How to Unclog a Toilet

It’s the stuff made of nightmares: you just finished using the restroom and when you go to flush the toilet, nothing happens. Or worse yet, it starts to overflow! In a situation such as this, knowing a few things about how to properly unclog a toilet will help maintain your sanity and save you from having to deal with a messy situation.

3 Ways to Unclog a Toilet

While most people think only of using a plunger to unclog a toilet, there are actually several methods that work. Here are a few of the most common and effective ones:

1. Plunger. Using the correct plunger is essential to get the job done right. In order to work properly, there must be a tight seal between it and the toilet bowl. The best way to accomplish this is by using a plunger with a flange, which is a cup-shaped piece that extends from the bottom of the plunger and helps create an airtight seal. First run the plunger under some hot water to make it more pliable, then put it in the toilet and push down slowly to remove the air. Next, give several strong thrusts up and down while maintaining that tight seal, then give a quick pull upward to release it. If the water starts draining, you’ve conquered the clog; if not, you may need to repeat the same steps a few more times.
2. Soap and hot water. If the bathroom you’re in doesn’t have a plunger, your next option is to try to break up the clog without it. If you’re trying to be stealthy, you can try using hand soap or shampoo and a good amount of hot water from the bathroom sink. After sitting for several minutes, the soap and water should soften things up enough that the clog will break up on its own. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a stronger soap, such as dish soap, and hot (but not boiling) water that has been heated on the stove.
3. Auger. This cable-like device, also known a toilet snake, is a handy alternative to unclog a toilet if your other attempts fail. Just put the head of the auger in the toilet and start cranking the handle clockwise. The auger will “snake” down the toilet until it reaches the clog, where it will either break it up or grab onto it. At this point you can wind the auger back in and get rid of any waste. Use the plunger to finish clearing out anything that may have been left behind, then give the toilet a good flush.

Handyman Connection to the Rescue

If your toilet clog has been caused by an object such as a child’s toy or an excess of toilet paper, it may necessary to call in a handyman plumber. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I find a plumber handyman near me?”, you need to check out Handyman Connection. Just give us a call at 1-800-88-HANDY, and we’ll send one of our experts out to save the day!