Things You'll Need:
- empty 5 gal. bucket , toilet auger, several rags, gloves
-
Step 1
First things first let me say that if you are not in the business, unclogging your toilet can be a very unpleasant task. The main tool that you are going to need is a toilet auger. This tool can be purchased at most hardware stores and definitely at a home center ( Home depot, Lowes). This one tool can save you a lot of money over the life of the tool, especially if you have young children. As a plumber I have seen all kinds of items that were dropped into the toilet. So if you have any ability you can use a toilet auger and save some money.
-
Step 2
The toilet is clogged what do you do? Take the toilet auger and pull the handle all the way up. This will retract the snake portion inside the body of the tool. Next place the curved part of the tool into the toilet bowl. Now with one hand holding the fixed handle use the other hand to rotate the other handle to spin the snake. Now while you are turning the crank push down to feed the snake through the toilet bowl. The snake is made long enough to reach through the toilet bowl and a portion of the piping in order to clear the blockage. Run the snake back and forth through the toilet turning the crank as you work the snake. Be careful to keep the rubber cover on the bottom of the auger in contact with the bowl. The china that the bowl is made from is hard but any metal rubbing against it will leave scratches.
-
Step 3
Most instances of a toilet being clogged is an excessive amount of toilet paper in the bowl. The toilet auger will clear this type of clog easily. Once you have cleared the blockage you will need to remove the auger from the bowl. Pull the handle all the way up to retract the snake back into the body of the auger. Now hold the auger out of the water and allow the water to drain out of the auger. When the water has drained, lift the auger and put it into the empty bucket. Now take the auger and the bucket outside. You will need to clean the snake before you put the auger away. Use the rags to wipe the snake clean and to dry it off.
-
Step 4
Now you can put the toilet auger away and it will be ready to go the next time your toilet gets clogged.
Comments
jenkinr said
on 4/2/2009 Great advice and you're right the toilet auger is a great tool to have in the home. I've used mine a dozen times over the years and it has been real handy in alleviating the need to call the plumber. Thanks....5*
sherbert said
on 3/30/2009 I hate when the toilet is clogged! Grrr...! 5*
PurpleAnkh said
on 3/21/2009 Thanks, I really needed to know how to do this.
obtortus said
on 3/4/2009 Nice tips! I have two nine year-olds and am constantly doing this.
Mitestarossa said
on 3/3/2009 Everyone needs these tips.