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 ought to, the water level starts rising instead. A clogged toilet can be a real headache, especially if you don’t know how to deal with it. The good news is, unclogging a toilet is a skill anybody can perform. This guide from the plumbing professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will walk you through a few effective methods to unclog a toilet that won’t flush, helping you feel prepared the next time you face this frequent household difficulty.

The Trusty Plunger Technique

The most time-tested strategy for unclogging a toilet is with a plunger. But don’t just reach for the first plunger you see in the aisle at the store. It’s important to use a flange plunger that is specially fashioned for toilet bowls. The rubber flange on the cup forms a better seal to build up the pressure needed to free the clog. Here’s how to use a plunger right:

1. Be sure there’s some water in the bowl. If there’s no water in the bowl, add water from the sink using a cup.

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

1. Push the plunger up and down several times, being mindful not to disrupt the seal.

1. After several plunges, pause to see if the water starts draining from the bowl. If not, keep plunging. But if the water recedes, lift out the plunger and flush to see if the clog is cleared.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet Without a Plunger

While your residence should have at least one plunger, you may not have one handy at the moment. Here are a couple of alternative methods to unclog a toilet with no plunger.

How to Use Hot Soap and Water to Unclog a Toilet

Hot water and soap is a surprisingly great stand-in for a toilet plunger. This approach works well for softer clogs that need a gentle push. Here’s how it works:

1. Transfer some water from the toilet bowl if it’s quite full. Scoop the toilet water out of the bowl with an old cup and pour it in a nearby tub or shower drain.

1. Squeeze out a generous portion of dish soap or liquid detergent into the bowl. The soap helps lubricate the clog, making it easier for it to slide through the pipes.

1. Carefully pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height inside the bowl. The force of the water together with the slippery soap should eliminate the clog.

1. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for roughly 20 minutes, giving it time to work its magic.

1. Try flushing. If the water clears, you’ve properly unclogged your toilet!

Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a powerful formula. Here’s how to attempt this eco-friendly tool for unclogging toilets:

1. 1Take out excess water from the bowl to protect against an overflow.

1. Pour about a cup of baking soda directly into the toilet bowl, and then add two cups of white vinegar. The combo of baking soda and vinegar generates a fizzing action that breaks down the clog. Add the vinegar slowly to decrease the odds of an overflow from the fizzing reaction.

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

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

Try Using a Coat Hanger to Unclog a Toilet

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

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

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

1. Place the wrapped end into the toilet and carefully push it down the drain hole.

1. Move the hanger in different directions to free the clog. Don’t forget to be gentle to avoid harming the porcelain or plumbing.

1. After a few minutes of careful prodding and poking, put away the hanger and give the toilet a flush. If the water drains like it is supposed to, you’re all set. If the issue won’t go away, it may be time to call in the pros 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 techniques detailed above work for straightforward clogs, some scenarios call for professional assistance. If you’ve tried plunging or other tactics without success, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. We realize how frustrating a clogged toilet and other plumbing problems can be in a home or business. That’s why our seasoned plumbers provide speedy, lasting solutions. Leave the dirty work to us, and we’ll ensure your 100% satisfaction. To schedule our skilled plumbing services in the U.S. and nearby towns, call 866-397-3787 today!