How to Unclog a Toilet Full of Poop and Water: 10 Proven Fixes

You will learn: 10 proven methods about how to unclog a toilet full of poop and water. These methods include using a plunger, hot water and dish soap, baking soda and vinegar, a toilet brush or hanger, enzyme cleaners, and a wet/dry vacuum. Another option is to use a toilet auger.

Imagine a clogged toilet full of poop and water. It can be one of the most unpleasant problems in your home. You are trying to clean it, but are not getting the proper solution. Frustrating right? If you’re out of solutions or without the right tools, fear not. This guide will teach you how to unclog a toilet in simple and effective methods.

Let’s get started.

How to Unclog a Toilet Full of Poop and Water: 10 Proven Fixes

Method 1: Try Using a Plunger

The plunger is your best and fastest tool for most toilet clogs.

Choose the Right Plunger:

Not all plungers will provide you effective result. In this kind of situation, choose a flange or ball-shaped plunger (you can see my favorite plunger). These produce a strong seal. It works better than those small sink-type plungers.

How to Use It:

• Run warm water over the rubber part of the plunger to soften it.
• Wear rubber gloves
• Now, cover the floor with old towels or newspapers.
• Place the plunger in the toilet bowl. You have to ensure that it covers the hole completely.
• First, push down gently. After that, exert more force while plunging up and down.
• Keep going for 10–15 rounds. It might take a couple of tries to dislodge the clog.
• Now, flush the toilet as soon as the water starts draining.

Method 2: Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

Don’t have a plunger? You can still try the hot water and dish soap trick.

What You Need:

• Only a bucket of hot (not boiling) water
• A good amount of dish soap

Steps:

• First, pour dish soap into the toilet bowl. It helps break down the waste. It also acts as a lubricant.
• Now, slowly pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height.
• You have to wait 10–15 minutes.
• Try flushing the toilet. The poop and toilet paper should soften and move down the drain.

Now you have to repeat this process if necessary.

Method 3: Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a natural method and works well when the toilet isn’t too full.

What You Need:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 2 cups of vinegar
• ½ gallon of hot water

Steps:

• All you need to do is pour baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Now, slowly add vinegar. It will start to fizz and bubble.
• Wait a few minutes.
• Pour in the hot water.
• Let everything sit overnight.
• Flush the toilet in the morning.

This method helps dissolve hard waste and unclog the pipe.

Method 4: Use a Toilet Brush or Hanger

Not have a plunger? Don’t worry. You can try using a toilet brush (like this) or a wire hanger.

Toilet Brush Method:

• Insert the brush into the toilet. Now, try to push the poop down the drain.
• Flush and see if the water clears.
• This works best for minor clogs.

Hanger Method:

• Straighten a metal coat hanger (use one with a plastic coating).
• Carefully push the end into the toilet bowl and work it around to break up the clog.
• Be sure to wear gloves.
• After a few tries, flush the toilet.

Read also: How to Clean a Toilet Brush & Holder

Method 5: Use Shampoo and Hot Water

Shampoo can be a great alternative to solve the issue. A perfect alternative to dish soap.

Steps:

• Pour a good amount of shampoo into the toilet bowl.
• Follow with hot water.
• Wait for 10–15 minutes.
• Simply flush the toilet

This method helps loosen and break down the waste.

Method 6: Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners are eco-friendly. It’s also safe for toilets. They work well to break down organic waste naturally. You can see my favorite toilet bowl enzyme cleaner.

How to Use:

• Pour the cleaner into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Flush in the morning.

This method is slower but gentler on your pipes.

Method 7: Coca-Cola and Plastic Wrap

Did it sound strange? But Coca-Cola can help dissolve waste.

What You Need:

• A 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola
• Plastic wrap

Steps:

• Pour the Coke into the toilet bowl.
• Quickly cover the opening with plastic wrap to trap pressure.
• Wait one hour.
• Now, remove the wrap and flush.

The pressure buildup helps push the clog down the drain.

Method 8: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Only use a wet/dry vacuum, not your regular house vacuum! Here are my recommended wet/dry vacuums for toilet bowl cleaning:

CRAFTSMAN Wet and Dry Vacuum with multiple hoses and attachments

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner with multiple hoses and attachments

Steps:

• Don’t forget to put on gloves (I recommend Heavy and Reusable Rubber Gloves). Remove excess water from the bowl using the vacuum.
• Wrap a towel around the hose to make a good seal.
• Insert the hose into the drain and turn the vacuum on.
• It will suck out the blockage.

Note: This method is messy and should be used only if other methods fail.

Method 9: Toilet Auger (Plumber’s Snake)

A toilet auger (you can try this) is a flexible cable tool. It helps plumbers become accustomed to unclogging deeper blockages.

How to Use:

• Insert the end of the auger into the toilet.
• Turn the handle to push it down the pipe.
• When you feel resistance, twist and pull gently to break the clog.
• Flush the toilet.

This method is very effective for tough clogs.

Method 10: Chemical Cleaners (Use With Caution)

Chemical drain cleaners can be powerful. But it may damage your toilet pipes over time, especially if you have old plumbing.

If you use them:

• You have to choose one made specifically for toilets.
• Pour it carefully and follow the instructions.
• Never mix with other chemicals.

You can try this Drain Cleaner Clog Remover Liquid

When to Call a Professional Plumber?

If you’ve attempted all the techniques above and your toilet is still clogged, you’ll have to call a plumber. There is a possibility that you have a bigger problem in your pipes.

Additionally, if the clogs are occurring regularly, a professional can first look for a bigger problem in the drain line.

Here are my recommended toilet bowl cleaning products that you may need:

Amazon Basics Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Cling Action Formula

Toilet Wand Refills

Toilet Bowl Cleaning System with Flushable & Disposable Cleaner Refill Pads

4-in-1 Rim Hanger Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Lysol Automatic In-The-Bowl Toilet Cleaner

Final Thoughts

An overflowing toilet filled with poop is an awful situation, but you can easily fix it with the proper tools and technique. Begin with the plunger and dish soap or baking soda and vinegar. If all else fails, other safe bets include a toilet brush, a hanger, or a wet vacuum. Keep protection in mind, use gloves, and try to avoid harsh chemicals whenever you can.

Read also:

How to Clean Toilet Bowl Ring? Try These 10 Effective Toilet Cleaning Methods

How to Clean Your Toilet Tank-Step by Step Guide

10 Instant Ways to Remove Cigarette Smell from Your Bathroom

How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom: 10 Must-Try Tricks That Actually Work

10 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom/Toilet Smelling Fresh All the Time