Toilet Stop Up? 5 Easy Ways to Unclog It
Did your toilet stop up? Learn simple ways to unclog a toilet quickly using a plunger, hot water, and other easy household solutions.
If your toilet stop up, don’t panic. A clogged toilet is one of those annoying household problems that usually looks worse than it really is. In many cases, you can clear the blockage yourself with a few simple steps.
Stop the Water First
If the toilet bowl is filling with water, don’t flush it again. Remove the tank lid and lift the float or close the water supply valve near the base of the toilet. This helps prevent an overflow and a much bigger mess.
Try a Toilet Plunger
A toilet plunger is usually the best place to start.
Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber cup. Position the plunger directly over the drain opening and push down firmly. Then pull up while maintaining a good seal. Repeat several times with steady pressure.
After a few attempts, wait and see if the water begins to drain. If it does, try one careful flush.
Try Dish Soap and Hot Water
For a minor clog, add a small amount of dish soap to the bowl and carefully pour in hot—not boiling—water. Let it sit for several minutes before trying the plunger again.
Avoid pouring boiling water into a porcelain toilet because extreme temperature changes can damage it.
Prevent Future Clogs
Only flush toilet paper and human waste. The EPA specifically warns that wipes and paper towels can clog toilets and drains because they don’t break down like toilet paper.
If your toilet keeps clogging, drains very slowly, or multiple fixtures are backing up, the problem may be deeper in the plumbing system. In that case, it’s best to contact a qualified plumber.
A toilet stop up can be frustrating, but with the right approach, many simple clogs can be cleared in just a few minutes.