1Use the right plunger
Use a flange plunger (with the extra rubber sleeve). A flat sink plunger won't seal in a toilet bowl.
FREE REPAIR GUIDE
How to Unclog a Toilet (With or Without a Plunger)
Clear a clogged toilet in minutes with a plunger, hot water and dish soap, or a toilet auger.
DIFFICULTYEasy
ESTIMATED TIME5–20 min
TOOLSFlange plunger
POTENTIAL SAVINGS$100–250Labour estimate · varies
Know what you’re replacing.
A clogged toilet is usually toilet paper or waste stuck in the trap just below the bowl. Most clogs clear in a few minutes with the right plunger. If you don't have one, hot water and dish soap often work. Don't flush again while it's clogged, or it may overflow.
What you’ll need.
Flange toilet plungerThe kind with a fold-out rubber sleeve · ~$12
View on Amazon →
Toilet auger (closet auger)For clogs a plunger can't move · ~$25
View on Amazon →Rubber gloves~$8
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, RepairAI may earn from qualifying purchases. Check that parts fit your exact model before buying.
A little preparation first.
- Stop the water: if the bowl is close to the rim, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down, or turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise.
- Put old towels around the base.
- Never mix drain chemicals with plunging — splashback can burn skin and eyes.
One step at a time.
2Get a seal
Make sure the plunger head is under water and fully covers the drain hole. Push down slowly first to push the air out.
3Plunge firmly
Push and pull sharply 10–15 times, keeping the seal. The pull does as much work as the push. Repeat 2–3 rounds.
4No plunger? Soap + hot water
Squirt a good amount of dish soap into the bowl, then pour in a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height. Wait 15–20 minutes.
5Still stuck: use an auger
Feed the auger's curved end into the drain and crank clockwise to break up or hook the clog. Then flush once to test.
Log in 
Troubleshooting
Water drains slowly afterThe clog is partly cleared — plunge again or use the auger.Toilet clogs oftenThe trap may hold a foreign object, or the toilet is a weak low-flow model. Run a diagnosis.Several drains are slow or gurgleThe clog is further down the main line — this usually needs a plumber.
FAQ
Is boiling water safe?No — it can crack the porcelain. Use hot tap water.Do drain cleaners work in toilets?Most aren't made for toilets and can damage pipes; avoid them.
General guidance only. Turn off power, water or gas before you work and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; if unsure, call a qualified professional.