TikTok Explains How To Unclog Your Toilet With A Toilet Brush

Ah the dreaded clogged toilet. You've probably encountered one at some point and can attest to how unpleasant it is to unclog, especially if there's more than just toilet paper in it. A plunger is the obvious solution, but what if there isn't one handy? What if there's only a toilet brush nearby? You might consider calling a plumber, but that's not your only option. Believe it or not, that toilet brush can be used to both clean and unclog your toilet.

Twin Home Experts shared the hack on TikTok. Take the brush and insert it into the drain as far as it will go. Then quickly move it up and down until you notice the water start to drain. That's it! Although the video demonstrates the trick with only fluid in the bowl, the voiceover indirectly claims it can be used if there's a little "#2 residue" present, too. And if the brush gets soiled, you can rinse it out by holding the brush in the toilet during a second flush.

Many followers who tried the trick confirmed that it works, but it's important to note that it's not the best tool to use for all toilet clogs.

Although it would be nice if a toilet brush could be used to make any toilet drain properly, regardless of what's clogging it, that's unfortunately not the case. Super Home Warranty recommends using the toilet brush hack for minor clogs only.

If the toilet is flushing fine one minute but then clogs the next minute — after your child tried flushing a little too much toilet paper — it can be considered a minor (and easily fixable) clog. On the other hand, if the toilet has been draining slowly for a few days or if you notice water coming through your sink or tub drain after flushing, it's a major clog. For this type of blockage, a toilet brush won't suffice since it's likely that the blockage is deeper into the main drain pile. It's best to either use a plunger or call a plumber to resolve these types of clogs.

So for the fluid-only and other minor clogs, a toilet brush should be enough to unclog it. For major clogs, or if you don't want to clean a toilet brush covered in fecal matter or toilet paper bits, use a plunger.