Unclog a Toilet

Stop the water if needed, use a flange plunger to clear the clog, then test and clean up. If plunging does not work, use a toilet auger and call a plumber for persistent or system-wide backups.

Easy · 15-30 minutes

Tools

  • Flange plunger
  • Toilet auger
  • Rubber gloves
  • Bucket

Materials

  • Old towels or rags
  • Disinfectant cleaner
  • Trash bag

Safety

  • Wear rubber gloves and avoid direct contact with toilet water.
  • Turn off the toilet supply valve if the bowl is rising or may overflow.
  • Do not flush repeatedly when the toilet is clogged.
  • Do not use chemical drain cleaners in a toilet.
  • Keep the area ventilated and wash hands thoroughly after the job.
  • Stop and call a plumber if multiple drains are backing up or you suspect a sewer line issue.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Prepare the area and prevent overflow

    • Put on rubber gloves and place towels around the base of the toilet.
    • If the bowl is nearly full, remove the tank lid and close the flapper if needed to stop more water from entering the bowl.
    • Turn the shutoff valve behind or beside the toilet clockwise to stop the water supply if overflow is possible.

    Check: The water level in the bowl is stable and not rising. · The floor around the toilet is protected from splashes.

  2. Step 2: Position the plunger correctly

    • Use a flange plunger, not a flat sink plunger.
    • Place the plunger so the flange fits into the toilet drain opening and the rubber cup fully covers the opening.
    • Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup; add a little water if needed.

    Check: The plunger forms a tight seal over the drain opening. · The plunger cup is submerged enough to move water, not just air.

  3. Step 3: Plunge with steady force

    • Start with a gentle push to avoid splashing, then plunge firmly up and down 15 to 20 times while keeping the seal.
    • Use controlled, steady strokes rather than violent jabs.
    • Lift the plunger away at the end of the cycle to see if the water begins to drain.

    Check: The water level drops or you hear the clog loosen. · The bowl drains more freely than before.

  4. Step 4: Test the toilet carefully

    • If the bowl seems clear, turn the water supply back on if you shut it off.
    • Flush once only while watching the bowl closely.
    • If it drains normally, flush a second time to confirm.

    Check: The bowl empties and refills at a normal level. · There is no sign of rising water or slow draining.

  5. Step 5: Use a toilet auger if plunging fails

    • Insert the toilet auger carefully into the bowl and guide the curved end into the drain opening.
    • Crank the handle clockwise while pushing gently until you reach the obstruction.
    • Work the auger through the clog, then pull it back slowly and remove any debris.
    • Plunge once more if needed, then test with a single flush.

    Check: The auger moves past the blockage or brings debris back out. · The toilet flushes without backing up.

  6. Step 6: Clean and disinfect

    • Wipe up any splashes or spills and place contaminated towels or debris in a trash bag.
    • Disinfect the toilet, floor, tools, and any nearby surfaces that were touched by toilet water.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves.

    Check: All affected surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. · Tools are rinsed, cleaned, and stored properly.

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Plumbing

Unclog a Toilet

Easy15-30 minutes

Stop the water if needed, use a flange plunger to clear the clog, then test and clean up. If plunging does not work, use a toilet auger and call a plumber for persistent or system-wide backups.

Was this guide helpful?
⚡Safety Warning
  • Wear rubber gloves and avoid direct contact with toilet water.
  • Turn off the toilet supply valve if the bowl is rising or may overflow.
  • Do not flush repeatedly when the toilet is clogged.
  • Do not use chemical drain cleaners in a toilet.
  • Keep the area ventilated and wash hands thoroughly after the job.
  • Stop and call a plumber if multiple drains are backing up or you suspect a sewer line issue.

Tools & Materials

  • Flange plunger
  • Toilet auger
  • Rubber gloves
  • Bucket
  • Old towels or rags
  • Disinfectant cleaner
  • Trash bag

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the area and prevent overflow

Diagram for step 1: Prepare the area and prevent overflow
  • Put on rubber gloves and place towels around the base of the toilet.
  • If the bowl is nearly full, remove the tank lid and close the flapper if needed to stop more water from entering the bowl.
  • Turn the shutoff valve behind or beside the toilet clockwise to stop the water supply if overflow is possible.
Check

The water level in the bowl is stable and not rising. • The floor around the toilet is protected from splashes.

Was this step clear?
Step 2

Position the plunger correctly

Diagram for step 2: Position the plunger correctly
  • Use a flange plunger, not a flat sink plunger.
  • Place the plunger so the flange fits into the toilet drain opening and the rubber cup fully covers the opening.
  • Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup; add a little water if needed.
Check

The plunger forms a tight seal over the drain opening. • The plunger cup is submerged enough to move water, not just air.

Was this step clear?
Step 3

Plunge with steady force

Diagram for step 3: Plunge with steady force
  • Start with a gentle push to avoid splashing, then plunge firmly up and down 15 to 20 times while keeping the seal.
  • Use controlled, steady strokes rather than violent jabs.
  • Lift the plunger away at the end of the cycle to see if the water begins to drain.
Check

The water level drops or you hear the clog loosen. • The bowl drains more freely than before.

Was this step clear?
Step 4

Test the toilet carefully

Diagram for step 4: Test the toilet carefully
  • If the bowl seems clear, turn the water supply back on if you shut it off.
  • Flush once only while watching the bowl closely.
  • If it drains normally, flush a second time to confirm.
Check

The bowl empties and refills at a normal level. • There is no sign of rising water or slow draining.

Was this step clear?
Step 5

Use a toilet auger if plunging fails

Diagram for step 5: Use a toilet auger if plunging fails
  • Insert the toilet auger carefully into the bowl and guide the curved end into the drain opening.
  • Crank the handle clockwise while pushing gently until you reach the obstruction.
  • Work the auger through the clog, then pull it back slowly and remove any debris.
  • Plunge once more if needed, then test with a single flush.
Check

The auger moves past the blockage or brings debris back out. • The toilet flushes without backing up.

Was this step clear?
Step 6

Clean and disinfect

Diagram for step 6: Clean and disinfect
  • Wipe up any splashes or spills and place contaminated towels or debris in a trash bag.
  • Disinfect the toilet, floor, tools, and any nearby surfaces that were touched by toilet water.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
Check

All affected surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. • Tools are rinsed, cleaned, and stored properly.

Was this step clear?

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using a flat sink plunger instead of a flange plunger.
  • ×Flushing repeatedly and causing an overflow.
  • ×Plunging without a good seal over the drain opening.
  • ×Using chemical drain cleaners in the toilet.
  • ×Switching to a standard drain snake that can scratch or damage the toilet.
  • ×Ignoring signs that multiple fixtures are backing up.

When to Call a Professional

  • The toilet still will not clear after plunging and using a toilet auger.
  • Water backs up into other drains or multiple fixtures are clogged.
  • The toilet overflows repeatedly or drains very slowly after clearing.
  • You suspect a sewer line blockage, tree root intrusion, or a foreign object lodged deep in the trap.
  • You are unable to stop rising water or safely manage contaminated overflow.

Notes

  • A flange plunger is the best first tool for most toilet clogs.
  • Most common toilet clogs are close enough to clear with plunging or a toilet auger.
  • If the clog was caused by too much paper, waiting a few minutes before plunging can sometimes help soften it.
  • Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, or other non-flushable items.

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