Unclog a Toilet That Won't Drain

What good is a toilet that won’t flush – or overflows when flushed? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we get calls for unclogging toilets all the time. We could choose to keep our secrets to ourselves, but we are committed to helping our community by sharing our knowledge as well as our services. If you are having issues with a clogged toilet and do not have to time or money to hire a certified plumber, then continue reading to learn how you can take of this job on your own. Those that prefer to have a certified plumber handle their clogged toilet can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing any time of the day. Our friendly representatives are always ready to take your call.

Take Out the Plunger
Want to handle that clogged toilet the old-fashioned way? Bring out the plunger and get ready to put in some work.

• Use a small cup, bowl, or bucket to gently remove any excess water so that you can use your plunger without splashing or overflowing the toilet.
• Gradually insert the plunger into the toilet bowl, letting out as much air from inside the plunger as possible.
• Cover the opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl by forming a snug seal with the plunger.
• Firmly plunge with a straight up-and-down motion to force the existing water against the blockage, pushing it out.
• Stop and watch the water level closely. If it has been successfully plunged, the toilet’s water level should diminish. If not, then continue plunging.

Soap and Hot Water
Remove as much water from the toilet as you can using a small cup, bowl, or bucket. Lubricate the toilet bowl with dish soap, liquid soap, shampoo, or bar soap. Heat a gallon of water to a drinkable tea temperature – not boiling. Boiling water could crack your toilet bowl! Pour the hot water into the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes. It should flush after these 20 minutes. If not, turn off the water valve to prevent overflow.

Baking Soda and Vinegar
Remove at least half of the water from the toilet bowl and pour a cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet. Allow to mixture to bubble for about twenty minutes before trying to flush.

Drain Snake or Makeshift Drain Snake
Pull out the drain snake or a coat hanger if you do not have a drain snake. Unravel the coat hanger. Wrap a cloth around one end of the straightened coat hanger so it does not scratch your toilet. Duct tape the cloth in place. Insert the drain snake or coat hanger into the toilet and push the debris down the pipe until you can flush.

Call the Professionals
If none of these methods work, then it’s time to call the professionals. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has certified plumbers ready to dispatch to your location at any time of the day and any day of the week. Our friendly representatives are on standby to take your call.