If a plunger isn’t clearing the clog, your safest and most effective options are: use a hot water and dish soap soak, run a toilet/closet auger, try an enzyme-based drain treatment overnight, or extract the blockage with a wet/dry vacuum. Avoid chemical drain cleaners. If those fail—or you suspect a foreign object—call a plumber.
Why the plunger may fail
A plunger relies on pressure and suction. If the clog is deep, is a hard object (toy, deodorizer cage), or the trap is tightly packed, you’ll get little movement. The methods below tackle different clog types without damaging the toilet or pipes.
Tools and materials
- Rubber gloves, eye protection, old towels
- Bucket and a small cup (to bail water)
- Dish soap
- Hot water (not boiling)
- Toilet auger (closet auger) with protective rubber sleeve (3–6 ft)
- Enzyme/bacterial drain treatment (septic-safe)
- Wet/dry vacuum rated for liquids, with hose and crevice tip
- Adjustable wrench, putty knife, new wax ring and closet bolts (only if removing the toilet)
Hot water: 120–140°F (49–60°C)
Dish soap: 1/2 cup
Water volume for soak: 1–2 gallons
Auger length: 3–6 ft
Method 1: Dish soap + hot water soak (15–45 minutes)
Best for soft, organic clogs.
Steps:
1. Turn off the toilet’s water supply valve (behind the toilet) to prevent overflow. Remove some water from the bowl so you can add 1–2 gallons without spilling.
2. Add 1/2 cup dish soap to the bowl. Let it coat the trap.
3. Heat 1–2 gallons of hot water to about 120–140°F. Do not use boiling water (risk of cracking porcelain).
4. Pour the hot water from waist height into the bowl to add gentle force. Wait 15–30 minutes.
5. Turn the water back on and try a flush. Repeat once if needed.
Tips:
- A few plunges after the soak can help, even if plunging alone failed earlier.
- If the water level doesn’t drop at all after 30 minutes, move to an auger.
Method 2: Toilet/closet auger (10–20 minutes)
Best for clogs lodged in the trapway or just past it.
What to use: A 3–6 ft toilet auger with a rubber bumper to protect porcelain. Look for a durable cable and comfortable handle.
Steps:
1. Put the auger’s rubber sleeve at the bottom of the bowl outlet. Ensure the cable tip is retracted.
2. Steady the handle and feed the cable while cranking clockwise. Apply firm, controlled pressure—don’t force it.
3. When you feel resistance, crank to break up the clog or hook it. Maintain tension to avoid kinks.
4. Retract the cable while still turning clockwise. Remove debris and wipe the cable.
5. Try a flush. Repeat once or twice if needed.
Tips:
- Keep the cable submerged to reduce splatter and friction.
- If you think the clog is a hard object, try to hook and remove rather than push it deeper.
Cost/time: $20–$50 to buy; 10–20 minutes.
Method 3: Enzyme/bacterial drain treatment (overnight)
Best for partial/soft clogs; not for foreign objects.
Steps:
1. Bail water until the bowl is just above the outlet to concentrate the product near the clog.
2. Add the manufacturer’s recommended amount (often 4–8 oz). Let sit overnight without flushing.
3. In the morning, flush once. Follow up with hot water soak if needed.
Notes:
- Safe for septic systems and pipe materials. Avoid mixing with bleach or harsh chemicals.
Cost/time: $8–$20; needs 8–12 hours.
Method 4: Wet/dry vacuum extraction (15–30 minutes)
Effective for stubborn clogs and small hard objects. Use only a vacuum designed for liquids.
Steps:
1. Plug the vacuum into a GFCI-protected outlet. Remove or protect the filter per the manufacturer’s guidance for wet pickup.
2. Bail most water from the bowl.
3. Insert the hose into the bowl outlet and create a seal with a wet rag around the hose.
4. Turn on the vac to pull out the blockage. You may hear debris pass. Repeat a few times.
5. Flush to verify. Disinfect the hose and canister afterward.
Safety:
- Never use a household (non-wet) vacuum.
- Don’t attempt this if you’ve added chemical drain cleaner.
Cost/time: $60–$150 to buy; often rentable for ~$20–$30/day.
Advanced: Remove the toilet to access the trap (60–120 minutes)
Use this if you strongly suspect a lodged object or all above methods fail. This is a two-person lift (60–90 lb).
Steps overview:
1. Shut off water, flush to empty tank, sponge out remaining water from tank and bowl.
2. Disconnect the supply line. Remove caps and nuts from the closet bolts.
3. Rock the toilet gently to break the wax seal, then lift straight up and set on towels.
4. Inspect and push the obstruction out from the bottom with a gloved hand or auger.
5. Scrape off old wax. Set new closet bolts. Press on a new wax ring (or wax-free seal).
6. Reset the toilet straight down, tighten nuts evenly (snug, not over-tight), reconnect water, and test.
Materials: New wax ring ($5–$12), optional new supply line ($6–$15), closet bolts ($3–$8).
What to avoid
- Chemical drain cleaners (lye/acid): can damage seals, crack porcelain, and create hazardous exposure.
- Boiling water: thermal shock risk to porcelain.
- Wire hangers or metal rods: scratch the bowl and can puncture the trap.
- Repeated flushing: can overflow and cause water damage.
- High-pressure CO₂ or water blasters: can blow out seals or splash contaminated water.
Best-practice tips
- Always close the supply valve before invasive attempts.
- Keep a good toilet-specific plunger (flange style) on hand for future quick fixes.
- A quality 3–6 ft closet auger is a smart addition to a home toolkit.
- If you retrieve foreign objects, consider installing a childproof deodorizer cage or avoiding drop-in tank tablets.
When to call a professional
- You suspect a hard object (toothbrush, toy, deodorizer cage) that you can’t retrieve.
- Multiple fixtures are backing up (possible main line issue or roots).
- Recurrent clogs despite proper use (could be venting or drain slope problems).
- You’re uncomfortable removing the toilet or working with wastewater.
Typical cost: $150–$350 for a plumber to auger a toilet; $300–$600 if removal/reset is required; higher for after-hours.
With patience and the right tools—especially a closet auger and a wet/dry vac—you can clear most clogs safely without risking damage to your toilet or plumbing.