Why Your Toilet Is Clogged (And How to Fix It in 3 Easy Steps)

Nobody enjoys dealing with a clogged toilet. Whether it’s a small backup or a full-blown overflow, it can definitely ruin your day. But the good news is, you don’t always need a plumber to fix it. With just a few easy steps, you can clear most clogs on your own. We’ll walk you through the most common reasons toilets get clogged and show you how to fix the problem quickly—without needing fancy tools or professional help.

At MyBoisePlumbers.com, we believe in making plumbing easy. So, let’s dive in!

Why Does My Toilet Keep Getting Clogged?

Before you can fix the problem, it’s good to know what’s causing it in the first place. Here are the usual suspects:

Too Much Toilet Paper

If you’ve ever flushed a lot of toilet paper at once, you’ve probably caused a clog. Too much paper can get stuck in the pipes and prevent the water from flowing like it should.

Flushing Things That Shouldn’t Be Flushed

People sometimes flush things that aren’t meant for toilets, like wipes, paper towels, or even hair. These items don’t break down in water like toilet paper does, and they can block your pipes.

Mineral Buildup in Older Homes

If you live in an older house with hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside your pipes. This can make it harder for waste to move through, leading to frequent clogs.

Foreign Objects in the Toilet Trap

Sometimes, kids flush toys or small objects into the toilet by accident. If something gets stuck in the toilet trap (the curved part of the drain), it can stop the water from flowing.

Tree Roots in the Pipes

In rare cases, tree roots can grow into underground pipes, causing a serious blockage. If you think this might be the issue, it’s time to call a pro.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

If you notice that the water in your toilet is rising and might overflow, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water. This will stop any more water from filling the bowl and making the mess worse.

To turn it off, find the shut-off valve behind your toilet (usually near the base). Turn it clockwise to cut off the water supply.

Step 2: Use a Plunger

The next step is to grab a plunger. Don’t use just any plunger—make sure it’s a flange plunger, which is made for toilets. A regular plunger won’t work nearly as well.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the plunger in the toilet bowl. Make sure it’s covering the drain completely.
2. Push down gently and then pull up sharply. Repeat this motion several times to create pressure and loosen the clog.
3. After about 10-15 pushes, flush the toilet to check if the water drains properly.

If the water goes down, you’re done! If it doesn’t, don’t worry—try the next step.

Step 3: Hot Water and Dish Soap Trick

If the plunger didn’t do the trick, you can try using dish soap and hot water. This is a simple and effective method to break up the clog.

Here’s what to do:

1. Add dish soap to the toilet bowl—about a cup should do the job.
2. Let it sit for 20 minutes. The soap will start to loosen things up.
3. Heat up a pot of water. It should be hot, but not boiling (boiling water can crack your toilet). Pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height to create pressure.
4. Wait about 20 minutes and then flush to see if the water drains.

If the clog is still there, you might need to go one step further.

Step 4: Use a Toilet Auger

If the plunger and hot water trick don’t work, a toilet auger might be your best option. It’s a flexible tool that can reach deep into the toilet to grab or break up the clog.

Here’s how to use one:

1. Insert the auger into the toilet drain, and slowly feed it through.
2. Turn the handle to break up the clog or hook onto it. This will take some time, so be patient.
3. Once you feel the auger go through, pull it out, and flush to check if the toilet drains properly.

A toilet auger is a little more advanced, but it’s a great tool to have if you deal with clogs often.

Prevent Future Clogs

Once you get the toilet cleared, you’ll want to keep it from happening again. Here are a few tips to avoid future clogs:

1. Only flush toilet paper. Don’t flush anything else, even if it’s labeled “flushable.” Wipes, cotton balls, and paper towels can all cause big problems.
2. Use less toilet paper. If you use a lot, try flushing halfway through to avoid clogging up the pipes.
3. Clean your toilet regularly. If you have hard water, consider using a water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your pipes.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried all these steps and your toilet is still clogged, it’s time to call a plumber. At MyBoisePlumbers.com, we specialize in clearing tough clogs and fixing toilet problems fast. Don’t stress out—let the professionals handle it.

Conclusion

Toilet clogs happen, but they’re usually easy to fix. Start by turning off the water, then grab a plunger or try the dish soap and hot water trick. If that doesn’t work, use a toilet auger to get the job done.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to fix most toilet clogs on your own. If you ever need help, just give us a call at MyBoisePlumbers.com. We’ll get your toilet back to normal in no time.