Before attempting to unclog a toilet, it’s a good idea to turn off the water first. If your clogged toilet is on the verge of overflowing (or has already begun to), this prevents more water from entering your toilet and worsening the problem. Find the shutoff valve behind the toilet near the floor, and turn it clockwise.

When it comes to clogged toilet solutions, using a household plunger is usually the first to be tried. If you’ve got a funnel-cup plunger like the one pictured here, you’re in luck. Plungers like these with a flange extending from the bottom are the best for unclogging a toilet.

How to use a plunger:

1. First, make sure there’s enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the bottom of the plunger. If there isn’t, pour more into the bowl.
2. Plunge the toilet gently to begin with - this will stop the trapped air in the plunger from thrusting backwards and splashing the water everywhere.
3. Once the air has been removed, push the plunger down and up more forcefully, moving the water in and out of the drain.
4. In most cases, a good plunge will clear blockage, so be persistent.

Top Tip: As you push the plunger up and down, remember that the upward pull is as important as the downward push, so put some muscle into it! With elbow grease and patience, you can plunge your way to a clog-free toilet.

No plunger? No problem. Don’t worry if you’re unable to take the plunge, we’ve got other simple household tricks for a DIY toilet clog fix.

Dish soap or laundry detergent can help to remove toilet clogs. Adding about half a cup of detergent or liquid dish soap to your toilet bowl may help to lubricate the pipe and dislodge the clog more easily. You can even try unclogging your toilet with baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the bowl, let it sit for half an hour and voila!

And if your toilet won’t unclog after using these kitchen aides, you can also try good old hot water. Get the water hot, but not boiling, pour it into the bowl, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, and flush.

With any luck, these household remedies will help clear your backed up toilet; no plunger necessary!

If you’ve tried different ways to unclog a toilet and you’re still having problems, it might be time to take it to the next level with a toilet unclogger tool. A handheld toilet auger or ‘snake’ like the Drano^® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System can help you say ‘see ya’ to your clogged toilet. You can buy them online or at the hardware store—just make sure the corkscrew end of the auger you put in the toilet has rubber over it or it may scratch the porcelain.

To use the Drano^® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System:

1. Insert 23-INCH flexible TOOL into drain opening as far as it will go. Never force tool into drain. (Some drain stoppers may need to be removed to accommodate tool.)
2. Move the tool up and down two inches to loosen clog.
3. Carefully remove tool from drain as clog material may be attached. Immediately dispose of tool before proceeding. Do NOT attempt to use tool after pouring Pro Concentrate Gel down drain, as product could splash up during tool use.
4. After discarding tool, slowly pour entire contents of Pro Concentrate Gel bottle down the drain
5. Allow to work for 30 minutes.
6. Flush drain with hot water to clean away any remaining clog material.

For a swift solution to a stubborn clogged toilet, you could also use a de-clogger product such as Drano^® Max Gel Clog Remover. This unique formula is quick to act on even the toughest clogs, without damaging your drains.

Here’s how to unclog a toilet with Drano^® Max Gel:

1. Slowly pour the gel into the toilet bowl (use 16oz for typical clogs, 32oz for stubborn clogs).
2. Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the formula to act.
3. Flush the toilet with hot water.
4. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3, if required.

See Drano’s Clog Remover gel in action:

Sometimes a toilet can unclog itself without the need for intervention. If it looks like the toilet water is draining, then there’s a good chance that the clog will dissolve on its own after 30 minutes or so. If there’s no improvement, try the methods above and wait for them to take effect.

However, if you’ve exhausted all your options and there’s no sign of the blockage budging, it might be time to call a plumber and obtain some professional advice.

Practicing prevention is the best way to avoid having to unclog a toilet in the first place. Here are tips on how to prevent a clogged toilet:

• Never flush heavy paper products down the drain (this includes paper towels and tissues). Always make sure the products you flush are safe for plumbing systems and septic tanks.
• Take it easy on the toilet paper. Flushing large amounts can certainly lead to clogs.
• Fix a leaking or running toilet straight away.
• Toys are a common cause for clogs, so teach kids what shouldn’t go down the toilet.
• Use Drano^® Max Build-Up Remover on a monthly basis to help prevent clogged toilet problems. Our fast-acting formula contains natural enzymes and bacteria to stop blockages from forming.
• Examine the inner workings of a toilet every 6 months to make sure it’s functioning properly in order to prevent clogs.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. For more advice, head to our Clog Basics page for everyday drain unclogging tips. Or why not explore the full range of Drano^® products for preventative and clog-busting solutions.