How to Unclog Overflowing Toilets

Toilet clogs can generally be fixed with a plunger.

Sometimes toilets get clogged up and are unable to flush properly. When a toilet is clogged the water may overflow onto the floor and create a big mess.

Unclogging toilets is normally done using a toilet plunger. A toilet plunger has a circular protrusion on the bottom of the main plunger bulb area, and while this helps unclog a toilet, a regular plunger can be used as well.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Rubber gloves
• Wire coat hanger

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves. Remove any foreign debris that is not meant to be in the toilet. Use a straightened wire coat hanger to fish out the debris and any large wads of toilet tissue that may be causing the clog.

2. Insert the toilet plunger, moving things out of the way to get the plunger all the way to the bottom of the toilet bowl.

3. Center the toilet plunger on the neck opening of the toilet at the bottom of the toilet bowl and push gently to create a suction seal.

4. Push straight down on the plunger handle, then pull straight back again without breaking the seal between the plunger and the toilet neck.

5. Repeat the in and out plunging action for at least five full strokes, then pull hard enough on the plunger in the last outward stroke to break it from its sealed position. This generally moves whatever was clogging the toilet and allows everything to go down properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Bad toilet clogs may require repeating the plunging process several times. If you are unable to unclog the toilet with a plunger, you may need to call a plumber so that she can use a specific tool known as a "snake."

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Making Simple Repairs: Using a Plunger to Unstop a Toilet