per bottle

2. Toilet Auger (Closet Auger)

When to use: Clogs that a plunger cannot clear, or objects lodged in the trap.

Pros: Reaches deeper than a plunger, physically breaks through or retrieves obstructions, reusable
Cons: Can scratch porcelain if used carelessly, requires some technique, bulky to store
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated cost: ~$15-30 for the tool

3. Call a Plumber

When to use: Repeated clogs, suspected sewer line issues, or when DIY methods fail.

Pros: Professional camera inspection, powered drain snake, can identify root intrusion or pipe damage
Cons: Service call fee, scheduling wait
Difficulty: N/A (hired service)
Estimated cost: ~$150-300 for drain clearing

When to Call a Professional

The toilet clogs repeatedly (weekly or more) despite normal use — this suggests a partial obstruction in the main drain, a vent pipe blockage, or tree root intrusion
Multiple fixtures are backing up (toilet, tub, and sink) — the main sewer line is blocked
Sewage is backing up into the tub or shower when the toilet is flushed — this is a main line issue requiring professional equipment
A non-flushable object (toy, phone, razor) was flushed and the auger cannot retrieve it — a plumber can use a camera to locate it and determine the best removal approach
You have already tried plunging and augering with no success — a professional has a motorized drain snake and hydro-jetting equipment that goes far beyond hand tools

For toilet leak detection (a different problem from clogs), see our toilet leak detection guide. For kitchen sink clogs, see our kitchen sink unclogging guide. For a broader overview of home plumbing, see the home plumbing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best plunger for toilets? A flange plunger (also called an accordion plunger) with a fold-out rubber flap inside the cup. The flange fits into the toilet drain opening and creates a much better seal than a flat cup plunger, which is designed for sinks.

Will “flushable” wipes clog my toilet? Yes. Despite the label, “flushable” wipes do not break down the way toilet paper does. They are the leading cause of sewer blockages in municipal systems and a major cause of household toilet clogs. Throw them in the trash.

How can I prevent toilet clogs? Use moderate amounts of toilet paper, flush twice if needed rather than overloading a single flush, keep a wastebasket next to the toilet for non-flushable items, and make sure the toilet is flushing at full power (see our flush test guide to diagnose weak flushes).

Always verify contractor licensing and insurance in your state. Cost estimates are averages and may vary by location.