A clogged toilet always happens at the worst moment, but most clogs sit close to the surface and clear with basic tools in a few minutes. This guide explains how to unclog a toilet step by step: what to do first so the bowl does not spill over, six methods that work, what to avoid, and the signs that the problem sits deeper in your plumbing and needs a licensed plumber.
What This Guide Covers
- First steps before you try anything
- Method 1: Use a flange plunger
- Methods 2 to 5: Without a plunger
- Method 6: Use a toilet auger
- What not to do
- When to call a plumber
- What a plumber charges to unclog a toilet
- How to prevent the next clog
- Frequently asked questions
First steps: stop the water before you learn how to unclog a toilet
Before you work out how to unclog a toilet, make sure the bowl does not overflow. Do not flush a second time to “test” it. Each flush sends more water into a bowl that cannot drain.
- Stop the refill. Lift the tank lid and press the flapper (the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank) down to stop more water from entering the bowl.
- Close the supply valve. Turn the small valve on the wall behind the toilet clockwise until it stops. If it is stuck or leaking, do not force it.
- Protect the floor. Lay old towels around the base, put on rubber gloves and open a window or turn on the bathroom fan.
- Check the water level. Scoop out water if the bowl is nearly full; add some if it is too low to cover a plunger cup.
If the water is already on the floor, our guide on what to do when a toilet floods the bathroom walks through cleanup and damage checks.
Method 1: How to unclog a toilet with a plunger
For most clogs, a plunger is the fastest answer to how to unclog a toilet. The type matters. A flat cup plunger is made for sinks and tubs. For a toilet, use a flange plunger (it has a soft extension under the cup that fits into the drain opening) or a beehive-style plunger. This Old House recommends these two styles because they seal against the curved outlet of the bowl.
- Lower the plunger into the bowl at an angle so the cup fills with water instead of air.
- Fit the flange into the drain opening and press the cup down to form a tight seal.
- Push gently on the first stroke, then pump firmly in and out, keeping the seal. Put the effort into the pull as much as the push. This Old House notes that pushing hard can pack the clog deeper into the narrow trapway.
- Keep at it for 20 to 30 seconds, then lift the plunger off quickly and watch the water level.
- If the water drains, turn the supply valve back on and flush once to confirm.
Patience is the real secret of how to unclog a toilet with a plunger, and several rounds are often needed. If the water drops a little each time, keep going. If nothing moves after five or six rounds, switch to a toilet auger (Method 6).
Methods 2 to 5: How to unclog a toilet without a plunger
No plunger in the house? Here is how to unclog a toilet with things you already have. These options work best on soft clogs made of toilet paper and waste. They will not clear a toy, a phone or a wad of wipes.
Method 2: Dish soap and hot water
Dish soap is the gentlest first try if you are working out how to unclog a toilet with no tools. Pour about half a cup of liquid dish soap into the bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so it can coat and loosen the clog. Then add a bucket of hot tap water from waist height. Family Handyman stresses using hot, not boiling, water, because boiling water can crack porcelain.
Method 3: Hot water on its own
If you have no soap, hot water alone can soften paper clogs. Angi’s guide says to heat water to just below boiling and let it cool for a moment before pouring. Watch the water level so the bowl does not overflow.
Method 4: Baking soda and vinegar
Add 1 cup of baking soda, then 1 cup of vinegar, wait about 10 minutes, and follow with hot water, as This Old House describes. The fizzing can help break up a light clog, but results are mixed. Family Handyman’s author is openly skeptical of this one, so treat it as a backup plan.
Method 5: A wire hanger, carefully
As a last no-plunger option for how to unclog a toilet, a straightened wire coat hanger can reach a blockage sitting right at the drain opening. Bend a small loop at the tip, wrap it in a rag or plastic bag to protect the porcelain, wear gloves and work it gently. A hanger cannot reach far into the trapway, so stop if you feel no progress.
Method 6: How to unclog a toilet with a toilet auger
When a plunger fails, a toilet auger (also called a closet auger) is the next step in how to unclog a toilet. It is a short, crank-operated cable inside a bent tube with a rubber sleeve that protects the bowl. This Old House warns against using a regular hand snake in a toilet because it can scratch the porcelain.
- Pull the cable back so only the tip shows at the bent end.
- Set the bent end into the drain opening with the sleeve resting against the bowl.
- Turn the handle while you push the cable in. When you hit resistance, keep turning to break up or hook the clog.
- Pull the cable back out slowly while still turning, then flush to test.
- Clean and disinfect the auger before you store it.
According to HomeGuide, a toilet snake typically costs $10 to $30 to buy, so it is worth buying one before you need to figure out how to unclog a toilet in a hurry.
How to unclog a toilet: which method to try first
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Flange plunger | Most everyday clogs | Pushing too hard can pack the clog deeper |
| Dish soap and hot water | Soft paper and waste clogs | Never use boiling water |
| Hot water only | Light clogs when nothing else is on hand | Overfilling the bowl |
| Baking soda and vinegar | Mild slow drains | Mixed results |
| Wire hanger | Debris right at the drain opening | Scratching the porcelain |
| Toilet (closet) auger | Clogs a plunger cannot clear | Using a sink snake instead |
Mistakes to avoid when you unclog a toilet
- Do not keep flushing. This is the first rule of how to unclog a toilet: one extra flush is the most common way a clog becomes a flooded floor.
- Do not pour in boiling water. It can crack the bowl.
- Be careful with chemical drain cleaners. Angi lists them only as a last resort, warns that many chemicals can damage pipes when used incorrectly, and says to confirm the product is safe for toilets and follow the label. Never plunge or auger a bowl that has chemicals in it, since the water can splash.
- Do not ignore a toilet that clogs every week. Repeated clogs point to a problem past the toilet.
When to stop and call a plumber
Knowing how to unclog a toilet also means knowing when the clog is not in the toilet. Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of these:
- Other drains back up too. If the tub or shower fills with dirty water when you flush, the blockage is likely in the main sewer line. Our post on why several drains back up at the same time explains what that means.
- Gurgling or sewage odors from drains, which This Old House lists as a reason to call a pro.
- Clogs that keep coming back even after plunging and augering.
- A solid object went down, such as a toy, phone or toothbrush. The toilet may need to be pulled off the floor to remove it.
For homeowners in Los Angeles County, a main line clog is usually your responsibility to fix. LA County Public Works states that sewer laterals are owned by the private property they serve, and the owner is responsible for the entire length of the lateral, while the county maintains the public sewer. For main line and drain problems, see our clogged drain and sewer backup service.
What a plumber charges to unclog a toilet
If the DIY steps on how to unclog a toilet do not work, here is what to expect to pay. HomeGuide puts the average cost for a plumber to unclog a toilet at $100 to $275. Angi reports a wider range of $85 to $600, depending on how severe the clog is and how long the job takes. A main line clog is a bigger job: HomeGuide lists main line snaking at $150 to $500.
| Service | Typical price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber to unclog a toilet | $100 – $275 | HomeGuide |
| Plumber to unclog a toilet, full range | $85 – $600 | Angi |
| Main sewer line snaking | $150 – $500 | HomeGuide |
| Toilet auger (DIY purchase) | $10 – $30 | HomeGuide |
| The 5 Star Plumbing: unclog a toilet | $150 – $350 (typical) | The 5 Star Plumbing |
| The 5 Star Plumbing: toilet pull and reset | $275 – $375 (typical) | The 5 Star Plumbing |
The 5 Star Plumbing’s typical price to unclog a toilet is $150 – $350, and a toilet pull and reset (needed when an object is stuck or the toilet has to come off the floor) is typically $275 – $375; the exact price is confirmed after the technician sees the job. If the toilet is old, cracked or clogs constantly, our toilet repair and replacement service can help you decide whether to fix it or replace it.
How to prevent the next clog
Once you know how to unclog a toilet, a few habits help you avoid doing it again:
- Flush only the three Ps. The Orange County Sanitation District’s What 2 Flush page says a toilet is meant to flush only pee, poop and toilet paper. It notes that items like baby wipes do not break down and can form rag clogs, which can lead to sewer spills.
- Read the wipes label. California’s AB 818 requires most wipes sold in the state to carry the words “Do Not Flush” and a do-not-flush symbol, with a labeling deadline of July 1, 2022, according to the California Special Districts Association. If the package says it, put them in the trash.
- Keep food and grease out. LA County Public Works asks residents not to send food scraps down drains, toilets or garbage disposals, and to cool grease and throw it away in a sealed container.
- Use less paper per flush. Flush twice with smaller amounts rather than once with a large wad.
For a deeper look at everyday causes, read our list of 10 common reasons toilets clog. You can also browse all of our toilet, faucet and fixture repair services.
The bottom line
Most of the time, how to unclog a toilet comes down to stopping the water, using a flange plunger the right way and reaching for a toilet auger if that fails. Skip boiling water, go easy on chemicals and do not keep flushing. If several drains back up, sewage smells appear or the same toilet clogs again and again, the problem is deeper in the line.
The 5 Star Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company with experience since 2006, California contractor license #1041772, and 24/7 service for homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County and the surrounding communities. Call (888) 909-0120 or contact us online to book a technician.
Frequently asked questions: how to unclog a toilet
What is the fastest way to unclog a toilet?
A flange plunger. Seal it over the drain opening, pump firmly for 20 to 30 seconds while keeping the seal, then lift it off and check the water level. Repeat a few times before moving to an auger.
How to unclog a toilet when the water is high?
Do not flush. Lift the tank lid and press the flapper down, close the supply valve behind the toilet, then scoop some water into a bucket so you can plunge without splashing.
How to unclog a toilet without a plunger?
Try half a cup of dish soap followed by a bucket of hot (not boiling) water, or baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water. For clogs near the opening, a wrapped wire hanger can help. These work best on soft paper clogs.
Can I use a drain cleaner in a toilet?
Only as a last resort and only a product labeled safe for toilets. Angi warns that many chemicals can damage pipes when used incorrectly. Never plunge after adding chemicals.
Will a toilet eventually unclog by itself?
A clog made only of toilet paper may soften and pass with time, but wipes, paper towels and objects will not dissolve. If the water level does not drop within an hour or so, use a plunger or auger.
Why does my toilet keep clogging?
Common reasons include flushing wipes or too much paper, a partial blockage in the trapway, or a problem in the drain or sewer line. If you are searching how to unclog a toilet every week, or other fixtures gurgle or back up, have the main line inspected.
How much does it cost to have a plumber unclog a toilet?
HomeGuide puts it at $100 to $275 and Angi at $85 to $600. The 5 Star Plumbing’s typical price is $150 – $350; the exact price is confirmed after the technician sees the job.
Sources: This Old House – How to Unclog a Toilet (updated May 2026); Angi – How to Unclog a Toilet: 8 DIY Methods (updated July 2026); Family Handyman – How to Unclog a Toilet; HomeGuide – Cost to Unclog or Snake a Drain (2026); Orange County Sanitation District – What 2 Flush; California Special Districts Association – AB 818; LA County Public Works – Sewer Maintenance Customer Information. The 5 Star Plumbing prices are typical ranges; the exact price is confirmed after the technician sees the job.
