How to Remove a Toilet Clog

Do-it-yourselfers are capable of unclogging a toilet.

Toilet clogs can result in costly plumbing bills. The first thing to do when a toilet clogs is to try to remove the clog yourself. Excess toilet paper, foreign objects and hair often cause the clogs. Sometimes toilet clogs result from faulty toilets that must be repaired or replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Towels Small bucket Plunger Toilet snake or auger (optional)

Instructions

1. Place some towels around the floor area of the toilet in case it overflows. Remove most of the toilet water, using a small bucket.

2. Remove any toilet paper that can interfere with the plunging process.

3. Place the toilet plunger in the toilet bowl. The plunger surface should cover the entire hole of the toilet bowel drain. Plunge firmly and rapidly several times to create a suction that will help loosen the clog. Repeat until you see results. If this doesn't work, you may need a snake or closet auger, which is a pole or thin wire-like device with a corkscrew- or hooked-shaped tip.

4. Insert the tip of the snake or auger into the toilet drain while twisting clockwise.

5. Pull the snake or auger out of the drain once the device hooks to the object causing the blockage. The material may push farther down into the drain but still loosen and become unclogged if you can't pull it out from the drain.

Tips & Warnings

• If a toilet won't flush, do not try to flush it again; this will cause the toilet to overflow. If neither method works, call a plumber as the clog may be too severe to unclog yourself. Don't use commercial products to unclog the toilet; they are not made for toilet use.

References

• Service Magic: Defeating a Clogged Drain
• Drano: Frequently Asked Questions