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Unclogging a Toilet⚓︎

Summary⚓︎

A clogged toilet is an inconvenience that can cause quite a headache, particularly if it happens at an inopportune time. Whether caused by excessive toilet paper, a foreign object or some other blockage, getting your toilet functioning correctly is essential. This guide will walk you through the process of unclogging a toilet in a step-by-step manner.

Attention

As with all of the articles in this series, this is by no means a comprehensive guide. It should be considered a practical approach for common clogs.

Before You Begin⚓︎

Before attempting to unclog the toilet, ensure you have the proper tools and materials on hand. The most common tool for this task is a plunger. For more stubborn clogs, a toilet auger (also known as a drain snake) may be necessary.

Tools and Materials⚓︎

  • Plunger
  • Toilet auger (for tough clogs)
  • Rubber gloves
  • Old towels or rags
  • Bucket
  • Bathroom cleaner and disinfectant

Steps to Unclog a Toilet⚓︎

Stop the Water Flow⚓︎

To prevent overflow, stop the flow of water into the toilet bowl. You can do this by lifting the float in the toilet tank or turning off the water supply valve behind the toilet.

Prepare the Area⚓︎

Place old towels around the base of the toilet to soak up any water that may spill out. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and waste.

Use a Plunger⚓︎

Start with a flange plunger, designed specifically for toilets.

Plunging Technique⚓︎

  • Insert the Plunger
    • Place the plunger in the toilet bowl and ensure it completely covers the opening.
  • Create a Seal
    • Press down firmly to create a tight seal around the plunger.
  • Plunge with Force
    • Use a forceful thrusting motion to push and pull water in and out of the clogged passage.
  • Maintain the Seal
    • Keep the seal intact and continue plunging for 15 to 20 seconds.

Check the Drainage⚓︎

After several plunges, lift the plunger to see if the water begins to drain. If the water rushes out, the clog has likely been dislodged.

Use a Toilet Auger (If Necessary)⚓︎

If plunging doesn't work, use a toilet auger to reach deeper into the drain.

Auger Technique⚓︎

  • Insert the Auger
    • With the cable retracted, insert the tip of the auger into the toilet drain.
  • Extend the Cable
    • Slowly extend the cable by rotating the handle in a clockwise direction until you feel resistance.
  • Break Up the Clog
    • Once you feel resistance, rotate the handle to break up the clog or hook onto the obstruction.
  • Retrieve the Object
    • If you've hooked an object, pull the auger out carefully to avoid damaging the toilet.

Flush the Toilet⚓︎

After removing the clog, flush the toilet to ensure water flow is restored.

Post-Unclogging Steps⚓︎

  • Observe the Flush

    • Look for a normal flush cycle with a powerful swirl and complete drainage.

  • Clean Up

    • Disinfect the bathroom area, clean your tools thoroughly, and wash your hands.

Professional Help⚓︎

In cases where neither plunging nor an auger is successful, it may be necessary to call in a professional plumber.

After Unclogging the Toilet⚓︎

Once the toilet is unclogged, keep an eye on its performance to ensure there are no further issues. Avoid flushing excessive toilet paper or non-biodegradable items to prevent future clogs.