Clean your tools thoroughly afterward. Pour bleach solution into the toilet bowl and let it sit. Wash your hands, even if you wore gloves. Then give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve conquered one of the least glamorous but most essential DIY skills. And the next time you hear that ominous gurgle, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Wear elbow-length rubber gloves and eye protection. how to unblock a toilet full of poop and water
Once your toilet is flushing freely again, take a moment to reflect on the cause. Most clogs are avoidable. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve—but only in reasonable amounts. “Flushable” wipes are not truly flushable; they are the number one cause of stubborn clogs. Never flush feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, dental floss, cat litter, or food. And if you have small children, keep the bathroom door closed—toys are frequent offenders. Clean your tools thoroughly afterward
If plunging fails, the waste might be too compact. You can try to break it down chemically without harsh cleaners. Then give yourself a pat on the back
Before you reach for any tool, stop and look at the situation. Is the water clean (just from the tank) or dirty (containing waste)? If it’s the latter—and given the title, it is—you need to protect yourself. Put on rubber gloves that go up to your wrists or elbows. Latex or nitrile gloves are fine, but dedicated cleaning gloves are better. Wear old clothes and, if you have them, safety goggles. Have a roll of paper towels or a few old rags nearby for any drips. Also, grab a bucket and a mop—just in case. Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan to help with odor.
If the water level is dangerously high (less than an inch from the rim), you’ll need to lower it before plunging. Use a small cup or a disposable plastic container to bail water into a bucket. Pour that bucket down a sink or tub—but slowly, to ensure it doesn’t clog there. Once the water level is about halfway down the bowl, you’re ready.
If none of these methods work, the blockage may be deep in your main sewer line or septic tank. At that point, it is time to call a professional plumber.