What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?

• <div><p>Start by pouring hot—but not boiling—water down the drain. The heat of the water may be enough to break down the clog. You can also try ½ cup of dish soap or 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. If you choose a chemical unclogging product, ensure it’s appropriate for toilets to avoid damage.</p></div>

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TRUSTED BY SAINT ELMO, IL HOMEOWNERS

4.7
Average homeowner rating
78
Verified drain cleaning services reviews

Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Saint Elmo, IL

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Saint Elmo, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Saint Elmo, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

Last update on November 22, 2025

Reviewed in May 2012
My husband called Town and Country Services about our clogged drain in the basement and they sent out two guys the same day. Once they arrived the clogged was cleared in less than an hour and the two guys cleaned up the area around the drain. My husband and I are pleased with the quick response...
Town & Country Services
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Reviewed in October 2016
He used their special tool and found that it was the tree root. Then they applied a special root killer to prevent growing. He was fast. Overall satisfied, however the price was a little bit high.
Baker & Sons Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2015
The service was wonderful. They were very nice and did what I needed. They also found another problem they will be taking care of. I highly recommend their services.
Roto Rooter
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Reviewed in December 2016
They did the job quickly, but on our second call it took them 2 days to come out due to a busy work day. Once on the job they had 3 guys come in and evaluate the situation and were in and out very quick. They only charge $65 an hour for labor. On the first visit to clear it they didn't charge of...
Tom Geise Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2012
I called early morning and they were able to fit me in on my schedule. When Nathan arrived he was polite and professional. He listened to my explaination and asked a few questions. He then explained what he was going to do (you a mechanical snake) and how it should go and what might go wrong....
Sauk Valley Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2014
A&J showed up when they said they would, was thorough with their service, took care not to damage anything, and cleaned up after themselves. Their service charge was very reasonable.
A & J Drain Service LLC
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Reviewed in April 2015
Corey Modglin was very professional and the service was handled in a timely manner (same day). He did not tell me I needed anything extra done, just to make a sale.
Spengler Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in May 2014
They were Awesome!!!! My drains in my basement was backing up causing all kinds of problems. I couldn't do my laundry or use our sink, very frustrating to say the least. I called and spoke with Dylan at Countryside Plumbing LLC, he was very nice and fit me into their schedule right away. I...
Countryside Plumbing, LLC---We Will Beat Any Writt
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Find Drain cleaners in Saint Elmo

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

29435 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Hoffman Plumbing serves the Effingham - Altamont, IL and surrounding areas. Ryan Hoffman, owner, can take care of all of your residential and commercial plumbing, sewer and backflow needs.

Braun Plumbing

No reviews yet

Braun Plumbing

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

Local, family owned and operated plumbing business. We accept cash, check, visa and MasterCard. Licensed, bonded and Insured.

Custom Construction & Remodeling

1.00(

)

Custom Construction & Remodeling

1.00(

)

27 years of experience

Custom Construction is a Licensed and Insured FULL SERVICE DESIGN and BUILD Company and General Contractor with a wide range of experience. Interior to Exterior, from A to Z one call does it all. Let our dedicated team of experts make your dreams come true. We handle all types of remodeling. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing for quailifed clients. Emergency 24/7 services available

Kingery's construction

1.50(

)

Kingery's construction

1.50(

)

Free onsite estimate

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

No reviews yet

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

We offer drain cleaning sevices for Southern Illinois. If you cant flush,give us a call!

Solutions Contracting

No reviews yet

Solutions Contracting

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

Solutions Contracting is dedicated to provide home and buisness owners with high quality construction, remodeling, and small project solutions, that are customized to our customers needs and wants. Solutions Contracting is certified to provide roofing and lead paint renovation services in Illinois. Although we are located in Barry Illinois we serve the entire west central Illinois area.

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(

)

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Mcdonagh & sons plumbing & sewer takes great pride with 15 years of experience! We are honest, reliable, genuine and trustworthy! We are constantly referred by our customers because of our great service and dedication to meet their needs! We offer free estimates! "anything plumbing, anything sewer, any time". Ertain areas are to subject a service fee *prices may vary. Discounts can not be combined, unless noted. Award winning. Additional dba - mcdonagh & sons plumbing and sewer.

First Response Drain Service

5.00(

)

First Response Drain Service

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

First Response Drain Service is a locally owned and operated company that was developed to provide businesses and homeowners with professional service that keeps their drainage systems flowing efficiently. We have 5 employees on staff full time and 3-4 part-time employees. All are well groomed and respectful. On occasion subcontractors are used for large scale projects. This allows for proper safety and insurance requirements as we work in conjunction with other top notch contractors. First response Drain Service is owned and operated by a Union trained plumber who spent numerous years learning the trade. This valuable training is applied to our day to day operations and is what sets us apart from other sewer service contractors. We offer free estimates, charge NO travel time and bill by the hour and affordable rates. Anyone who mentions our Angie's List ad will receive a free video sewer inspection recorded to DVD. First Response Drain Service is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise smelly situation. Our technicians enjoy what they do and it reflects in the work that we do. Our staff is friendly and easy to talk to. We explain each situation in a way that makes sense. Give us a call and you will experience a whole new concept in the sewer service industry.

Showing 1-10 of 16

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

If your dishwasher keeps filling with water at the bottom but doesn’t fill into the sink, the issue is likely due to a blockage within the dishwasher or drain. Regularly clean your dishwasher filter basket to ensure it’s not clogged with food, and run a vinegar rinse periodically if you have hard water to remove limescale buildup.

Bleach isn’t likely to help unclog a sewer line. Bleach isn’t useful in this situation because it won’t dissolve the grime and debris in the clog. Instead, you want to use ingredients that will have a chemical reaction to clear out the buildup, like vinegar or salt and baking soda.

Start by pouring hot—but not boiling—water down the drain. The heat of the water may be enough to break down the clog. You can also try ½ cup of dish soap or 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. If you choose a chemical unclogging product, ensure it’s appropriate for toilets to avoid damage.

There are several ways to tell if your gutter downspout drain is backed up. The most obvious sign is when you see water flowing over your gutter edges. This can occur during everything from light rain to a rainstorm. Additional signs can include peeling paint around your downspout, visible dirt around your downspout, and moisture on the side of the house. If you're having ongoing problems with clogs caused by a poorly designed or worn-out gutter system, consider getting a quote for gutter replacement cost.

Just as frozen pipes can cause a blocked sink that won’t drain, frozen toilet pipes can block water from flushing down the drain pipe and prevent the tank from refilling, depending on which lines are frozen. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can fill the toilet tank or bowl with warm water and flush, allowing the water to thaw the pipe as it rushes through.

The Saint Elmo, IL homeowners’ guide to drain cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in a House? [2025 Data]
Discover the cost to replace drain pipes in a house, including average prices, key factors, and tips to save on your plumbing project.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Sep 10, 2024Sep 10, 2024
How to Snake a Drain to Fix a Clog
Clogged drains are a pain and can be persistent if you don’t deal with the blockage. Use this guide on how to snake a drain to save money and DIY a solution.
Mariel Loveland
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
What Is the Standard Tub Drain Size and How Do I Measure for My Drain?
Tub drain sizes are standardized, but they can vary in certain circumstances. This guide will discuss the most common sizes and how to measure your tub.
Heather Ayer
•
Sep 18, 2024Sep 18, 2024
5 Easy Ways to Remove Hair From Your Drain
If you’ve got a slow-draining bathtub, it could be due to hair buildup. This complete guide will show you how to remove hair from the drain.
Mariel Loveland
•
May 1, 2025May 1, 2025
How to Get Something That Fell Down the Sink Drain
Getting something that fell down the sink drain can be frustrating, especially if it holds sentimental value. This step-by-step guide shows how to get something out of the sink without taking it apart.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Sep 19, 2024Sep 19, 2024
How to Unclog a Sink With Baking Soda and Vinegar in 5 Easy Steps
Baking soda and vinegar are like two peas in a pod when it comes to clogs. Keep reading to learn how to unclog a sink with baking soda and vinegar.