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Fix a toilet that is clogged

We'll clear the clog using a plunger, then an auger if needed—or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
5–20 min
What you'll need
  • Flange plunger (for toilets)
  • Toilet auger (if plunger fails)
  • Towels for spills
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the clog, clear it with a plunger, then an auger if needed.

  • Flush the toilet. If the water rises or does not drain, the toilet is clogged. Do not flush again—multiple flushes can overflow.
  • Good: Water stands high or does not drain—clog. Proceed to Try the plunger.
  • Bad: Toilet drains normally—no clog.

Try the plunger

Goal: Clear the clog with a flange plunger.

  • Use a flange plunger—it has an extended flange that fits into the toilet drain. A cup plunger will not seal properly.
  • Position the plunger over the drain and push down to form a tight seal. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the cup if needed. Pump firmly 10–15 times, then pull up sharply.
  • Good: Water drains—clog cleared. Flush to confirm.
  • Bad: Still clogged—proceed to Use the auger.

Use the auger

Goal: Clear a deeper clog with a toilet auger.

  • Insert the toilet auger into the drain opening. Crank the handle to feed the cable. When you feel resistance, crank to break through or hook the clog.
  • Pull back slowly—debris may come out on the cable. Retract and flush.
  • Good: Clog cleared—toilet drains normally.
  • Bad: Auger hits a hard stop or still clogged—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The plunger and auger did not clear the clog.
  • Water backs up from other fixtures (sink, tub, shower).
  • You smell sewage.

Verification

  • The toilet flushes and drains normally.
  • No water standing in the bowl after a flush.
  • No backup from other fixtures.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm clog Verify the toilet does not drain or drains slowly.
  2. Plunger Use a flange plunger to clear the clog.
  3. Auger Use a toilet auger if the plunger fails.
  4. Call a plumber Main-line blockage or repeated failures—call a plumber.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether the plunger was used
  • Whether the auger was used
  • Whether water backs up from other fixtures
  • Steps already tried

Does the toilet not drain or drain slowly?

Flush the toilet. If the water rises or does not drain, the toilet is clogged.

Flush the toilet. Good: water rises or does not drain—clog. Bad: toilet drains normally—no clog. Do not flush again if clogged—multiple flushes can overflow.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No action needed

The toilet drains normally—no clog. No action needed.

Done

Did the plunger clear the clog?

Use a flange plunger. Create a tight seal and pump 10–15 times.

Use a flange plunger. Position over the drain, push down to seal. Pump firmly 10–15 times. Good: water drains—clog cleared. Bad: still clogged—try auger.
Question

Did the plunger clear the clog?

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Did the auger clear the clog?

Feed the toilet auger into the drain. Crank to break or hook the clog.

Insert the toilet auger into the drain. Crank to feed the cable. When you feel resistance, crank to break through. Pull back and flush. Good: clog cleared. Bad: auger hits hard stop or still clogged—call a plumber.
Question

Did the auger clear the clog?

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Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the plunger and auger did not clear the clog, if water backs up from other fixtures, or if you smell sewage. Main-line blockages need professional equipment.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a toilet be clogged?
Common causes: too much toilet paper, non-flushable items (wipes, feminine products), or a partial blockage in the trap or drain line. A plunger clears most clogs; an auger handles deeper blockages.
Can I fix a clogged toilet myself?
Yes. A flange plunger clears most toilet clogs in a few minutes. If that fails, a toilet auger can reach deeper. Call a plumber if the auger hits a hard stop or water backs up from other fixtures.
When should I call a plumber for a clogged toilet?
Call a plumber if the plunger and auger do not clear the clog, if water backs up from other drains, or if you smell sewage. Those signs suggest a main-line blockage.

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