Last Updated: October 14, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes
Toilet clogs – no one wants to deal with them, but they do happen to the best of us. It is true that your local plumbers, just like the guys at Hayes Plumbing, will always be there for you, but dealing with clogged toilets is often a job that you can take on yourself. You just need some household supplies and a little knowledge on how to deal with it.
Here are some of the things you should know when dealing with clogged toilets:
Take the Plunge
If you do not have a plunger yet, then a clogged toilet is definitely the universe telling you to get one. If your toilet overflows, your plunger can save you from having a flooded bathroom. When choosing a plunger, go for the durable rubber plunger that has a flange as it is more effective for plunging toilets.
Model Volcano Method
Don’t fret – this is one volcano that will not erupt! The ingredients used to make model volcanoes magic, vinegar, and baking soda, are also great in unclogging toilets! This combination is gentler and way cheaper than chemical cleaners, and the key ingredients are probably in your kitchen right now.
Have a large pot of boiling water then allow it to cool for five minutes. Add one cup of baking soda to your toilet bowl and follow it up with two cups of vinegar. Pour the hot water in, but be sure to not overflow the bowl, and allow the mixture to sit and work for several hours. If the clog is not too tough, well, congratulations!
Get Slippery
One alternative to the model volcano method is by using liquid dish soap to get things moving. Just like with the model volcano method, bring a large pot of water to a boil and allow it to simmer lightly. While waiting, put a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl and allow it to settle. Pour the water in and do it from at least a foot above the bowl – you want its force to push things through the soaped-up exit. If you are fortunate, then the clog will slide on through!
Get the Snake
If you have a plumbing snake, then you can tackle some of the most stubborn clogs. The main concept is simple – feed the flexible end of the plumbing snake into the toilet drain until you hit the clog. Then, twist the snake handle to break up and dislodge the obstruction. Just make sure that you do not use a snake that is too large for your toilet. Do not take out the plumbing snake too quickly as you would only fling dirty water all over your bathroom.
If all else fails, you know who to call – we will be waiting for you!
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the baking soda and vinegar method clear a toilet?
Add one cup of baking soda to the bowl, then two cups of vinegar. Pour in a pot of boiling water that has cooled for five minutes, taking care not to overflow the bowl, and let the mixture sit and work for several hours.
Can dish soap help unclog a toilet?
It can help get things moving. Put a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the bowl and let it settle, then pour hot water in from at least a foot above the bowl so its force pushes things through the soaped-up exit.
What should I know before using a plumbing snake on a toilet?
Feed the flexible end into the toilet drain until you hit the clog, then twist the handle to break it up. Don’t use a snake that is too large for your toilet, and pull it out slowly or you will fling dirty water around the bathroom. If it still won’t clear, our plumbers are a call away.
Need help with your bathroom renovation? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
