How to Unclog a Toilet

The complete guide from a professional plumber.

By Andrew Henderson, Red Seal Plumber

10–20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
  • Safe, step-by-step instructions
  • Plunger and toilet auger methods
  • When to stop and call a pro
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Sorry to hear you have a clogged toilet. Let’s get you prepared to tackle it safely and cleanly.

Toilet overview illustration
Visual overview of the process.

Safety first

Warning

This can be a messy job and not recommended for people with a weak stomach. Use gloves and eye protection. If odors are severe, consider a respirator.

Safety warning icons
Protect yourself and your space before you begin.

Steps to unclog a toilet

How to use a Plunger

  1. Inspect the plunger. Make sure the flange is unfolded.
    Plunger flange
    Unfolded flange = better seal.
  2. Place the plunger into the bowl slowly to avoid splashing.
    Insert plunger
    Ease it in—don’t make waves.
  3. Press the plunger against the bowl to push out air. Air compresses, water does not.
    Push out air from cup
    Remove trapped air for real suction.

    Andrew’s Pro Tip: Air is bad—air compresses, water doesn’t.

  4. Align the cup with the drain and create a full seal.
    Seal the drain
    A full seal keeps force where you need it.
  5. Press and depress slowly while keeping the seal. Feel for suction.
    Plunge with control
    Control over speed. Focus on the seal.
  6. Continue several cycles. Focus on seal and control, not speed.
    Continue cycles
    Several steady cycles usually do it.
  7. Pull away the plunger and check if the bowl drains. Repeat up to 3 attempts.
    Check drain
    Test the drain after each round.
  8. If still clogged after 3 attempts, try a toilet auger or consider removing the toilet.
    Auger recommended
    When in doubt, auger it out.

How to use a Toilet Auger

  1. Unclip the auger head and extend the handle so the head is just outside the tube.
    Extend auger
    Stage the head just past the guard.
  2. Place the auger guard into the bowl and tilt into the drain to protect the porcelain.
    Place auger
    Let the guard protect the bowl while you steer.

    Andrew’s Pro Tip: The porcelain glaze on a toilet can scratch permanently. Keep the guard seated and avoid metal-on-porcelain contact to protect the finish.

  3. Hold the grip and rotate the crank slowly while pushing toward the drain.
    Rotate crank
    Slow, steady rotation while feeding forward.
  4. Ensure the head has not twisted back into the bowl. Keep the guard in place.
    Check tangles
    Confirm the cable isn’t looping back.

    Andrew’s Pro Tip: If the cable loops back into the bowl you can scar the surface or kink the cable. Keep light tension, watch your angle, and re-seat the guard if the cable wants to jump.

  5. Continue rotating and feeding until the handles meet again.
    Feed auger
    Advance until the cable is fully seated.
  6. Retract the auger and check if the bowl drains. Repeat up to 3 attempts.
    Retract auger
    Pull back and test the drain.
  7. If still clogged, toilet removal may be required. Consider calling a professional.
    Toilet cleared vs still clogged
    When auger fails, removal is the next step.

Step 9: Final check

If the auger hasn’t worked, the blockage is likely deeper or may require removing the toilet. At this point, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.

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Andrew’s Pro Tip: Don’t risk cracking the porcelain or damaging the flange. A pro can finish this quickly and safely.

Time to call a plumber
When DIY options fail, calling a plumber prevents damage and gets things flowing again.

Why not baking soda, soap, or hot water?

You’ll find plenty of internet “hacks” for unclogging toilets — baking soda and vinegar, dish soap, hot water, even coat hangers. As a professional plumber, here’s why these usually don’t work:

Andrew’s Pro Tip: If a plunger or auger won’t move it, hacks won’t either. Save time and protect your toilet by switching to the right tools — or a pro.

Plunger & Auger Comparison

Comparison of common unclogging tools and their best uses
Tool Best for Watch out for
Cup plunger Sinks and flat drains Poor seal on toilets
Flange plunger Most toilets, standard clogs Make sure flange is unfolded
Accordion plunger High pressure, stubborn clogs Harder to use, messy splashback
Toilet auger Objects, deep or tough clogs Must protect porcelain with guard

Recommended tools

Andrew’s Pro Pick RIDGID 59787 Toilet Auger

Best Toilet Auger

The RIDGID 59787 is durable, porcelain-safe, and the same tool many professional plumbers use every day.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support unclogtoilets.com.

Watch: How to Unclog a Toilet

Prevention tips

  • Only flush toilet paper. No wipes, cotton swabs, or feminine products.
  • Keep small objects away from the bowl, especially in homes with kids.
  • If clogs are frequent, book an inspection to check venting or drain issues.

Slow flush or frequent clogs?

If your toilet clogs often or never flushes strongly, the problem may not be the clog itself:

These are signs of a bigger issue — worth booking a professional inspection if you see them regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I flush a clogged toilet?

No. Flushing can overflow the bowl and cause a mess. Instead, shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet, lower the water level with a cup or sponge if needed, and then use a plunger.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for toilets?

No. Products like Drano or Liquid-Plumr can crack porcelain, damage seals, and create hazardous splashback. They are ineffective against most toilet clogs. Stick with a plunger or auger.

Why does my toilet keep clogging?

Frequent clogs usually mean one of these:

  • Too much toilet paper per flush
  • Flushing wipes, hygiene products, or other non-flushables
  • A partially blocked drain line or vent pipe
  • Older low-flow toilets with weak flush performance

If it’s happening weekly, call a plumber for an inspection.

What’s the difference between a plunger and a toilet auger?

A plunger works by creating suction and pressure to move soft blockages. A toilet auger is a cable tool designed to break apart or hook harder obstructions (like small toys or wipes stuck in the trap).

If a plunger doesn’t clear the clog in 3–4 tries, switch to an auger.

When should I call a plumber?

Call a pro if:

  • The toilet overflows repeatedly
  • Neither a plunger nor auger works
  • You hear gurgling in other drains (sign of a bigger line blockage)
  • You don’t feel comfortable continuing DIY

A plumber has advanced tools (like power augers and cameras) to solve deeper issues.

Should I replace an old toilet instead of unclogging it?

If your toilet is a 1990s-era low-flow model that clogs constantly, replacement is often smarter. Newer toilets are more powerful, use less water, and clog less often. For recurring issues, replacing saves time and frustration.

Legal disclaimer

The information on this site is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Plumbing work can cause property damage or personal injury if performed incorrectly. Proceed at your own risk. Always follow local codes and manufacturer instructions. If you are unsure at any time, stop and contact a licensed professional plumber.

Unclog.it and Pure Mechanical Group Ltd. make no warranties or guarantees and expressly disclaim liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this content. By using this site you agree to these terms.

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If you still have issues after trying a plunger or auger, book a drain cleaning expert on unclog.it. We work with plumbing contractors across Canada and the USA.

Andrew Henderson
Director, unclog.it

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Meet the Author

Andrew Henderson, Red Seal Plumber

About the author: Andrew Henderson is a Red Seal Plumber based in British Columbia and the Director at Unclog.it. With over 15 years of experience in drain cleaning and diagnostics, he focuses on safe, practical solutions for homeowners.

Andrew also contributed to the RSOS (Red Seal Occupational Standard) for plumbing, helping train and support the next generation of apprentices across Canada.