How to Clear Toilet Bowl Choke

A clogged toilet bowl can be a nightmare. The sight and smell of an overflowing toilet or one that won’t flush is enough to get you running the other direction. But by learning these DIY methods, you can face clogged toilets with more courage, skill, and preparedness.

But Before That, Take Note Of These Important Reminders:

  • Wear rubber gloves, particularly those that reach your elbows, put on old clothes, and place rags or newspapers on the bathroom floor in case things get too messy.
  • If you suspect that your toilet is clogged, DO NOT FLUSH IT AGAIN because it can overflow and you’ll end up with more bathroom problems.
  • If the water doesn’t go down when you flush it once, close the toilet flapper, which is a circular drain stopper attached to a chain located inside the toilet tank. This will prevent more water from entering the bowl. The water inside the tank is clean so there is no need to put on a disgusted look as you locate the flapper.
  • Make sure to also close the water supply of the toilet. Look for a nozzle on the hose attached to the wall and tank.

Here are 3 basic ways to get rid of a toilet bowl clog.

1. With a Plunger

  1. Use a heavy-rubber plunger, preferably the one with a fold-out rubber flange on the bottom because this can form a better seal.
  2. Keep just enough water in the bowl to keep the bell of the plunger covered.
  3. Make sure the plunger thoroughly covers the hole in the bowl.
  4. The bell is initially full of air, so your first thrust should be a gentle one because a hard plunge could cause air back into the seal and the water could splash onto your floor or you.
  5. Once you have pushed the air out, start to thrust in and out vigorously for about 10 to 20 times. Pull out the plunger and check if the water now drains. If it’s still clogged, proceed to the next method.

2. With a Plumber’s Snake

  1. Feed the snake into your pipes until you feel it hits a blockage.
  2. Turn it clockwise so the tip will go through the clog and break it up, and whatever is causing the blockage can be hooked and pulled out.
  3. Repeat the process until you feel there is nothing else blocking the drainage. Observe if the water will now go down. If it still won’t, proceed to the next method.

3. With Baking Soda, Vinegar, And Hot Water

  1. If the bowl is full of water, scoop out as much as you can.
  2. Pour at least 1 cup baking soda, followed by at least 2 cups vinegar. Make sure to do this slowly as the mixture tends to fizzle and may end up splattering.
  3. Allow it to sit and work its magic for about 30 minutes. When time is almost up, boil at least half a gallon of water.
  4. When the wait is over, slowly pour the hot water into the bowl. The water should not be at boiling temperature, just as hot as a cup of tea or coffee that you can already drink comfortably.

Let the mixture sit in your toilet bowl overnight, then check in the morning if the water has drained. If your toilet is still clogged, it’s time to seek the help of experts.

Skip to content