It's tempting to flush the toilet a few more times to see if it'll finally suck down that clog. However, it's not worth the potential mess. You're a lot better off calling a plumber to snake your toilet drain than you are flushing to the point of overflow!
If the plunger doesn't do the trick you may need to call a plumber to inspect your waste pipe. If, however, the cistern is empty then we know that the blockage is located between the waste pipe and the toilet itself.
If declogging requires you to go the extra mile, i.e., take steps that do not need a plunger—don't DIY it! You must contact a plumber immediately before the clogged toilet causes any health hazard and leads to overflowing water.
When it comes to simpler clogs, expect to pay no more than $150, while more extensive blockages that require dismantling the toilet's plumbing could cost between $150 and $500. A DIY drain snake costs between $5 and $50, so it may be affordable for homeowners to take the first attempt at unclogging themselves.
If you can't unclog the toilet using a plunger or a snake, your next best option is to use boiling water. Boiling water can help to dissolve the clog and free up the pipes. To use this method, bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it into the toilet. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush the toilet.
You can also add some washing-up liquid to help lubricate the blockage. If the toilet is too blocked to flush at all, then turn off the supply valve at the back of the toilet first and see if the blockage clears without flushing.
Soap and water
Add a half cup of dish soap to the toilet bowl and let sit for 10 minutes. Flush to see if the soap cleared the clog. If the dish soap didn't do the job, add hot water. Pour the water in from about waist level—this will help create pressure and along with the dish soap, dislodge the clog.
If your clog is going to come out, it should happen in less than 10 minutes. If not, it's time to move on to a snake or call a plumber.
Using chemical drain cleaners (like Drano)
Most chemical drain cleaners clear your drain by breaking down the clog with a chemical reaction. The heat created by the chemical reaction can cause the porcelain in your throne to crack. And then you might need a whole new toilet… all because of some Drano.
Like a blocked toilet, an overflowing toilet is a surefire emergency. Not only can it pose a risk to health, but it can also cause serious property damage if not addressed quickly.
Pump the plunger over the hole.
Push down gently at first, since the first plunge will push air into the bowl and could splash back. Then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Continue vigorously pushing and pulling until the water begins to drain. It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs.
The longer you leave a clog, the more opportunities there are for the clog to get worse. The most water-soluble parts of the clog will dissolve, and the rest will fill in the gaps, making the clog worse. There is also the possibility that human error could come into play.
Caustic Soda
Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets. To use this chemical, you need to get some rubber gloves and eye protection. You can pick up the chemical from the local hardware or grocery stores.
You might want to see if the clog works itself out in time. If you have another toilet you can use, let the clogged one set overnight. The water pressure that builds up in the bowl might actually cause the toilet to unclog itself. After a day's wait, flush the toilet again.
A clog in the toilet, toilet flange, or drain
If you have a clog anywhere in the system, this will prevent water from fully flushing down the toilet. Depending on where the clog is and how severe it is, you'll either be able to remove it on your own or you'll need help from a professional.
A toilet auger (also commonly known as a plumbing snake) is a toilet unblocker tool that is pushed into the toilet to clear the blockage in the waste pipe.
This is what you want to do: combine two cups hot water with two cups white vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda into the clogged toilet, and then chase it with the hot water/vinegar mixture. Leave the volcano mix to do its job, checking in about 30 minutes.
How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger. After the water is turned off, try using a conventional plunger to unclog the toilet. Be sure the water covers the cup of the plunger; if it doesn't, you may need to manually control the flapper until enough water enters the bowl.
If your toilet is backing up, it may be due to your tank not having enough water to flush it. Low tank water levels may result from several causes. Damaged water supply lines, broken tank seals, and other issues may prevent tanks from filling completely. Some toilet models may also have low flush strength.
If a plunger or plumbing snake doesn't work, water and soap might do the trick. Boil a gallon of water and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. As you wait, pour a cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl. You can then pour the water slowly into the bowl — leave it for about 20 minutes before flushing.
Common causes of clogged toilets can include using too much toilet paper, putting non-flushable objects down the toilet, or accidental flushes.
Knock Out Professional Toilet & Drain Unblocker (Sulfuric Acid 90-97% with inhibitor). For use only in toilets and outdoor drains. Specially designed to rapidly clear blockages in outside drains, pipes and toilets only.