How to unclog a toilet — with or without a plunger.

How to unclog a toilet fast with a plunger.

Dealing with a clogged toilet is nobody's idea of a good time, but fear not — we've got your back. Follow these simple steps to learn how to fix a clogged toilet using a trusty plunger.

Step 1: Gather your tools.

Before you dive into the murky waters of toilet troubleshooting, make sure you have the essentials:

• Plunger. Choose a flange or ball-shaped plunger for optimal suction.
• Rubber gloves. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from any unpleasant or unsafe surprises.
• Bucket. Hopefully, you won't need this. But it's good to have on hand if water starts overflowing.

Step 2: Assess the toilet.

First, inspect the toilet bowl. Try to assess the severity of the clog and note any visible objects that might be causing the blockage. For example, if there's a ball of wadded-up paper towels, you may have to remove it manually. If it's "other waste," you may be able to plunge it down safely.

Step 3: Deploy the plunger.

Never used a plunger? Here's how to unclog a toilet quickly with one:

1. Place the plunger over the drain opening in the toilet bowl, ensuring a tight seal.
2. Press down firmly but slowly, allowing the plunger to form a seal around the drain.
3. Push and pull the plunger vigorously in an up-and-down motion. Aim for about 15-20 seconds of intense plunging.

Step 4: Flush the toilet.

If the water starts draining, give the toilet a triumphant flush. If not, repeat the plunging process.

How to unclog a toilet when a plunger doesn't work.

What if you've tried plunging several times, all to no avail? Here's how to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

Tip 1: Try some hot water and dish soap.

Sometimes, all you need to do is add hot water to the bowl to help dissolve clogs and get things moving.

1. Take hot (not boiling) water and pour it directly into the toilet drain.
2. Add a 1/4 cup of dish soap to the bowl, again, trying to get it as close to the drain as possible.
3. Let things sit for a few minutes, then try a flush.

You may have to repeat this process several times before the heat can loosen the clog enough to go down. Don't continue flushing if there's no movement.

Tip 2: Use a baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Commercial drain cleaners can damage your plumbing, so try this milder (but still effective) baking soda and vinegar mixture instead.

1. Make your own drain cleaner using white vinegar and a cup of baking soda. Use a one-to-one ratio — we recommend 1 cup of each.
2. Pour the baking soda and vinegar into the toilet. You may have to reduce the water level in the toilet first so things don't overflow, so have a bucket handy for scooping out extra liquid.
3. Let the fizzy mixture sit for 20 minutes, then try flushing.

Tip 3: Loosen the clog with a wire coat hanger.

This sounds gross, but trust us — it can definitely help loosen a clog.

1. Unwind a wire coat hanger and create a makeshift tool with a hook at the end.
2. Gently insert the hanger into the drain and maneuver it to loosen the clog.
3. Take your time and be gentle to avoid causing damage. Flush the toilet to check for progress.

Tip 4: Bring out the wet-dry vacuum.

If you have a wet-dry vacuum, you can use it to create a tight seal over the toilet drain. This might help suck up anything standing in your toilet drain's path.

1. Set the vacuum to liquid suction mode (and be sure to take out the dry filter).
2. Place the hose securely over the toilet drain, trying to create as tight of a seal as possible.
3. Turn it on and let the vacuum's suction power do its job. Check the water level to see if the clog has cleared.

Tips to prevent toilet clogs in the future.

If you'd rather not deal with toilet clogging again, we recommend following some of these tips to get your toilet flowing freely:

• Be mindful of what you flush. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing items like facial tissues, paper towels, wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
• Use less toilet paper. Use an appropriate amount of toilet paper to prevent excessive buildup in the pipes.
• Perform regular inspections. Schedule periodic checks to inspect for leaks or issues with the toilet. Also, check that the fill valve is working correctly when you flush.
• Clean your toilet regularly. This means scrubbing out the inside and using a toilet bowl cleaner to get rid of buildup.
• Consider water softeners. If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium could be building up on the inside of your toilets and plumbing. Softeners reduce mineral content to make this less of a problem.

Hire a plumber to unclog your toilet.

Even when armed with the best tips on how to unclog a toilet fast, you might still be unable to break through. In these cases, a plumber can come to your rescue. With professional tools, such as a drain snake, they can clear blockages deeper inside your toilet's plumbing.

Don't let your blockage back you up — find a local plumber to take care of the problem by downloading the Thumbtack app today.

Related: 4 reasons why your toilet is bubbling.