How to Unclog a Toilet with a Full Bowl That Won't Go Down?

Dealing with a clogged toilet can be frustrating. You've tried plunging, hot water, baking soda, and vinegar, but nothing seems to work. Don't worry, there are other methods you can try.

What Else Can I Try?

When the plunger and home remedies fail, you need other techniques. Here are some tried and true methods:

Use a Toilet Auger

A toilet auger, also known as a plumbing snake, is a tool that can reach deeper into the toilet drain to break up or pull out the clog.

• Insert the auger into the toilet bowl.
• Crank the handle clockwise to extend the cable into the drain.
• Apply gentle pressure and try to push through the clog.
• Once you feel the resistance lessening, pull the auger out.
• Flush to see if the blockage is gone.

Dish Soap and Hot Water

Even if hot water alone didn’t work, a combination of dish soap and hot water can do the trick.

• Pour about a half cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to help lubricate the clog.
• Carefully pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water into the bowl from waist height.
• Wait for a few minutes and then try flushing.

Try a Wet/Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum can be a powerful tool to remove clogs.

• Use the vacuum to empty as much water from the bowl as possible.
• Wrap an old rag around the vacuum hose to create a seal around the toilet drain.
• Insert the hose into the drain and turn the vacuum on.
• The suction should pull the clog out.

Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried everything else and the toilet remains clogged, it might be time to call a professional. A plumber will have specialized tools and the expertise to solve the problem. Sometimes, the clog is deep within the plumbing that only a professional can reach and remove effectively.

Prevent Future Clogs

• Do not flush items like wipes, paper towels, or sanitary products.
• Regularly clean your toilet to prevent buildup.
• Consider using a drain cleaner once a month to keep the pipes clear.

These methods are useful steps to tackle a stubborn toilet clog. Using them should help you clear the blockage and get things back to normal. If they don’t work, a professional plumber is always the best fallback option.