Unclog a Toilet With a Flanged Plunger, Soap and the Water Off
The short version
A demonstration of unclogging a toilet that was deliberately clogged with toilet paper. It covers shutting off the water at the wall, adding soap or hot water, and using a flanged toilet plunger to get a seal. The first attempt did not fully clear the clog, so it was plunged again.
Full written account
A clogged toilet that keeps filling is the main worry when plunging, and the first fix shown is simple: shut the water off at the wall valve so the bowl cannot refill and spill over the edge. In this demonstration the clog was made by cramming a large amount of toilet paper into the bowl.
Stop the water first
With the water off, the bowl is not filling up anymore, which helps while working the clog down. The valve in the demonstration is a lever that turns one way for on and the other for off. Some valves instead need to be twisted several turns to close and open.
Soap and hot water
If the clog will not move, a couple of drops of soap in the bowl can help. A little hot water left to sit for a while helps send a tough clog through.
The right plunger
A sink plunger is a plunger, but it is not a toilet plunger and is meant for less stubborn clogs. A toilet plunger has a flange. The goal is suction: wet the plunger, work it around to get a good seal, then push and pump to set the clog free. Some toilet paper may end up in the plunger and can be removed by hand.
Catch the mess
Having a tray or bowl to set the used plunger in off to the side is worth it, because what goes into a toilet is not always just toilet paper.
When the first try fails
After the first round the bowl looked clear, but flushing made the water start to rise. That showed the clog was not yet free. Because the water was off, nothing spilled over. The bowl was filled with water, the plunger was set down inside, the seal was made by getting the air out, and plunging worked the clog free. Then the water was turned back on. It may take more than one attempt.
Questions this video answers
What should I do if the toilet keeps filling while I try to unclog it?
Shut off the water at the wall valve so the bowl cannot keep filling and come up over the side.
Which plunger works on a toilet?
A toilet plunger with a flange on it. The sink-style plunger shown is not a toilet plunger.
Can soap or hot water help?
Yes. A couple of drops of soap or a little hot water left to sit can help send a tough clog through.
Will one round of plunging always clear it?
Not always. In the demonstration the first flush attempt failed, the water started to rise, and the clog had to be plunged a second time.
What else is useful to have on hand?
A tray or bowl to set the dirty plunger in beside the toilet.
Explore related projects
Connected by the topic: Plumbing
