Our Most Common Plumbing Call

How do toilets get clogged?

The main cause of toilet clogs is overuse of toilet paper or wipes. However, as emergency plumbers we have pulled many personal items out of toilets; these include, but are not limited to:
kids toys, cell phones, jewelry, dog bones (bones for dogs, not bones of dogs), pencils, Q-tips, keys...
The list is endless.

How to clear a clogged toilet?
1. Plunger
The first thing to try in clearing a clogged toilet is a plunger, which clears a drain using air pressure.
Make sure the rubber end of the plunger (cup) completely covers the drain and creates a seal.
Push the plunger handle down firmly with a gentle motion and release. Do this two or three times.
Be sure to maintain the seal and be prepared for some mess.

2. Auger
A closet auger is a type of manual drain snake that is sold in most hardware stores.
Place the rubber boot of the auger into the toilet and then push the snake into the toilet while turning the handle.
Keep pushing and turning the handle until the clog clears.

In both of these examples, it is a good idea to have a trash bag handy to put the tool in after you have finished with it so you can carry it through the house without dripping stuff all down the hallway!


NOTE: A plunger or auger only works on "Soft Clogs". For blockages of an inorganic nature, you may need to seek help from a professional.