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How to Unclog Toilet if Plunger isn’t Working

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Melbourne Plumber

90% of all toilet clogs can be solved with the standard toilet plunger. This is an item you can buy at the dollar store and is worth its weight in gold when you really need it.

But there are times where you have a clog and the plunger isn’t working. This is a terrible feeling but remain calm. There are some steps you can try before you have to call a professional plumber.

In this article we list the step you can try on your clogged toilet before you have to call in the pros. Below are those steps:

I. Dish Soap – Pour a quarter to half cup of liquid dish soap directly over the clog and wait 30 minutes. The soap should work its way down into the clog and act as a lubricant for the jammed debris. If the water level in your toilet clog is low, go ahead and give it a flush to see if the clog is free. If the water level is high, don’t flush. You dont want an overflow. Instead, gently work your plunger into the toilet and gently plunge away. This will move the clogged material around and it may come free.

II. Hot Water – If the soap method didn’t work lets move on to stage two. This time you will want to heat up some water. Heat the water up to where it is very hot but not boiling. You don’t want to risk cracking the porcelain with boiling water. Stand directly over the toilet and pour the hot water into the toilet directly over the clogged toilet drain. Give it a few minutes. Again, if you have low liquid level in the toilet, give it a flush. If you have high liquid level, try the plunger again.

III. Baking Soda and Vinegar – If the dish soap and hot water didn’t work, move on to the vinegar and baking soda method. This method is accomplished by the following steps.

1. Check the liquid level in the bowl. You will want it about halfway full.
2. Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl.
3. Slowly pour one cup of vinegar into the bowl.
4. Allow the fizzing product to work for 30 minutes.
5. Try flushing.
6. If flushing didn’t work, try plunging again.

If the steps above didn’t work, call a plumber. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. These things happen. Your plumber has seen them all before. He/she will stop in and have you going again in no time.