How to Fix a Clogged Commode

Commode blockages are alleviated with closet augers.

Where regular sewer snakes are designed to travel down into the sewer pipe and remove blockages, closet augers (used for toilets) are shorter and have a rigid end that makes it easy to push down into the toilet (commode) bowl. This auger is long enough to travel through the bowl and reach the area of the closet flange, which is the first section of sewer line that the toilet is attached to. Using a plunger to first remove the blockage is the best choice before moving on to the auger.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Closet auger

Instructions

1. Rest the rubber head of the plunger in the base of the toilet bowl, ensuring that the water level is above the area where the plunger meets the bowl. Push the plunger's handle up and down several times to force water down through the toilet bowl and into the sewer line, hopefully removing the blockage in the process. If this does not work, move on to the toilet auger.

2. Pull the end of the auger hose (called the bulb) from its attachment hook on the side of the auger's handle, and pull the turning handle out from the auger's body.

3. Push the auger's bulb down into the bottom of the toilet bowl below the water line, feeding in the flexible hose attached to the bulb. Turn the auger's handle to rotate the hose and help it move through the bowl and reach the end of the sewer line. Turn the auger's handle again when the bulb reaches the sewer line. Slowly pull out the auger, turning it at the same time. Repeat this entire process several times, until the blockage is cleared.

4. Flush the toilet to clear away all remnants of the removed blockage.

Tips & Warnings

• If the auger's hose or bulb leaves marks inside the toilet bowl, remove them with muriatic acid and rag, but wear rubber gloves and eye goggles. The acid is available at most home improvement stores.

Resources

• PlumbingHelpCA: How to unclog a toilet