Toilet Clogged But No Plunger? (Use a Shop Vac!)
Your toilet is clogged and you have no tools to unclog it. No plunger, no drain snake, no baking soda and vinegar, not even a stick!
What do you do?
Granted, what I’m about to tell you is a last resort before calling your plumber. But I’m going to tell you how to use a shop vac to unclog a toilet. Yes, a shop vac (otherwise known as a wet/dry vacuum) that many people do have in their homes.
This shop vac method is a bit unorthodox but will work on partial clogs and perhaps even better on the removal of toys or other debris that fall into the toilet. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Instructions: How to Use a Shop Vac to Unclog a Toilet
If you ever wanted an answer to, “Can you use a shop vac to unclog a toilet?”, then these are the instructions for you.
- First things first. Turn off the water supply to your toilet. There should be a water shutoff valve under the toilet tank, on the left side, against the wall.
- Remove the filter from your shop vac (you don’t need it for this project, and it will only get wet and need to be replaced if you use it).
- Plug in your shop vac and use it to first to suck up all the water out of the toilet bowl.
- Your next step is to place the vacuum tube into the toilet drain. Don’t use any of the attachments for the vacuum; just use the main tubing.
- To create a decent seal, place a towel around the tube where it meets the drain.
- Push the tube into the drain until it is as snug as possible. Adjust the towels as necessary. Now turn on the shop vac. Partial clogs and debris should come out after about 10 seconds.
- Remove the shop vac and towels, turn back on the water, and flush a couple of times. You should be good to go.
- Finally, take the shop vac into your yard (or garden) and open. You’ll want to remove any materials and clean out the vacuum. Then replace the filter you had previously removed.
4 Things to Consider
1. Remove the Filter!
A shop vac is just a powerful vacuum that can handle both dry materials and water. Because you’re using it for a toilet, make sure you remove the filter first. You don’t want a filter ruined by human waste.
2. Don’t Use a Regular Vacuum
A regular (any style) vacuum cleaner — used for general cleaning jobs around your home — is not made for this type of work. If you use it on a toilet, you’ll likely end up having to buy a new one.
3. Be Wary of Gas Odors
While your shop vac is extracting debris and water from your drain, it’s also sucking up gas odors that are in your pipes. This might cause a gas-like odor in your shop vac. Another good reason to clean out your vacuum when you’re done with it.
Conclusion: Can You Use a Shop Vac to Unclog a Toilet?
So, the ultimate question is, “Can you use a shop vac to unclog a toilet?” Yes, you can. But we do consider it to be a somewhat desperate way to do so; and only if you don’t have any other tools at hand that will work better.
You should always start with a toilet plunger (see how to use the right kind of plunger correctly here). If that doesn’t work, use a hand auger (or drain snake).
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
If you need help unclogging a drain or toilet, don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). We will immediately respond to and handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.
