Unclogging a toilet

One of the most common types of plumbing repairs you will make is unclogging a toilet.  Here are some tips for helping you fix this plumbing problem.

Shut off water valve(s)--if toilet is overflowing, locate water shut off valve behind the toilet tank and turn right-to-off.  If water shut off valve does not stop the flow of water, you must locate the main water valve located in the basement or utility room.  You'll have a gate valve (circular handle-turn-right-off) or ball valve (lever--lower lever right-off).

Use toilet plunger--A toilet plunger consists of a wooden wand and black rubber head with lip.  Be sure to take the lip out for better suction.  Place plunger over the hole and grasp handle.  Plunge repeatedly 10 or more times over the clogged hole allowing the suction created by the plunger to force water in the bowl in and out of the clogged hole. 

Toilet Auger--A toilet auger is a snake-like line with rubber casing and handle ($10 in a supply store).  Insert the auger (cork screw end) into the clogged hole making sure not to allow the metall snake of the auger to scratch the porcelain of the bowl.  Follow the diagram below and turn the auger handle.  The auger will push the clog through or can be pulled back to pull the clogging material back out the hole.

Enzymes
If you have another bathroom that you can use for a day, enzymes may work. You can purchase enzymes that will eat at waste material. These enzymes are very commonly used in septic systems and can be purchased at most hardware or plumbing supply stores. The enzyme will need to sit, usually overnight, and it should dissolve most of the clog.