Nothing makes a person panic more than a toilet that won’t flush. Even worse is when you have a toilet that clogs up with poop still in it.
Thankfully, there are multiple ways to unclog a stopped-up toilet. We’ve put together this helpful guide of fifteen ways for how to unclog a toilet with poop in it. These methods are easy to do, without any training or the need to consult a plumber. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may have to try multiple methods.
1. Toilet Brush
Toilet brushes are a staple in every bathroom, used to clean the toilet bowl of stains and buildup. But in desperate cases, a toilet brush can also unclog a toilet filled with poop. However, it won’t work on severe clogs.
You can insert a toilet brush into the bowl and attempt to push the poop down into the hole. Then, flush the commode again to see if it will drain.
If the clog remains, you will need to use other alternatives to break the matter apart. In these cases, you’ll need a plunger or one of the other methods listed below.
2. Plunger
The fastest and most sanitary way to unclog a toilet with poop in it is to use a plunger. These tools can manage most types of clogs, making them versatile and popular.
Use the Right Tool
To unclog a toilet with human waste in it, you’ll need the right type of plunger. You’ll need a heavy-duty rubber style with a wide enough diameter to cover the hole at the bottom of your toilet bowl to create a vacuum suction.
A small suction-cupped plunger will not work for these situations. You can use a plunger shaped like a ball or those with a flange that folds out. Both options create a suction strong enough to manage clogged toilets with poop still in the bowl.
An expert tip is to run warm water over the rubber before putting it into the toilet. The heat softens the material so it can create a better seal.
Before You Plunge
Plunging a clogged toilet can be messy, unsanitary work. Some people like to cover their floor with plastic, a tarp, old newspapers, or paper towels.
If you don’t cover your floors with a protective layer, you’ll want to make sure you have a way to clean up any splashes that may occur. Paper towels or newspapers work great. Then turn on the exhaust fan, open a window, or put a small fan in the doorway to remove smells.
Since you’re dealing with human wastes, it’s a smart idea to wear rubber gloves so you don’t get bacteria and germs on your hands.
Time to Plunge
Plunging a toilet is a simple process. Place the plunger into the bowl so that it’s completely submerged. The rim of the plunger should cover the hole at the bottom of the toilet.
You may have to move the plunger up and down to get the poop out of the way so you can place the plunger properly. Remember that you want to push water into the hole, not air.
Move the plunger slowly at first because you’re pushing air into the tank. Then, you can increase the speed, pushing, and pulling. Once the water begins to drain, jerk the plunger up, so it breaks the clog loose.
Flush the toilet multiple times to test the clog. If the water continues to drain slowly, it means there’s still a clog in the pipes. You’ll need to repeat the plunging process. It can take more than ten rounds of plunging to unclog a severely blocked pipe.
3. Your Hands
Another less pleasant way to unclog a toilet filled with poop is to use your hands. Since you will be getting up close and personal with germ-infested human wastes, it’s crucial to wear waterproof safety gloves.
For this method, you’ll also need a plunger and a garbage bag. Hold the plunger with both hands and pump it up and down in the bowl a few times. This process will break the clumps of poop into pieces that stick to your plunger.
Remove these clumps and place them in the garbage bag. Then, after you have removed the matter, attempt to flush the toilet again.
If it flushes without issue, you’ve solved the problem of your clogged toilet. However, if there’s still a blockage preventing the toilet from flushing properly, try another method from our list.
4. Metal Cloth Hanger
A metal clothes hanger can work when you don’t have a plunger or if a plunger isn’t clearing the clog. You will need to pick a hanger with a plastic coating that won’t damage the toilet. You’ll also need waterproof rubber gloves.
Untwist the hanger from its original shape and straighten it out. Don’t worry about making sure it’s perfectly straightened, as it’ll need to curve to go into the toilet.
Place one end of the hanger into the bowl while holding the curved hook end in your other hand. You may have to put your hand down into the toilet to get the hanger positioned.
Once you’ve got the hanger into the hole at the bottom of the bowl, move the wire up and down. This should dislodge any clogs. Flush the toilet and see if the water drains. Repeat flushing multiple times to clean the water completely.
5. Hot Water and Dish Soap
Another simple process of breaking up a toilet clogged with poop is to use a mixture of hot water and dish soap. However, be aware that this process will take time. It’s not an instant fix.
For this method, fill a bucket with boiling water and pour it directly into the toilet bowl. The heat of the water will soften the poop so it can break down. You’ll likely have to repeat the process multiple times to dissolve the matter completely.
If you have a shower hose that can extend to the toilet, you can use this instead of a bucket. Turn the hot water on full blast, but be careful not to burn yourself. Some hoses can get hot to the touch.
After repeated processes and a time-lapse of five to ten minutes, all poop should empty from the toilet, allowing it to resume normal function.
If water alone does not get rid of all the waste, you can add dish soap. The added lubrication will help the poop dissolve faster.
Add a lot of soap into the toilet bowl, pour the hot water slowly, then wait ten minutes and flush. You should notice the water level dropping as the poop disappears into the sink.
6. Coca-Cola and Plastic Foil
The popular caffeinated drink Coca-Cola is a miracle-worker when it comes to toilets clogged with poop. For this cleaning solution, you will need 80 ounces of fresh Coke (just opened).
You can use four 20oz bottles or a 2-liter (allowing you to have some leftover for a refreshing beverage once you’re done.) You’ll also need plastic foil.
Pour all of the Coke into the toilet bowl. Then cover the opening as quickly as you can with the plastic foil. Give the mixture one hour to soak while covered. Then, come back, remove the barrier and flush the toilet.
The Coke and the foil’s combination creates a buildup of pressure that will force the poop to go down the drain.
7. Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda makes a great homemade, natural alternative to harsh and often unsafe chemical drain cleaners.
For this method, pour baking soda directly into the toilet bowl. Then slowly add in the vinegar. As the two ingredients combine, they create a fixing reaction that will help the poop dissolve. To unclog a toilet with poop in it using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:
- Heat ½ gallon of water to a boil (you can use more if needed).
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl.
- Add two cups of vinegar.
- Next, from waist level, pour in hot water.
- Let the solution sit overnight.
The next morning, flush the toilet. The cleaner should break the matter apart so the toilet can flush normally.
8. Baking Soda and Plastic Foil
Another option for unclogging a toilet with poop is to use regular baking soda and plastic foil. This process is similar to the Coca-Cola and plastic foil process we described in number six.
Start by pouring water into the toilet bowl and then immediately adding the baking soda on top. The water needs to be warm, but it should not be hot or boiling. Baking soda does not react properly to water that’s too hot.
Once you’ve combined the water and the baking soda into the bowl, cover the entire opening with plastic foil. Leave the bowl covered for a full hour. Then, flush the toilet as normal. The clog should be eliminated and flushing resuming normally.
9. Baking Soda, Epsom Salt, and Detergent Mixture
Another useful and powerful solution for breaking down toilets clogged with poop is to make a concoction consisting of Epsom salt, baking soda, and detergent.
For this mixture, you’ll need a cup of baking soda, detergent like laundry or dishwashing, and Epsom salt. After combining all the ingredients in a bowl or bucket, pour the solution into the toilet.
The different ingredients will combine to create a chemical reaction that breaks down the bowl’s human waste clogs. Once the matter dissolves, a regular flush will cause all of the matter to empty, leaving the bowl normally operational.
10. Toilet Auger
A toilet auger often referred to as a snake, is a medium-sized cable that can maneuver deep into the toilet to break up and clasp clogs. These tools have a soft rubber-coated rotating table that prevents damage to the porcelain of the toilet.
If you hire a plumber, most of them will use a toilet auger to repair any clogs. You do not need any special skills or experience to use a toilet auger, so there’s no need to call a plumber.
Toilet augers are effective, fast, and less messy than some other methods. Due to the design, these tools work excellent on tough clogs. Check out this video for a demonstration of how a toilet auger works.
11. Dish Soap
Dish soap can work wonders for unclogging a toilet filled with poop. This cheap solution will lubricate the poop and break it down, making it easier to go down the drain.
12. Vacuum Valve
You can also use a vacuum valve to unclog a toilet full of poop. However, don’t try this method using the same regular vacuum you use to clean your carpets.
To unclog a toilet full of poop, you’ll need a wet-dry vacuum. You can rent these from most local hardware stores if you don’t have your own.
To use a vacuum to unclog your toilet, start by sucking all the water out of the bowl using the vacuum hose. Then wrap a rug around the hose to create a seal.
While using a wet-dry vacuum, place the hose a few inches into the drain. It’s a good idea to be wearing rubber gloves while doing this, especially before you turn the vacuum on.
13. Shampoo
Everyone has shampoo somewhere in their bathroom. While it’s meant for cleaning your hair, you can also use it for unclogging a toilet that’s filled with poop.
This process is simple but can take a while to do its job. For this method, add a healthy glob of shampoo into the toilet boil. Then pour boiling water into the bowl.
For this method, you do not need to cover the bowl. There’s nothing to do but wait for the shampoo to soften the poop while the hot water causes it to break down, so the matter will drain down the toilet.
If your toilet does not have a persistent clog, shampoo and hot water should be enough to make the matter dissolve. Once the poop is out of the bowl, add more boiling water to finish cleaning the pipes. But if this method doesn’t work, continue with the other methods on our list.
14. Household Bleach
Household bleach is another option for removing clogged toilets filled with poop. This option is ideal for severe clogs.
You can use any household bleach you have sitting around. Pour two or three cups of bleach directly into the toilet bowl and let it sit.
Once all of the poop dissolves, flush the toilet multiple times to remove any remaining traces of bleach. Since bleach is a harsh chemical, it can irritate your breathing.
It might be a good idea for you to wear rubber gloves and a face covering, so you don’t get bleach on your skin or breathe in the fumes.
15. Commercial Chemicals
There are plenty of commercial chemicals available that can make quick work of cleaning out a toilet clogged with poop. These treatments will also treat clogs caused by harder materials than just human wastes.
The downside is that chemicals can take a while to work. And it can be challenging to get the right product since there are so many different types.
Two of the best products with quick speeds and effective abilities to work on the toughest clogs are Drano Max Gel or Liquid Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer. Add the chemical into the bowl, let it sit for five to fifteen minutes, and then flush the commode.
You can also use drain cleaners, although these should be the last option. These products have harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes and be toxic to people. Be sure the cleaner you buy is specifically intended for toilets.
There’s also the option to use products labeled for enzyme waste-removal. Varieties that have enzyme blends will have the ability to liquify wastes, which is very effective at unclogging toilets filled with poop.
Conclusion
Unclogging a toilet with poop in it doesn’t have to be a frustrating or disgusting process. There are multiple methods you can try to unclog a toilet full of poop. Skip the high fees of hiring a plumber by unclogging a stopped-up commode using any of our recommended methods.
