How to Unclog a Bathroom Toilet
Having a clogged toilet can be a real hassle, especially if the clog results in toilet overflow. Fortunately, getting rid of a clog is not terribly difficult, and only requires the use of some everyday household items. By following some practical steps you can get rid of that pesky clog and get your unruly commode flushing again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Turn off the water. This is an often overlooked step, but is crucial if you don't want to perform a major cleanup detail once the toilet has been unclogged. To turn off the toilet, simply reach around the base of the toilet and find the small silver knob on the wall. Turn this knob to the right until you can't turn it anymore.
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Remove small objects. If there is a small object in the toilet, like a toy or compact mirror, put on your thick yellow dishwashing gloves and remove it manually. If the thought of reaching in and grabbing it is too much to bear, try and "catch" it with a toilet scrubber, but success with this method can best be described as hit or miss.
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Use the plunger. Plunging a toilet may sound like a hard job, but it is actually quite simple. Simply push the rubber side of the plunger all the way down the toilet bowl until it is covering the drain hole. Then push the plunger down vigorously with your arms a few times. Whatever is clogging the toilet should either loosen or be pushed down the other side of the drain.
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Use a toilet snake. If the toilet still isn't flushing, then it is time to bring out the big guns. A toilet snake is a special tool made to push large items through the base of the toilet, and is shaped like a large spring. Push the bottom of the spring (the side without the handle) down into the bottom of the toilet, and then, using the handle, start making a circular motion with your hand. You will know that the clog has cleared when the excess water in the bowl drains.
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Turn the water back on. Once you have cleared the clog from the toilet, turn the silver knob to the left until you hear water flowing to the toilet again. The toilet is now ready to use.
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