A clogged toilet—it happens to everyone sooner or later. You flush, the water rises instead of draining, and you watch in dread as it keeps rising higher. Panic. What now?
After completing more than 1,000 bathroom and toilet renovations for residential and commercial clients, we at Refresh Bathrooms have seen just about every kind of clog imaginable. From wet wipes to toys, from hair to… well, you get the idea. In this guide, we share both effective DIY solutions and professional advice on when it’s best to call a plumber.
The good news? In 80% of cases, you can unclog a toilet yourself. The bad news? In the remaining 20%, trying to fix it yourself often makes it worse. Let’s show you how to tell the difference.
Quick check: Can you fix a clogged toilet on your own?
Before you try to fix a clogged toilet, answer these questions:
🟢 Give it a try if:
- The clog is recent (it happened today)
- Water drains slowly, but it does drain
- Only this toilet is clogged
- Do you know what was flushed (toilet paper, waste)?
- No foul odor from other drains
🔴 Call a plumber immediately if:
- Water comes up through the shower/sink
- Strong sewer odor throughout the house
- The clog keeps coming back
- You notice leaks or moisture around the toilet
- You've already used a chemical drain cleaner (!)
- Your house is more than 30 years old, and this happens frequently
Are we in the green zone? If so, you can try the methods below. Red zone? Scroll down to “When to call a plumber.”
Method 1: the plastic bag method (most effective for a clogged toilet!)
This method sounds strange, but it works surprisingly well in 60–70% of cases where a toilet is clogged. Our plumbers swear by it.
What you need:
- 2–3 sturdy plastic trash bags (double-walled)
- Rubber household gloves
- Bucket of warm water
- Old towels (for spills)
How it works:
- Put on your gloves and layer 2–3 plastic bags on top of each other
- Put your hand (with bags) into the toilet bowl
- Gently push back and forth to create pressure (like a plunger)
- The plastic bag works like a large suction cup
- Keep repeating 10–15 times
- Then pour a bucket of warm water into it to flush it through
Why this works: You create more pressure than a plunger and have more control. The plastic protects your hand while you effectively clear the clog. This works especially well for clogs caused by toilet paper or waste. For hard objects (toothbrushes, toys), this doesn’t work.
Method 2: dish soap + hot water (ideal for a toilet clogged with grease)
The gentlest method for your pipes, and often surprisingly effective for a toilet clogged with soap or grease.
What you need:
- 250 ml dish soap (preferably concentrated)
- 2–3 liters of hot water (not boiling!)
- Bucket
- 15–20 minutes of patience
How it works:
- Pour 250 ml of dish soap directly into the toilet bowl
- Let it soak for 10 minutes
- Meanwhile, heat 2–3 liters of water until hot (not boiling, max 60°C)
- Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from hip height (the force helps)
- Wait 10–15 minutes
- Try flushing
Why this works: Dish soap acts as a lubricant. The grease in the soap makes everything slippery, allowing the clog to slide through the bend more easily. The warm water helps dissolve the grease or soap causing the clog.
⚠️ Warning: Do NOT use boiling water! This can crack porcelain, especially on older toilets. Learn more about material damage during bathroom renovations here.
Method 3: baking soda + vinegar (the “natural” one)
A popular method online, but honestly not the most effective. Still, it can help with minor clogs.
What you need:
- 1 package (500g) of baking soda
- 500 ml cleaning vinegar (preferably white)
- 2 liters of hot water
How it works:
- Pour the baking soda into the toilet bowl
- Slowly add the vinegar (it will fizz!)
- Let it work for 30 minutes
- Add hot water
- Flush
Why this works: The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas that can dislodge minor blockages. But honestly: the pressure is much lower than that created by a plunger or a plastic bag. This method works well for preventive maintenance or minor clogs, but for a serious toilet clog, methods 1 or 2 are more effective.
Method 4: Toilet Plunger
The classic everyone knows. Effective for fresh, not-too-deep clogs.
What you need:
- Good toilet plunger (with a long handle)
- Old towels around the toilet
- Patience and arm strength
How it works:
- Make sure there is enough water in the bowl (it must cover the rubber)
- Place the plunger directly over the drain
- Push down firmly and pull up quickly
- Repeat 15–20 times with force
- Then flush to test
Why this works: You create alternating pressure that moves the blockage back and forth until it breaks loose.
⚠️ Common mistakes:
- Using a plunger that's too soft (buy a sturdy one!)
- Not enough water in the bowl
- Giving up too quickly (repeat at least 15 times!)
- Wrong angle; it must be positioned directly over the drain
Method 5: Drain Snake (for advanced users)
A drain snake can be effective, but it requires skill and caution. One wrong move and you'll end up with a broken pipe.
What you need:
- Toilet drain snake (at least 3 meters)
- Rubber gloves
- A bucket of water for cleaning
- Experience or instructional video
How it works:
- Gently push the snake into the drain
- Turn clockwise while pushing
- If you feel resistance: Do NOT force it
- Turn and move to break through the blockage
- Pull back and flush
⚠️ DANGER – when NOT to use:
- With modern thin-walled ceramics (which can crack)
- If you don't know how deep to go
- With wall-hung toilets (different piping configuration)
- If you’ve already used a chemical drain cleaner
We regularly see broken pipes caused by the improper use of drain snakes. The snake can break off INSIDE the pipe, creating an even bigger (and more expensive) problem. When in doubt: call a professional.
4 DIY Mistakes That Make Your Clogged Toilet Problem Worse
Mistake 1: Using chemical drain cleaners for a clogged toilet
Why this is dangerous:
- Aggressive chemicals damage pipes (especially PVC)
- May damage the porcelain on older fixtures
- If it doesn't work, the plumber has hazardous material in your system
- In old houses, old lead pipes can be severely damaged
- Deadly if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes when it splashes back
We see this in about 20% of emergency calls: people used chemical drain cleaner, it didn’t work, and now we have both a clog AND damaged pipes. Just like with other common bathroom renovation mistakes, a quick fix can end up costing much more down the road.
Mistake 2: Keep flushing
The water rises, so you flush again. And again. Until the toilet overflows and your floor is flooded. Rule: NEVER flush more than once if the water doesn’t drain. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again.
Mistake 3: Working too hard or incorrectly with the snake
The snake breaks off inside the pipe. We’ve literally seen this happen dozens of times. Then you end up with not only a clog, but also a broken piece of metal in your sewer system.
Mistake 4: Mixing Multiple Methods
First a chemical drain cleaner, then dish soap, then baking soda, and then the drain snake anyway. This combination can cause dangerous reactions and make the problem impossible to fix without professional help. Choose ONE method, do it properly, and wait for the result.
When should you call a plumber right away if your toilet is clogged?
Some toilet clogs aren't something you can fix yourself. Do you recognize any of these signs? Call a professional right away.
Sign 1: Water is coming up from other drains
If you flush the toilet and water backs up into your shower, bathtub, or sink, you have a blockage in the main line. This is NO longer a toilet clog, but a sewer problem. Trying to fix it yourself will only make it worse.
Sign 2: Strong sewer odor
Do you smell a strong sewer odor throughout the house? This means there’s a leak or break somewhere in the system. Gas can back up through damaged traps or pipes. This is dangerous and must be fixed immediately.
Signal 3: The clog keeps coming back
Do you unclog the toilet, only to have it happen again 2–3 weeks later? Then you have a structural problem:
- Limescale buildup in the pipes (especially with hard water)
- Settling in the sewer line
- Root intrusion in old pipes
- Incorrect slope in the drainage system
You can't fix this with a plunger. This requires a camera inspection and professional equipment. Often, this means your pipes need to be replaced during a toilet renovation.
Sign 4: You notice leaks or moisture
Moisture around the toilet bowl, wet spots on the ceiling below, or a leak at the connection? STOP trying to fix it yourself and call immediately. Leaks can cause major water damage that’s much more expensive than hiring a plumber.
Sign 5: old house + frequent clogs
Do you have a house that's more than 30–40 years old and regularly experience clogged toilets? Your pipes are probably due for replacement. Old cast-iron or lead pipes can become clogged from the inside due to limescale, rust, or even root intrusion. As part of our standard toilet renovation service, we inspect your pipes. In 40% of cases involving older homes, we recommend replacement to prevent future problems.
How much does it cost to have a clogged toilet professionally unclogged?
Prices for a plumber to unclog a clogged toilet:
Standard unclogging service during business hours:
- Callout + first 30 minutes: €95 – €135
- Additional charge per half hour: €45 – €65
- Materials (if needed): €20 – €50
Emergency (evening/weekend/night):
- Callout + first 30 minutes: €145 – €195
- Additional charge per half hour: €65 – €85
Additional costs may include:
- Sewer camera inspection: €150 – €250
- High-pressure pipe cleaning: €200 – €400
- Pipe replacement: €500 – €2,000 (depending on length)
Tip: Many people think, “€135?! I can do it cheaper myself!” But consider:
- DIY damage (cracked toilet, broken pipe): €500 – €3,000
- Water damage from flooding: €2,000 – €10,000
- Your own time (2–4 hours of work + cleaning)
- Frustration and stress
If you have a serious clog, hiring a professional is often cheaper AND faster. Also check out our cost guide for bathroom renovations to get an idea of plumbing costs.
How do you prevent your toilet from getting clogged?
Prevention is better than cure. These tips reduce the likelihood of toilet clogs by 90%:
NEVER flush THIS down your toilet:
Strictly prohibited:
- Wet wipes (even the “flushable” ones! – these do NOT dissolve)
- Sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners
- Cotton swabs, cotton pads
- Condoms
- Hair (removed from the brush)
- Chewing gum
- Cat litter
- Cooking grease, oil
- Medications (not for environmental reasons either)
- Cigarette butts
Why this is problematic: These materials do not dissolve in water. They remain intact, get caught in bends, and create blockages that can only be removed by a professional.
Do this:
- Use less toilet paper—4–5 sheets at a time is enough. Large balls of paper clog the toilet more quickly.
- Flush twice for larger needs. First flush after using the toilet, then add toilet paper, and flush again.
- Check your water pressure. If the water pressure is too low, things won't flush properly. Test it by filling a bucket; with good pressure, a 10-liter bucket should fill in 45–60 seconds.
- Regular Preventive Drain Cleaning: Using hot water and dish soap once a month prevents buildup. Just as regular bathroom cleaning prevents bigger problems.
- Be careful around children. Children flush all kinds of things down the toilet: toys, coins, markers. Explain that only poop, pee, and toilet paper are allowed.
Modern solutions: fewer toilet clogs
If you frequently experience clogged toilets, an upgrade might be the solution:
Modern wall-hung toilets
Advantages over clogs:
- More powerful flush (6 liters at once vs. the old 9 liters in a weaker stream)
- Better drainage thanks to an improved ceramic interior
- Less limescale thanks to glaze technology
- Built-in rimless (no rim where dirt can accumulate)
Of the more than 200 clients who had us install a wall-hung toilet in 2024, 92% report fewer clogs than with their old floor-mounted toilet.
Dual-flush systems
Small flush vs. large flush. You use 3 liters for urination and 6 liters for waste. This saves water AND prevents clogs because you use the right flush power for each need.
Complete bathroom renovation
When clogs occur repeatedly, it’s often smarter to replace the entire system at once:
- New pipes (PVC, proper slope)
- Modern wall-hung toilet with a powerful flush
- Built-in tank with dual-flush system
- Professionally Installed
Investment: €5,000 – €7,000 for a complete bathroom renovation Savings: No more need for a plumber (€150 per visit), no stress, and water savings. Check out our bathroom renovation projects for inspiration.
Practical Action Plan: What Should You Do NOW If Your Toilet Is Clogged?
Your toilet is clogged, and you're reading this blog. Here's your plan of action:
Step 1: Assess the situation (2 minutes)
- Water rising? → Call a plumber
- Water is staying but not rising? → Try DIY
- Sewer smell? → Call a plumber
Step 2: Choose one method (1 minute)
- Recently clogged + you know what's inside → Plastic bag method
- No idea what it is → Dish soap + hot water
- Experience with a plunger → Try a plunger
Step 3: Execute the method (20–30 minutes)
- Follow the instructions exactly
- Don't rush
- Give it time to take effect
Step 4: Evaluate the result (5 minutes)
- Does the water drain away? → Good! Flush two more times with water from the bucket
- Still clogged? → Try another method or call a plumber
- Has it gotten worse? → Stop and call a plumber
Step 5: Prevention (from now on)
- Check what's allowed in
- Talk with family members
- Consider upgrading if this happens often
Request free advice
Recurring clogs? Schedule a free inspection. We’ll come by, assess your situation, and give you honest advice on whether unclogging is enough or if renovation is a better option.
During the consultation:
- We inspect your toilet and pipes
- Test water pressure and drainage
- Discuss possible causes
- You'll receive a transparent quote within 2 days
No obligations, just good advice. Schedule a free inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a chemical drain cleaner? No, we strongly advise against it. Chemical drain cleaners damage pipes (especially PVC), can be dangerous if the liquid splashes, and if they don’t work, the plumber will be left with hazardous material in your plumbing system. Try natural methods first.
What if the clog comes back? This indicates a structural problem: limescale in the pipes, improper slope, or old pipes. Have a professional inspect the pipes using a camera inspection. Continuing to unclog the drain won’t solve the problem.
Does baking soda really work against clogs? Baking soda and vinegar can help with minor clogs thanks to the fizzing reaction. For serious clogs, the plastic bag method or dish soap and hot water are more effective.
How can I prevent my toilet from getting clogged? Only flush toilet paper, feces, and urine. No wet wipes (not even “flushable” ones), no sanitary pads, and no hair. Use less paper each time, and flush twice for larger waste.
How much does a plumber charge for unclogging a drain? Between €95 and €135 during business hours for the service call and the first 30 minutes. Emergency service in the evenings or on weekends: €145–€195. Additional time: €45–€65 per half hour.
Can I safely use a drain snake on my own? This requires experience. If used incorrectly, the snake can break off inside the pipe or damage your ceramic fixtures. When in doubt: call a professional. The cost of repairs is higher than the plumber’s fee.
When should I call a plumber right away? Call immediately if: water is backing up from other drains, there’s a strong sewer odor, the clog keeps coming back, you notice leaks, or you’ve already used a chemical drain cleaner.
Does Coca-Cola help with clogs?
This is a myth. The phosphoric acid in cola isn't strong enough to dissolve clogs. Dish soap and hot water work better AND are cheaper.
Are wall-hung toilets better at preventing clogs? Yes, modern wall-hung toilets have more powerful flushing, better drainage, and less limescale buildup thanks to improved ceramic. 92% of our clients report fewer clogs after upgrading to a wall-hung toilet.
What should I do if the toilet overflows? STOP flushing! Turn off the water supply (valve behind or under the toilet). Mop up the water with old towels. Then try the plastic bag method first. If it doesn’t work within 30 minutes, call a plumber.
