How to Unclog Your Toilet Like a Pro

by: Stuart Baldick

It’s your worst nightmare. You get done doing your business and flush the toilet. But to your complete dismay, instead of the water going down, it starts coming up, along with everything else that’s in the bowl. In this moment of truth, do you run for the hills and claim that you are not the commode culprit? Or do you man up and unclog that toilet like a pro?

This classic crisis can be averted by knowing a few simple tricks to unclogging a backed up toilet.

Control the flow of water

If it looks like the toilet is about to overflow, take the lid off of the tank as quickly as possible and close the toilet flapper. This will stop the flapper from releasing more water from the tank into the bowl and will allow you to stop the flood BEFORE it happens.

Use your plunger correctly Now it is time to use your plunger. To effectively use a plunger, you need to create a good seal between it and the toilet bowl. Once you begin plunging, do not place all of your focus on the downward push, but on the pullback as well because it is just as important. Give a few good up and down strokes with the plunger and try to flush the toilet. If the water successfully drains from the toilet, then you have effectively unclogged it. But if the toilet starts overflowing again, you need to close the flapper again and repeat the plunge and flush progression until your clog is gone.

Know how to use an auger If the plunger does not work you may need to use an auger. An auger is a device that helps you snake a cable through the toilet hole to loosen a clog. To use an auger, simply start turning the crank on the end that you are holding until it stops, which means that you have reached the clog. The auger will either break down the clog or hook on to it. If it feels like you have snagged onto the clog, you should pull it out and discard the waste that comes up. Now give the toilet a few good plunges to clear up any leftover blockage and try to flush the toilet again. If the water clears the bowl then you have successfully unclogged it.

Know when you are in over your head Sometimes your efforts at unclogging a stubborn toilet are just not enough. One way to know that it may be time to call in a professional is if water is backing up into the sinks or showers whenever you flush. Water backing up into odd locations when you flush means that you have a clogged main line. A clogged main line cannot be fixed with a plunger or auger and will need to have attention from an experienced plumber.

If you follow these few tips then you should be able to defeat the embarrassing situation of clogging a toilet and unclog it like a pro.