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Who to Call for a Clogged Toilet
A licensed plumber is the best pro to clear a stubborn or deep toilet clog
Photo: Jo Panuwat D / Adobe Stock Photography
Photo: Jo Panuwat D / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
A licensed plumber handles stubborn or deep toilet clogs and repairs issues causing repeat blockages.
Try a plunger with a tight seal and sufficient water, then a toilet auger before calling a pro.
Costs depend on a plumber’s years of experience and expertise, ranging from $45 to $200 per hour.
Pros use specialized tools, diagnose root causes, and prevent damage or pushing clogs deeper.
Call a plumber if multiple toilets clog or drains back up into the shower.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you're unsure who to call for a clogged toilet, hire a licensed plumber with journeyman or master credentials. State licensing rules vary and can include required hours, exams, or business registration. Verify that your pro is licensed and insured, and confirm toilet repair and installation experience. Use this hiring guide to ensure safe, code-compliant work that fully clears the clog.
Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for a Clogged Toilet
A plumber is your safest choice for a stubborn, recurring, or deep toilet clog. These pros bring specialized tools, can diagnose the cause, and complete repairs that prevent future blockages. Many plumbers focus on toilet repairs and installations, which helps them quickly locate and access the obstruction without damaging pipes or fixtures.
Consider these advantages of hiring a plumber for a clogged toilet:
Licensed pros hold journeyman or master credentials verified by state rules.
Training and oversight support compliant, safe work on your plumbing system.
Industrial augers reach far beyond DIY snakes to clear deep obstructions.
Hydro-jetting blasts grime from sewer and drain lines.
Removing the toilet allows direct access to hard-to-reach clogs.
Pros fix underlying toilet or pipe issues.
Professionals reduce the risk of pipe damage or severe clogs.
Work is done by insured pros, protecting you if damage occurs.
If you have a stubborn clog that doesn't respond to standard methods, contact a local plumber to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Can I Hire a Handyperson for a Clogged Toilet?
An experienced handyperson can address simple clogs and minor toilet issues. Review the company’s listed specialties and confirm they handle toilet repairs. For severe clogs, suspected blockages deeper in your plumbing, or work that involves broader plumbing systems, hire a licensed plumber. A plumber brings advanced tools and methods that speed diagnosis and clearing, especially when DIY attempts with a plunger or auger do not work. If multiple fixtures are affected or drains back up, call a plumber.
How Do Plumbers Unclog a Toilet?
Plumbers follow a clear, systematic process to find and remove the blockage, then correct the cause to prevent it from returning.
Locate the clog and determine the cause.
Check for issues like a misfit flapper or toilet/pipe damage from poor repairs.
Try plunging again, warming the plunger so it molds to the drain opening.
Use an industrial auger with cable lengths up to 100 feet if plunging fails.
Consider hydro-jetting to clear accumulated grime in sewer and drain lines.
Remove the toilet if needed for direct access to the obstruction.
Repair underlying issues so the toilet flushes properly going forward.
How Much Does Unclogging a Toilet Cost?
Plan to pay between $85 and $600 to unclog a toilet. Plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, depending on their level of experience and certification. Plumber costs for unclogging a toilet can be higher if the toilet is damaged or if the underlying problem is deeper in your sewer lines.
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