Many home repairs require the services of a professional handyman or construction expert. Other tasks fall into the do-it-yourself category and can be performed by homeowners who have a simple set of tools and the urge to save a few dollars. One of the most common quick fixes for private residences involve clogged toilets.
Stuck toilets happen. Know how to fix them.
If your toilet backs up and the water won’t flow at all, or only partially flows, there are a few easy steps you can take to assess the situation before actually making any attempts to unclog it.
1. Determine whether the clog is partial or complete. Most partial clogs (the water flows enough to prevent spillage over the top of the toilet) clear themselves up after an hour or two. If you aren’t in a hurry, wait it out and flush again a couple of hours later. If the clog is still present, move to step two.
2. For a partial backup that hasn’t budged after a two-hour wait, and for a complete stoppage of flow, it’s time to locate the plunger. A quick trip to the hardware store is all it takes if you don’t already have the right equipment.
3. If there isn’t enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the head of the plunger, pour a gallon or so in until the head is submerged. Apply about a dozen downward thrusts and see if the water flows freely. If so, great. If not, wait. Give it a half-hour and try again, this time adding a bit more water so that the plunger head is underneath the surface of your added water by about two or three inches. More water gives more weight to your plunging action. Try another dozen thrusts and cross your fingers. No luck? Move on to the next step.
4. Use an auger. If you don’t already have one, head to the hardware store and make a wise investment of under $20 (opt for the “light duty” variety for home use) for a piece of equipment that every homeowner should possess. Easier to use and more effective than plungers, augers will unclog some of the worst toilet blockages. Insert the auger until you locate the clog. Turn the crank until the water begins to flow freely.
When all else fails…
If neither plunger nor auger alleviate your problem, call a professional. As with any do-it-yourself bathroom job, be sure to have plenty of towels on hand. It also helps to keep a very large trash bin and a half-gallon pitcher nearby. If your toilet begins to overflow during the test flushes, you can always scoop up the rising water with the pitcher and pour it into the trash bin for disposal later on. What little water ends up on the floor can be sopped up with the towels.
Good luck, and happy flushing!