Introduction
When a toilet clogs, do not continue to flush it. Additional flushing will not push objects through and may flood the bathroom floor. Instead, bail out the toilet until the bowl is about half full. More water than this can lead to a sloshy mess while plunging, but too little water will prevent the plunger from making a tight seal around the bowl's outlet. Add water to the toilet if necessary. Most toilet clogs occur because the toilet trap is blocked. If plunging and using a toilet auger do not clear things up, the waste-vent stack may be blocked.
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1. Plunge
An ordinary plunger can clear a toilet, but the molded-cup type shown here generates stronger suction. Work up and down vigorously for about a dozen strokes, then quickly yank away the plunger. If the water disappears with a glug, it's likely the plunging has succeeded. But don't flush yet. First pour in more water, until the bowl empties several times. If plunging doesn't work, the toilet will have to be augered.
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2. Use a closet auger
A closet auger makes short work of most toilet stoppages. This specialized tool has a long handle with a plastic cover at the bend to protect your toilet from scratches. To operate it, pull the spring all the way up into the handle so the spring barely protrudes from the plastic protective cover on the end of the auger. Insert the bit into the bowl outlet, and crank. If you meet resistance, pull back slightly, wiggle the handle, and try again. A closet auger can grab and pull many blockages but not solid objects such as toys. If you hear something other than the auger rattling around, remove the toilet to get at the item (see Replacing Toilets, Related Projects).
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