Why Can‘t I Get My Toilet to Plunge?

Dealing with a stubborn clogged toilet that won‘t respond to plunging can be incredibly frustrating. But don‘t worry – this detailed guide will walk you through all the steps needed to get your toilet plunging properly again.

Common Causes of Hard-to-Clear Toilet Clogs

Before we get into specific plunging techniques, let‘s review the most common reasons why you might not be able to get your toilet to plunge effectively:

Clogs Located Past the Toilet Trap

The trap is the curved pipe located under the bowl designed to catch debris. If the clog is located farther down the drain line past the trap, typical plunging won‘t generate enough force to dislodge it. Studies show over half of all clogs form beyond the toilet trap.

Excessive Paper or Waste Buildup

Large wads of toilet paper or significant buildup of solid body waste can sometimes form an obstruction that is too dense for a plunger to break up. Toilet paper is the leading cause of clogs according to plumbers, especially when using too much per flush.

Foreign Object Obstruction

Objects accidentally flushed down the toilet like toys, bathroom products, dental floss, etc can get lodged in pipes and cause a blockage a plunger can‘t remove. This accounts for about 15% of all toilet clogs.

Roots or Pipe Damage

Over time, roots from nearby trees can invade and clog drains. Cracks or misalignments in pipes can also catch debris passing through. These issues often require professional repair.

Improper Plunging Technique

Using the wrong type of plunger, or failing to create a tight seal and forceful plunging motion, reduces effectiveness. Proper technique is key for DIY success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Plunging a Toilet

Here is a foolproof step-by-step process to ensure your plunging technique can clear the toughest clogs:

Choose the Right Plunger

• Use a flanged "cup" plunger, not a flat sink plunger. The cup creates the suction needed to loosen clogs.

• Ensure the plunger is large enough to cover the entire toilet drain opening. Ideal size is 4-6 inches across.

Position the Plunger Correctly

• Angle the plunger so the cup completely covers the drain hole. This ensures a tight seal.

• Add 2-3 inches of water to bowl if needed to submerge cup. The water fills the "void" to transmit plunging force.

Plunge Forcefully

• Push plunger all the way down to compress the air out of the cup before pulling up.

• Pull up quickly, keeping the seal intact. Fast, forceful motions create the suction to dislodge clogs.

• Repeat plunging with 10-15 fast pumps. Flush and check after to see if clog cleared.

Be Patient

• It often takes multiple plunging attempts to successfully unclog a toilet.

• Make sure each plunge fully compresses the cup and generates maximum force. Don‘t go shallow.

• Take a short break between rounds if needed to avoid seal leaks from arm fatigue.

Using a Closet Auger to Clear Stubborn Clogs

If repeated plunging attempts just won‘t seem to work, a closet auger is the next best tool to try. A closet auger (also called a toilet snake) uses a long flexible metal cable to reach beyond the toilet trap and dislodge stubborn obstructions a plunger can‘t touch.

How to Use a Closet Auger:

• Carefully insert the auger cable down the toilet drain opening past the trap, usually at least 3 feet.

• Crank handle clockwise while applying light downward pressure to advance cable forward into the drain line.

• When resistance is felt, crank counterclockwise while retrieving cable to hook and dislodge the clog.

• Remove any material freed by the auger before flushing the toilet to test.

• Repeat process as needed until water flows freely.

Tips for Beginners:

• Ensure auger is long enough – at least 3 feet. Models like the Rigid K-3 Toilet Auger are ideal DIY tools.

• Don‘t force too much pressure to avoid scratching porcelain or damaging pipes. Let the auger do the work.

• If water starts to overflow as you crank, retract cable to provide drainage before continuing.

• Thoroughly rinse auger cables after use to keep them debris-free.

Image	Product	Description
	Simple Plunger	Basic flanged cup plunger, usually $4-$8. Perfect for DIY plunging.
	Rigid K-3 Toilet Auger	Durable and effective auger with 3-foot cable. Around $35.

Alternative Solutions for Stubborn Toilet Clogs

If a plunger and auger prove ineffective, consider these methods before calling a plumber:

Boiling Water

Pour 4-5 pots of boiling water into the toilet bowl in quick succession. The goal is to dissolve or loosen the clog. Follow with additional plunging.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix 1 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Let sit 30-60 minutes, then flush with hot water. The chemical reaction can help break up some clogs before further plunging.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

Use a commercial drain cleaner made specifically for toilets, following label directions carefully. Give it time to work before plunging again. Exercise extreme caution when using caustic chemical cleaners.

Avoid Flushing Repeatedly

Flushing over and over usually makes the problem worse by pushing the clog farther down the pipes. Only flush again after attempts to actively remove the clog.

Call a Professional Plumber

For complex or recurring toilet clogs that resist standard methods, calling a plumber may be required. They have specialized snakes, tools and jet spray equipment to thoroughly clear drain obstructions. This will cost around $150-$300 on average.

Preventing Future Toilet Clogs

Here are some habits to reduce clogging episodes:

• Never flush hygiene products, toilet wipes or paper towels. Use only toilet paper designed to rapidly disintegrate.

• Avoid flushing any foreign objects like toys, qtips, dental floss, cigarettes, etc. These often get stuck.

• Install an in-tank toilet cleaner tablet to help break down waste and tissue over time.

• Periodically use a commercial toilet cleaner to dissolve scale, oils and residue buildup before it clogs.

• Check for leaks around the toilet base allowing debris inside small openings in the drain pipe.

• If clogs reoccur, have drain pipes professionally inspected for cracks, misalignments or tree root invasion.

Why Is My Toilet Still Clogged After Plunging?

If your toilet remains clogged after repeated plunging efforts, here are some potential reasons why:

• The clog may be located too far down the pipe for a plunger or auger to reach. Tree roots or a collapsed sewer line could be the issue.

• Hardened mineral deposits or large amounts of hair/grease may be resistant to at-home methods. Chemical cleaner or professional hydrojetting may be required.

• Child‘s toy, excess toilet paper or other item may be firmly stuck and unable to be pulled out without mechanical retrieval.

• A cracked or misaligned section of drain pipe is trapping debris you are unable to clear on your own.

• The toilet itself has a mechanical defect, like an improperly seated flapper valve allowing waste to accumulate in overflow tube.

• You may need a larger plunger that can form a tighter seal if standard sizes aren‘t doing the trick.

If you‘ve tried every standard plunging technique with no success, calling a professional plumber is the next step for getting your toilet fully unclogged. With specialized augers and tools like sewer cameras, they can identify and resolve the exact cause of the clog for once and for all.

Don‘t Let Toilet Troubles Get You Down!

As you can see, with some persistence and the right equipment, fixing a toilet that won‘t plunge is absolutely doable as a DIYer. Hopefully this guide has armed you with the knowledge to tackle that nasty clog quickly and effectively. Just remember to stay calm, follow these tips, and your toilet will be flushing freely again in no time. You‘ve got this!