Toilet Won’t Flush? Four Easy Ways to Fix It

We’ve all been there—you flush the toilet, and instead of everything going down the drain as it is supposed to, the water level starts rising ominously. A clogged toilet can be a real headache, especially if you’re not sure how to fix it. The good news is, unclogging a toilet is a skill anybody can learn. This guide from the plumbing specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will walk you through a few useful methods to unclog a toilet that won’t flush, helping you feel prepared the next time you face this common household difficulty.

The Dependable Plunger Technique

The most tried and true means for unclogging a toilet is using a plunger. But you shouldn’t use just any type of plunger. It’s essential to use a flange plunger that is specially made for toilet bowls. The rubber flange on the cup produces a better seal to build up the pressure necessary to free the clog. Here’s how to use a plunger right:

1. Be sure there’s at least some water in the bowl. If there isn’t, add water from the sink using a cup.

1. Position the plunger at an angle to be sure the flange goes into the hole at the bottom of the bowl.

1. Raise the plunger up and down several times, being careful not to lose the seal.

1. After a number of plunges, wait a few seconds and watch to see if the water starts going down. If not, continue plunging. But if so, lift out the plunger and flush to see if the clog is cleared.

No Plunger? No Problem!

While every home should have at least one plunger, you may not have gotten around to making this purchase yet after moving to a new place. Here are some alternative methods to unclog a toilet with no plunger.

Unclogging with Hot Water and Soap

Hot water and soap is an incredibly good stand-in for a toilet plunger. This method works better for softer clogs that need a gentle push. Here’s what you should do:

1. Take out some water from the toilet bowl if it’s very full. Scoop the toilet water out of the bowl with an old cup and discard it in your tub or shower drain.

1. Add a generous amount of dish soap or liquid detergent into the bowl. The soap helps lubricate the clog, making it easier for it to push along the pipes.

1. Slowly pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl. The force of the water combined with the slippery soap should free the clog.

1. Let the soap and hot water sit in the bowl for roughly 20 minutes, giving it time to work its magic.

1. Try flushing. If the water level goes down, you’ve effectively unclogged your toilet!

Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a dynamic concoction. Here’s how to attempt this environment-friendly method for unclogging toilets:

1. 1Transfer unwanted water from the bowl to prevent an overflow.

1. Pour about a cup of baking soda right into the toilet bowl, and then add two cups of white vinegar. The blend of baking soda and vinegar produces a fizzing action that breaks down the clog. Add the vinegar slowly to reduce the chance of overflow from the fizzing reaction.

1. Let the concoction sit in the bowl for at least 20 minutes.

1. After waiting, flush the toilet. If the water flows effortlessly, your problem is solved. If that’s not the case, try another tactic or call a plumber for help.

Try Using a Coat Hanger to Unclog a Toilet

This strategy is particularly effective for clogs caused by foreign objects or dense materials. It consists of making a do-it-yourself drain auger with an old coat hanger. Follow these steps:

1. Unwind a wire coat hanger until it’s fairly straight.

1. Wrap a small cloth around the end of the hanger and attach it with duct tape to protect your toilet bowl from scratches.

1. Put the wrapped end into the toilet and with great care push it into the drain hole.

1. Push the hanger in many directions to free the clog. Don’t forget to be gentle to avoid damaging the porcelain or plumbing.

1. After a few minutes of careful prodding and poking, remove the hanger and give the toilet a flush. If the water drains normally, you’re all set. If the clog persists, it may be time to call in the experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your Plumbing Needs in the U.S.

While the strategies detailed above work for easy clogs, some circumstances call for professional support. If you’ve tried plunging or other techniques without success, contact the pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. We realize how aggravating a clogged toilet and other plumbing problems can be in a home or business. That’s why our highly trained plumbers provide fast, long-lasting solutions. Call us to take care of messy plumbing problems, and we’ll ensure your 100% satisfaction. To schedule our professional plumbing services in the U.S. and nearby communities, call 866-397-3787 today!