The Secret to Unclogging a Toilet With Dish Soap

Not all toilet clogs are the same; sometimes, inappropriate objects that do not belong in toilets get stuck. If you have young children, you may have dealt with toys or diapers being accidentally flushed, causing blockages in the plumbing. The good news is that you only need one ingredient, which you probably already have at home: dish soap.

Pouring half a cup of dish soap into your toilet bowl is one of the best ways to ensure that non-flushable items can navigate through your pipes. It’s important to allow the dish soap to lubricate around the blockage for at least 15-30 minutes. If you’re experiencing slow drainage, first wait for the toilet water level to lower. Afterward, add some soap and try flushing again. If your toilet is overflowing, turn off the water valve behind it before starting the process.

This method may not be effective for large, stubborn toilet clogs. If it doesn’t successfully remove the clog, try using a plunger or an auger. If these options fail, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can clear the clog and restore your toilet to proper working order.

Pour soap into the toilet bowl

Measure out a half cup of dish soap and pour it into the toilet bowl. Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 15-30 minutes to penetrate the clog. The goal is to get the soapy water to the source of the blockage. As the soap sits, it will create a slippery solution that can help lubricate the pipes.

Flush the toilet

After letting the soap sit for 15-30 minutes or longer, depending on how bad the clog is, pour hot (but not boiling) water into the bowl to help dislodge the clog. Then, flush the toilet and repeat this process as needed until the clog is cleared. If the toilet drains slowly, wait for the water level to lower, then add more soap and try flushing again.

Plunge if needed

If the dish soap method is not enough to clear the clog, plunge the toilet using a plunger or use a drain auger to clear it.

FAQ

How long does dish soap take to unclog a toilet?

It takes at least 15 to 30 minutes for dish soap to sit undisturbed in the toilet. This allows it to lubricate around the clog, allowing it to be dislodged when flushing.

Can too much dish soap clog drains?

Yes, using excessive dish soap can cause soap scum to build up in drains which could lead to clogs.

Can dish soap harm your toilet?

Using dish soap frequently in your toilet bowl can damage it, but using it only in emergencies to unclog the toilet is unlikely to harm it.

Does Dawn dish soap unclog toilets?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can help unclog toilets by lubricating the blockage, allowing it to clear when you flush.

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