There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of watching your toilet water rise instead of drain, especially when you know the culprit is a bundle of “flushable” wipes. While the package might claim they are safe to flush, the reality is that wipes are a leading cause of household toilet clogs. They don’t break down like toilet paper, leading to nasty, stubborn blockages.
But don’t panic! Before you call an expensive plumber, there are several effective methods you can try yourself. This expert guide will walk you through exactly how to unclog a toilet clogged with wet wipes, step-by-step, using common household tools.
Why Wet Wipes Clog Toilets (Even “Flushable” Ones)
It’s crucial to understand the enemy. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate rapidly in water, wet wipes are made from durable synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. They are bound together with strong resins designed to stay wet and strong. This makes them excellent for cleaning but terrible for your plumbing. They snag on small imperfections in your pipes, catch other debris, and form massive, rock-solid clogs that a simple plunge often can’t fix.
What You’ll Need: Your Toilet Unclogging Toolkit
- Rubber plunger (with a flange for best suction)
- Toilet auger (or closet auger)
- Rubber gloves (heavy-duty is best)
- Old towels or rags
- Five-gallon bucket
- Hot water (not boiling)
- Dish soap (optional lubricant)
Method 1: How to Unclog Wipes from Toilet with a Plunger (The First Defense)
If the water is rising but hasn’t overflowed, grab your plunger. The key is to use it correctly to create maximum pressure.
- Prepare the Area: Lay old towels on the floor around the toilet base. Put on your rubber gloves.
- Get a Good Seal: Place the plunger’s cup completely over the drain hole in the bottom of the bowl. Ensure it’s covered and you have a tight seal. The flange on a toilet plunger should be inside the drain.
- Push and Pull Forcefully: Push down slowly, then pull up sharply. The goal isn’t to push the clog down, but to create a vacuum that loosens and dislodges it. Do this 10-15 times vigorously.
- Test the Drain: Quickly pull the plunger away. If the water drains away successfully, you’ve solved the problem! If it drains slowly, you may need to repeat the process. If it doesn’t drain at all, move to the next method.
Method 2: How to Get Wipes Out of Toilet with a Toilet Auger (The Power Move)
When plunging fails, a toilet auger (or closet auger) is your next best tool. This is a specialized snake designed for toilets that can hook and break up the clog without scratching the porcelain.
- Insert the Auger: Extend the auger’s cable and carefully insert the end into the bowl drain. Slowly crank the handle clockwise to feed the cable into the drain.
- Feel for the Clog: You will feel resistance when the auger head hits the wad of wipes. Once you hit it, crank the handle a few more times to break through the mass or hook onto it.
- Retrieve the Clog: Slowly crank the handle counter-clockwise to retract the cable. The goal is to either break the clog into smaller pieces that can flush away or to pull the entire mass back out. You may pull out a disgusting, tangled mess of wipes—this is success!
- Flush to Test: Once retrieved, flush the toilet to ensure the drain is completely clear.
Method 3: The Bucket Flush Technique (For Stubborn Cases)
If you’ve loosened the clog with an auger but it won’t fully clear, this method uses gravity and force to push it through.
- Reduce the Water Level: If the bowl is still full, use a small cup and a bucket to remove about half the water. This prevents splashing.
- Add Lubricant (Optional): Squirt a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the bowl. The soap can help lubricate the pipes and help the clog slide down.
- Create a Wave: Fill a five-gallon bucket about 3/4 full with warm (not boiling) water. Hold the bucket from waist height and pour the water forcefully into the toilet bowl in one swift motion. The sudden rush of water can be enough to push the remaining clog through the trap.
- Repeat if Necessary: You may need to do this 2-3 times. If the water drains normally afterward, victory is yours.
What NOT to Do: Avoid Costly Mistakes
- Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners: They are ineffective on solid clogs like wipes and will simply create a toxic, corrosive soup in your bowl that can damage your pipes and pose a splash hazard to you.
- Don’t Flush Repeatedly: Each flush risks overflowing the toilet, creating a much bigger (and more unsanitary) mess.
- Avoid Harsh Tools: Do not use a regular drain snake, which can scratch and damage the delicate porcelain of the toilet bowl.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried all these methods and your toilet is still clogged, it’s time to call a professional. This indicates a severe blockage deep in your drain line that requires professional-grade equipment, like a motorized auger or hydro-jetter, to clear. Calling a pro is the smart, safe choice to prevent property damage.
The Best Solution: Prevention
The absolute best way to unclog toilets is to never let them get clogged in the first place. The only thing that should ever be flushed is human waste and toilet paper. Even wipes marketed as “flushable” are not safe for most sewer and septic systems. Always dispose of wipes, paper towels, and other hygiene products in a trash can. A small wastebasket next to the toilet is a simple fix that can save you hundreds of dollars and a huge headache.
Final Conclusion: You Can Do This!
A toilet clogged with wet wipes is a common and frustrating problem, but it’s one you can often handle yourself with a little know-how and the right tools. Remember the hierarchy: start with a plunger, escalate to a toilet auger, and use the bucket flush for assistance. Avoid chemicals, know when to call for backup, and most importantly, prevent future clogs by keeping wipes out of the toilet. For more stubborn or mysterious clogs, our guide on how to unclog your toilet when nothing works has even more pro tips.
