One of the least fun tasks when you own a home is getting the toilet unclogged after untimely log jam or other ill happening in the house throne. Usually when this sort of thing happens we immediately run to the utility closet to get the plunger. This is the most used of the plumbing tools in our house, although not always the most effective means to remove a clog.

When you first notice that your toilet is not flushing, do not continue to flush it after it is full of water – this will only make your floor wet and you angry. Put the plunger in the toilet slowly, if there is too much water in the toilet to put the plunger in without making a mess put down towels around the toilet. Plunge the toilet firmly two to three times to and stop to see if anything happens. If this does nothing continue these steps several times until the clog is gone…

Step 2 – If the plunger does not work, get a toilet snake from the hardware store to remove the clog. To use this pull out about 5 ft and work it into the toilet (this may get nasty so get some rags ready). Work the snake back and forth while using a slow but steady twisting motion. When you hit the p-trap in the toilet it will be like you hit a wall, just firmly push it through (if possible). When you have gone all the way through the toilet the water will drain and the snake will go back and forth fairly easily.

Step 3 – If you get here the snake did not work with the toilet attached to the floor, so now we remove the toilet. Follow this link to assist in removing your toilet. When you have the toilet out, check to see if you clog continues past the toilet, or in other word is the drain hole under the toilet full of water or is it empty. If it is empty, then you probably have something wedged in your toilet, with all kinds of nastiness blocking the water flow. (you can tell I was never a full time plumber:) Clean out the toilet with the snake by running it in through the bottom, and then through the top until the clog is cleared. If the clog is past the toilet…the best thing to do is call a plumber. If you are feeling adventurous, find the clean-out for your house and see if you can snake it out (not recommended but it may work).

If you would like to add anything please feel free.
Luke

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