How to Unclog a Toilet When Something Is Stuck

The fear that fills our hearts when we see the swirling water that is supposed to move in a downward motion rising in the toilet instead is unparalleled. This sight is scary, and the gurgling sound accompanying it tends to get on your nerves.

If this does happen, it is a sign that your toilet is clogged. Clogged toilets might occur for several reasons. Whether it is because of excess use of toilet paper, some foreign object making its way into the pot, the formation of hairballs, or too much hard water deposits, getting the object unstuck from your toilet should be a top priority. The longer you leave your toilet clogged, the more likely it becomes a bigger problem later.

Call a plumber like Birnie Plumbing and Drains if you are experiencing this issue. Also, you can read our tips and tricks on unclogging a toilet when something is stuck in it. Learn how to resume your regular toilet experience and return to relaxation.

Plumbing Tools

Before moving on to the steps which you should take to solve this issue, let’s discuss the tools you will need to help you out:

Rubber gloves

Rubber gloves are essential when unclogging a toilet because they protect against exposure to wastewater, bacteria, and potential contaminants in the toilet bowl. Wearing rubber gloves helps maintain hygiene and prevents skin irritation and the spread of germs during the unclogging process, ensuring safe and sanitary conditions for the individual performing the task.

A plunger

Plungers are must-have tools for unclogging toilets due to their ability to create suction and dislodge blockages in the drain pipe. Its design allows for a tight seal around the toilet bowl’s opening, enabling effective pressure and suction to break up and remove obstructions such as excess toilet paper, waste, or other debris.

A bucket

A bucket is a useful tool when dealing with a clogged toilet because it allows you to remove excess water from the toilet bowl, reducing the risk of overflow while working to unclog the toilet. It would also be good if you tried removing the clog using the hot water method, which we will get into below.

Snake

No, we don’t mean a real snake. By this, we mean a plumbing snake, a flexible, spiral design that allows it to navigate through the twists and turns of drain pipes, effectively breaking up and removing blockages such as hair, debris, or foreign objects. The plumbing snake is particularly useful for reaching clogs deep within the system, helping restore proper drainage and preventing further issues.

Now that we’ve covered the required materials let’s move on to how we should solve the issue of the clogged toilet.

Plunger

Clearing a clog from your toilet using a plunger is simple and effective. Start by making sure the rubber cup of the plunger is clean without any debris. Place it over the drain of the toilet so it’s snug and airtight. Push down on the plunger with force, then yank it back to create suction.

Keep doing this push-and-pull motion several times while keeping that tight seal. This suction you’re creating will help push the blockage out, letting water flow again. After you’ve done this, flush your toilet to see if the clog is gone. If you still have trouble, keep plunging with the same strong and steady pressure until everything clears up.

Plumbing snake

You can try the plumbing snake if the plumbing method does not work. First, insert the plumbing snake’s end into the toilet drain until you encounter resistance, indicating the clog’s location.

With gentle pressure, you rotate the snake handle clockwise while simultaneously pushing it further into the drain. This rotational motion helps to break up the clog and allows the snake to manoeuvre around it, gradually loosening the obstruction.

As the snake progresses and breaks through the clog, you slowly withdraw it from the drain. It’s crucial to proceed cautiously to avoid damaging the toilet or pushing the clog deeper into the pipes.

After removing the snake, flushing the toilet helps confirm whether the clog has been successfully cleared. The process can be repeated until the water flows freely, restoring the toilet to proper functioning!

Hot water

Heat a pot of water on the stove until it’s quite hot but not boiling. While that’s heating up, squirt some dish soap directly into the toilet bowl. Once the water is hot, pour it carefully into the bowl from about waist height to help push out the clog. The mix of hot water and soap will soften and break up the blockage, making it easier to clear.

Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes to loosen the clog further before flushing the toilet. If the clog persists, you may need to repeat the process a few times to properly loosen it up.