How to Fix a Clogged Toilet That Won’t Flush

If your toilet isn’t flushing properly and you’ve already checked the water supply, the next step is to clear any blockages. A clogged toilet is a common issue, and using a plunger is a simple yet effective way to restore proper water flow.

Before using a plunger, it’s important to understand some of the most common causes of toilet blockages:

  1. Toilet Paper Buildup

Flushing too much toilet paper at once can cause buildup in the pipes. When combined with other debris, this can slow or block water flow.

  1. Foreign Objects

Items like cotton swabs, hygiene products, or small objects can accidentally end up in the toilet, leading to serious blockages. Always dispose of these items in a bin instead.

  1. Non-Flushable Items

Products like wet wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products don’t break down easily in water and should never be flushed, as they can clog the drainage system.

How to Unblock a Toilet Using a Plunger

If your toilet is blocked due to paper buildup or foreign objects, a plunger should help clear the issue. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose the right plunger – Use a rubber-cup plunger that fully covers the drain hole in the toilet bowl
  2. Create a seal – Position the plunger over the drain hole and press down gently to form a tight seal
  3. Apply firm pressure – Push down and pull up quickly in a steady motion to create suction. This helps dislodge the blockage
  4. Repeat if necessary – Continue plunging several times, maintaining the seal each time
  5. Flush to check – Once done, flush the toilet to see if the water drains properly
  6. Repeat if needed – If the water level remains high, repeat the process until the blockage clears