How to Unclog a Toilet (Step by Step)

Step 1

Remove the toilet tank lid and press the flapper down. This will immediately 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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

If the previous step didn’t completely take care of the problem, the next step is to try adding some soap. Dish soap, hand soap, or even shampoo can help get the clog moving through the pipes! Just squirt a few tablespoons of soap or shampoo into the toilet bowl, wait a couple more minutes, then flush.

Step 4

Add 2 cups baking soda and 1/4 cup Epsom salt to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup dish soap a little bit at a time, stirring after each addition, until the mixture feels like wet sand.

Step 5

Divide the mixture evenly among the cavities of a silicone mold, pack them tightly, then set the mold aside to dry overnight. Once your toilet bombs are completely dry, remove them from the mold and store them in an airtight container.

Step 6

To unclog a toilet, drop one of the bombs into the toilet bowl, pour in a quart or so of hot water, then let it sit for as long as possible (an hour is ideal). The ingredients and hot water will work together to break down the clog, and you should only need to flush to fix the clogged toilet!

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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!)

Step 9

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.