How to Unclog a Toilet
Use a flange plunger with a tight seal and 15 to 20 firm pushes. If that fails, a toilet auger (closet auger) clears most blockages without scratching the bowl. If several drains back up at once, the clog is in the main line and needs a plumber. Professional toilet unclogging usually costs $100 to $300.
Typical pro cost
$100 to $300
- Urgency
- Fix today
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Time to fix
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Prices
- US typical range
Last reviewed September 2026
Signs it's this problem
- Water rises in the bowl after flushing
- Water drains very slowly
- Gurgling from the toilet when other fixtures drain
- Toilet backs up when the washer or shower runs
Common causes
Too much toilet paper
The most common cause, especially with low-flow toilets.
Wipes and hygiene products
Even "flushable" wipes do not break down and snag in the trap.
Objects
Toys, toothbrushes and phone cases lodge in the trap.
Main line clog
Roots or buildup in the sewer line back up the lowest fixtures first.
Blocked vent
A clogged roof vent makes toilets drain weakly and gurgle.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Stop flushing. If the bowl is close to overflowing, lift the tank lid and close the flapper, then turn off the valve behind the toilet.
- 2
Put on gloves and lay towels on the floor.
- 3
Use a flange plunger. Seal it over the opening, push gently first to expel air, then plunge firmly 15 to 20 times.
- 4
If water drains, flush once to test. Repeat plunging if needed.
- 5
Still clogged? Feed a toilet auger into the bowl, crank clockwise to grab or break up the clog, then pull back.
- 6
If other drains back up too, stop and call a plumber: the main line is blocked.
Tools and materials
- Flange plunger
- Toilet auger
- Rubber gloves
- Towels and a bucket
Approximate DIY cost: $15–$50
Call a pro when
- Several fixtures back up at once
- An object is stuck deep in the trap
- The toilet clogs again every few days
How to Unclog a Toilet cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Plumber to unclog a toilet | $100–$300 |
| Remove and reset the toilet to clear the trap | $150–$400 |
| Main sewer line snaking | $150–$500 |
| Camera inspection of the sewer line | $150–$500 |
Ranges are typical US prices compiled by FixHomeCost. Prices vary by region, home and contractor, so compare 2–3 local quotes.
Common questions
How do I unclog a toilet without a plunger?
Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the bowl, add a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height, and wait 15 minutes. A wire hanger can help with clogs near the outlet, but a toilet auger works far better.
Why does my toilet keep clogging?
Too much paper for a low-flow toilet, wipes, a partial blockage in the trap, a clogged vent or a main line problem. If it clogs more than once a week, have a plumber look.
Should I flush again if the toilet is clogged?
No. A second flush adds more water and can overflow the bowl. Plunge first.
Are flushable wipes safe for toilets?
Not really. They do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of toilet and sewer clogs. Put them in the trash.
Related guides
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