How to Unclog a Toilet
Short answer: Use a flange plunger with a tight seal and pull back as hard as you push, about a dozen strokes. If plunging fails, a closet auger (toilet auger) clears most stubborn clogs without scratching the bowl.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 5 to 30 minutes
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
Toilet clogs form in the trapway, the curved channel built into the porcelain. Too much paper, wipes (even ones labeled flushable), and small objects are the usual culprits. Low-flow toilets with a partly clogged trapway may need two flushes; that is a sign to clear it before it fully blocks.
Tools and materials
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Tools
- Flange plunger (toilet plunger)The extra rubber sleeve seals the drain openingCheck price on Amazon
- Closet auger (toilet auger), 3 to 6 footHas a rubber sleeve to protect porcelainCheck price on Amazon
- Rubber glovesCheck price on Amazon
Materials
- Old towelsTo protect the floorCheck price on Amazon
How do you unclog a toilet? Step by step
Stop an overflow first
If the bowl is rising, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to close it, then turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise.
Get the water level right
You want enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup. Bail some out into a bucket if it is near the rim, or add a little if the bowl is nearly empty.
Plunge with a good seal
Fold the flange out and fit it into the drain opening. Start with a gentle push to get the air out, then plunge firmly in and out about 12 to 15 times, putting effort into the pull stroke. Pulling back tends to break up a clog; pushing hard can pack it deeper.
Use a closet auger if needed
Pull the auger handle up so the cable is retracted, set the rubber-sleeved bend into the bowl outlet, then crank and push the cable down into the trapway. Crank, pull back, and repeat until the water drains. Retract the cable before lifting it out.
Test with a flush
Turn the water back on and flush once while watching the level, with your hand ready to close the flapper.
Safety notes
- Do not use chemical drain cleaners in a toilet; they rarely work on toilet clogs and make plunging dangerous.
- Do not use a regular drain snake in a toilet; it can scratch the porcelain. Use a closet auger.
- Wash hands and tools after the job.
When should you call a pro?
- An object such as a toy or phone is stuck; the toilet may need to be pulled.
- Other drains in the house back up or gurgle when you flush.
- The auger cannot get through, which can mean a blockage in the main line.
Frequently asked questions
Why does pulling back on the plunger matter?
This Old House explains that forcing down can compact the clog deeper into the narrowing trapway, while a tight seal and pulling back breaks it into smaller pieces.
Are flushable wipes safe for toilets?
Many wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are a common cause of clogs. Put them in the trash.
What if the toilet clogs often?
Repeated clogs can mean a partial blockage deeper in the trapway, a problem with the vent, or a toilet with weak flushing. An auger can clear a partial blockage; a plumber can diagnose the rest.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.