How to Unclog a Toilet With Poop in It?

You’re at home, it’s the middle of the night, and you realize that the toilet is clogged.

You have no idea what to do.

If this has ever happened to you, don’t worry – we’re here to help!

A plunger trying to unclog a toilet bowl.

 

In this blog post, we will discuss how to unclog a toilet with poop in it.

This can be a daunting task, but with our tips, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily.

How Do I Fix My Clogged Toilet?

How do you unclog a toilet with poop?

There are many ways to fix a clogged bowl, and here are some of the most effective options:

1. Use a Plunger

This is the most common way to fix a clogged toilet. Simply place the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull until the water starts flowing freely.

You will need to create suction so that the plunger can form a seal over the hole.

If the clog is not too severe, this should be enough to clear it. If the toilet with poop is very full, make sure to be careful not to splash any water on your clothes or face.

You may need to remove a small amount of liquid in order to be able to plunge properly.

If this method doesn’t work immediately, spend a little time plunging and then step away to give the clog some time to loosen on its own.

Come back later and try again.

It is recommended that you wear gloves when using this method to protect your hands from getting splashed by liquid or feces.

Also, keep in mind that plunging can be a messy job so make sure you have an old towel available for cleaning up any spills if necessary.

A bucket is also helpful to have around for when you place the plunger down.

2. Use a Metal Clothing Hanger

A pink hanger and a plier over a toilet bowl to unclog it

 

A metal clothing hanger can also be used to clear a clogged toilet.

Straighten the hanger out and then curve it into a U-shape.

Place it in the drain hole and wiggle it around until the clog is cleared.

This method often works better than using a plunger, as you can get further down the drain hole and it’s easier to get a good grip on the hanger.

You may need to repeat this process several times before you’re able to clear the clog completely.

Be careful not to break off any of the metal from inside your toilet bowl. This could further clog the drain and make matters worse.

3. Pour Hot Water and Dish Soap Into the Toilet Bowl

Hot water and dishwashing soap pouring ove a toilet bowl to help unclog it.

 

Dish soap works to break down the poop and causes it to liquefy.

Pour a pot of hot (not boiling) water into the toilet bowl and add about a quarter cup of liquid dish soap.

Let this mixture sit for about an hour, then use a plunger to clear the clog.

This method often clears minor clogs since the hot water can help dissipate any poop stuck in the bowl.

Using hot or boiling water also helps to disinfect the toilet, making it a good option if the clog is caused by feces.

Just be careful not to splash any of the hot water on yourself when you go to plunge into it.

Also, make sure to wear gloves so that you don’t get your hands dirty.

4. Dissolve the Toilet Paper With Baking Soda and Vinegar

A jar of baking soda and a bottle of white vinegar

If the clog is caused by too much toilet paper, you can dissolve it with a baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and add half a cup of white vinegar.

Let this sit for about an hour, and cover the seat with plastic foil to increase the potency of this mix.

Then use a plunger to clear the clog.

This method works because baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction that helps to break down the toilet paper.

It can also help to break down odors since both baking soda and vinegar are natural deodorizers.

5. Use a Toilet Brush to Push the Material Down

A toilet brush may not seem like the ideal tool for cleaning toilet clogs, but it can help to move the stool if you don’t have anything else you want to stick in there.

Simply stick the toilet brush into the toilet and use it to push down on any debris that is stuck at the top of the drain hole.

This will help move them further down so they can be flushed away more easily by water pressure from flushing again.

6. Use a Toilet Snake

A toilet snake is used to clear clogs in drains.

It’s a long, flexible metal rod that is inserted into the toilet and pushed down until it hits the toilet clog.

You can then twist it around to break up or remove whatever material may be blocking your drain hole.

The first thing you should do when using a snake is to make sure that there is very little or no water in the toilet bowl.

If there’s still a lot of liquid, remove it with a bucket and pour it down another drain or out onto your lawn if necessary.

Next, put on some rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from getting splashed by any debris you might encounter while using the snake.

Slowly push down on the snake until you feel it hit the clog. Twist it around a few times, then remove it from the toilet.

7. Use Bleach

Household bleach is great at unclogging a toilet with poop.

Be careful not to get any bleach on yourself or your clothes when using this method though.

Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from this abrasive substance as well.

Pour some bleach into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about an hour before flushing again.

Not only does this help the toilet drain, but it can also disinfect the entire bowl and help to get rid of any lingering smells.

Related: Can You Mix Bleach and Baking Soda?

8. Use Coca-Cola

Four bottles of coca cola on white table

 

Since Coca-Cola is a highly acidic beverage, it has properties that can help to unclog a toilet.

It’s surprisingly as powerful as other options on this list, such as vinegar and baking soda.

Simply pour an entire 2 liters of coke into the toilet bowl and flush after a few hours.

9. Use a Toilet Auger

A toilet auger is the last resort when all other methods have failed since it’s meant for bigger jobs.

It’s a long, coiled metal wire that is inserted into the toilet and pushed down until it hits the clog.

You can then use the auger to twist around and break up or remove whatever material may be blocking your drain hole.

An auger is helpful if there is a deeper clog or a backup in your sewer line.

It’s important to remember that once you’ve removed the clog, don’t flush again until you’re sure all of it has been cleared away from the toilet bowl.

10. Use Commercial Drain Cleaners

There are many commercial drain cleaners available for purchase.

It can be a good idea to have one of these on hand at all times so that you’re ready to unclog a toilet whenever there is an issue.

Make sure that the product you use is safe to use in a toilet before doing so because some brands aren’t made specifically with these applications in mind.

You can use these by pouring them into the toilet bowl and then flushing.

Be sure to follow all of the instructions on the product packaging, including waiting time before flushing again.

11. Pour More Water into the Toilet

If most of the water has flushed out of the toilet and there is only poop stuck in the bowl, you can pour more water into it to help dilute the stool and flush it away.

This method is not as effective if there is a lot of water still in the toilet because it will only add more to the already full bowl.

12. Call a Plumber

If all of these methods have failed, then it’s time to call a plumber.

They will be able to unclog your toilet and help you avoid future clogs with their professional expertise.

The cost will vary depending on the severity of the problem, but it should not exceed $200 for most cases unless there is significant damage caused by neglecting maintenance or other factors beyond your control, such as age issues.

When calling a plumber, explain your situation over the phone and ask how much it will cost to fix it.

They may even be able to give you an estimate, so there are no surprises when they arrive at your home.

Will a Poop Clogged Toilet Unclog Itself?

If your toilet clogs come from organic material such as toilet paper, they will eventually unblock themselves.

That being said, this process can take a long time and it’s not always a good idea to wait.

If feces and other waste materials sit in your toilet for too long, they can start to smell bad, attract bacteria, and create a health hazard.

That’s why it’s always best to try one of the methods listed above as soon as you notice that your toilet is clogged.

Many of these methods help expedite the natural breakdown process of the waste materials in your toilet bowl.

Many people wrap the top of the toilet seat with plastic foil because this helps to prevent the odors from escaping while concentrating any added solutions, such as baking soda, vinegar, household bleach, and coke.

This also lets others know that there’s a potential health hazard in your bathroom and they should keep out of it until you’ve fixed the problem.

How Long Does It Take Poop to Break Down in Toilet?

Since poop is an organic material, it will eventually break down in the toilet. However, this could take quite a long time.

A clogged toilet filled with poop can take up to a week to break down when left on its own.

It’s important to keep in mind that when the toilet clogged with poop breaks down, this will release a foul odor into your home.

It will liquify and the smell will come out from the toilet each time you flush it or open it.

Try to run an exhaust fan in the bathroom or open a window if the smell becomes too much to handle.

And as a reminder, do not use the toilet for any other purpose until it’s been cleaned and cleared and disinfected.

What if My Tank is Overflowing?

If your toilet tank is overflowing, it’s likely because there’s a blockage in the line from the tank to the bowl or vice versa.

This can cause water to back up and spill over onto floors as well as other surfaces around your bathroom.

Toilet tanks typically have two valves: one on top that fills the tank and one on the bottom that releases water from the tank into the bowl.

If either of these valves is blocked, it will cause the tank to overflow.

The first step in fixing this is to find and clear away whatever is causing the blockage.

Once that’s done, you can then flush your toilet several times to clear out any remaining water.

If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional plumber to take a look at your system and fix the issue.

Why Does Poop Clog the Toilet?

There are many reasons why poop can clog a toilet. Some of the most common causes are listed below:

  • Using too much toilet paper at once
  • Feces and other waste materials sitting in the bowl for too long
  • A blockage in the line from the tank to the bowl or vice versa
  • An issue with your toilet’s flushing system
  • Other items that have been flushed down the toilet may be causing a deeper blockage

You can read more about the common causes of toilet clogs here.

How to Prevent Your Toilet From Clogging?

It can be frustrating when you’re unclogging a toilet, especially if it happens frequently.

If this is the case for you then there are some steps that may help you avoid this problem in the future.

Be Mindful When Flushing

Practicing proper flushing is the easiest way to prevent clogs.

You should become more aware of what you flush down the toilet.

Make sure you flush the right amount of toilet paper when flushing. Generally, whatever comes out of your body can be flushed.

Other than toilet paper, you should not flush anything else.

You can start by making a list of the things you cannot flush down the toilet.

Put the list on the wall of your bathroom so that you can easily see it.

Double-Flush the Toilet

Additionally, you may want to flush the toilet twice.

Before throwing down the tissue paper, flush the toilet after eliminating your waste.

The second time around, flush to make sure the tissue paper is thoroughly flushed.

Tissue paper can also be divided between the two flushes.

Follow the “Roots”

The cause of frequent clogs and back-ups in the toilet may be tree roots in the main sewer line.

Underground roots can reach pipes. Their growth can lead to clogging of the pipes as they become larger.

Getting rid of tree roots in your sewer line requires extensive attention. An initial inspection should be conducted by a reputable plumber.

Regular maintenance should follow. Identifying the warning signs is also important.

Aside from frequent clogs, watch out for slow-flowing or overflowing drains. When flushing the toilet, pay attention to any gurgling sounds.

It’s Time to Clear the Tanks

The toilet tank should never be used as extra counter space.

You should not place items like soap, tissue paper, or brushes on top of the toilet tank.

These items might accidentally get knocked down into the toilet bowl.

Two rolls of toilet paper, cream and liquid soap over the toilet tank

 

Make Sure You Don’t Delay

You need to take action if you experience a slow drain or a weak flush.

Don’t wait too long before taking action on a situation. Try a plunger before calling a plumber.

If everything else fails, reach out to a professional.

Regular Cleaning Is a Must

Keep your toilets clean by cleaning them regularly.

Cleaning your toilet can help you spot leaks faster, although it’s more helpful for the aesthetic side of things.

If there is water dripping or pooling on the floor, cleaning your toilet will help you detect it.

Using this information, you can determine where the dripping comes from and take immediate action.

Final Thoughts

It’s not very pleasant to deal with a clogged toilet, especially if it is full of poop.

However, it can make a huge difference if you’re prepared for the occasion.

If you have a few solutions up your sleeve, you can unclog a toilet in no time and be able to have a fresh-smelling and functional bathroom at your disposal in no time.

Related: What is a Courtesy Flush?

Photo showing a person cleaning a toilet bowl and a text overlay that reads How to Unclog a Toilet With Poop in It

About Emma

Hey there! I'm Emma. When I'm not wrangling kids I like to walk aimlessly around hardware stores and watch HGTV for hours on end.

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