How to Dissolve Blockages in the Toilet

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Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda

  • White vinegar

  • Cup or bucket (optional)

  • Pot of boiling water

  • Dish detergent

  • Plunger

Clogs due to things such as too much toilet paper can be dissolved.

Blockages in the toilet can occur due to using too much toilet paper combined with large amounts of human waste. Hair and trash accidentally dropped in the toilet can also lead to a clog. These types of clogs can be dissolved to clear the drainpipe and promote water flow once again.

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Step 1

Flush the toilet if the clog is not fully clogging up the toilet. As soon as the water level in the bowl is low, turn off the shutoff valve under the toilet tank to keep the water low. If the clog is fully blocking the flow of water, use a cup or bucket to scoop out the bowl water to lower the water level.

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Step 2

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly on the clog. Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar on the clog immediately after. There will be some fizzing, bubbling and noise.

Step 3

Close the toilet bowl lid and wait a few minutes until the noise subsides.

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Step 4

Open the lid and slowly pour boiling water down the drain. Repeat as needed until the clog is dissolved. If the clog remains, proceed to Step 5.

Step 5

Pour 5 tablespoons of dish detergent down the drain. Wait a few minutes and pour boiling water slowly over the clog.

Step 6

Use a plunger to plunge the clog and clear the drain further. If you turned off the water supply, turn it back on and flush the toilet.

Tip

Use a cable auger if the clog is hardened and not dissolving.

Use less toilet paper to minimize the risk of toilet clogs.

Warning

Do not use chemical drain cleaners in the toilet.

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