How to Unclog a Toilet (Step by Step)

Stuck in the bathroom with the toilet water steadily rising? Follow these steps to unclog a toilet quickly and easily!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Author Jill Nystul

Remove the toilet tank lid and press the flapper down to stop the water level from rising and potentially overflowing. You can also shut off the water supply to the toilet as an added safety measure. Look for a handle behind the toilet and close to the floor, and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
Look for a bucket or wastebasket, empty it, and fill it with hot water from the tub or sink. Pour the water into the toilet bowl, wait a minute or two, then try either plunging the toilet or flushing the toilet again.
If that doesn’t completely take care of the problem, try adding some soap. Dish soap, hand soap, or even shampoo can help! Just squirt a few tablespoons of dish soap into the toilet bowl, wait a couple more minutes, then flush.

Start by shutting off the water supply to the toilet. Pour about 1/2 cup borax into the toilet bowl, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then follow with a bucket of hot water. Try flushing again, then repeat with more borax and hot water if necessary.

Aim the flange extension of the plunger into the toilet drain and push it in gently. (This first push will expel the air trapped inside the plunger, so you don’t want to push too hard and risk blasting a bunch of water out of the toilet bowl!)
Once you force out the air, continue plunging in and out about 15 to 20 times, making sure to maintain the seal. This will force water back and forth in the drain, effectively loosening most clogs.