The Plunger Failed. Now What?
First, make sure you're using a flange plunger (the one with an extended rubber flap), not a cup plunger (for sinks). That alone can make the difference.
Using the right plunger correctly:
- Ensure enough water covers the plunger cup
- Insert at an angle to avoid trapping air
- Push and pull vigorously (the pull is as important as the push)
- Repeat 15-20 times before giving up
Still stuck? Try these methods.
Method 1: Hot Water and Dish Soap
Works best for: Organic matter, toilet paper clogs
- Remove some water if the bowl is full (wear gloves, use a cup)
- Squirt dish soap into the bowl — about 1/4 cup
- Add hot water (hot from the tap, NOT boiling — boiling can crack porcelain)
- Wait 10-15 minutes — the soap lubricates and the heat softens
- Try the plunger again
The soap acts as a lubricant to help things slide through.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Works best for: Partial clogs, organic buildup
- Pour 1 cup baking soda into the bowl
- Slowly add 2 cups vinegar — it will fizz
- Wait 30 minutes for the chemical reaction to work
- Follow with hot water
- Try flushing
This works similarly to those volcano science projects — the fizzing action can break up the clog.
Method 3: Toilet Auger (Snake)
Works best for: Solid clogs, objects stuck in the trap
A toilet auger (also called a closet auger) is designed specifically for toilets. It has a protective rubber sleeve so it won't scratch the porcelain.
How to use it:
- Insert the auger into the bowl, rubber sleeve first
- Crank the handle clockwise while pushing
- You'll feel resistance when you hit the clog
- Keep cranking to break through or hook the obstruction
- Pull back slowly — you may retrieve what's stuck
- Flush to test
Important: Don't use a regular drain snake — it can scratch or crack the porcelain.
You can buy a toilet auger for $30-50 at any hardware store. Worth having if you have recurring issues.
Method 4: Wet/Dry Vacuum
Works best for: Hard objects stuck in the trap (toys, etc.)
Do NOT use a regular vacuum — only a wet/dry shop vac
- Set the vacuum to liquids
- Remove water from the bowl
- Insert the hose into the drain
- Create a seal with a rag around the hose
- Turn on — the suction may pull out the obstruction
This is especially effective for toys and other solid objects kids flush.
Method 5: Enzyme Drain Cleaner
Works best for: Slow drains, partial organic clogs
Enzyme cleaners (not chemical) use bacteria to break down organic matter. They're safe for pipes and septic systems.
How to use:
- Follow product instructions (usually pour and wait overnight)
- Don't use the toilet for 8+ hours
- Flush in the morning
Enzyme cleaners work slowly but are good for recurring issues.
What NOT to Do
Don't use chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr) in toilets:
- They can damage the porcelain
- The chemicals can splash back and burn you
- They don't work well on toilets anyway
Don't use a coat hanger — you'll scratch the porcelain
Don't keep flushing — you'll overflow the bowl
Don't ignore it — a clog won't go away on its own
When to Call a Plumber
Call if:
- None of these methods work
- The toilet clogs repeatedly (might be a main line issue)
- You suspect a non-flushable object is stuck
- Water is backing up elsewhere when you flush
A professional has tools and cameras to see exactly what's happening.