If you don't do anything to fix the toilet, it can cause problems with your plumbing.One of the easiest ways to get rid of a problem is to use a plunger.Before you plunge your toilet, make sure you don't spill any water in your bathroom.You can use a plunger to get rid of the obstruction after that.Your toilet will work new once you finish.
Step 1: To prevent overflow, turn off the water to the toilet.
There is a metal or plastic valve on the wall behind the toilet.If you want the tank and bowl to not fill up, you need to turn the valve clockwise.Since there is still water inside the tank, don't flush the toilet while you're working.You don't have to turn off the water to the toilet, but there is a risk that the bowl will fill up.
Step 2: The tank should be pushed down to stop the bowl from filling.
Put the toilet lid on top of a towel to keep it from damaging your floors.The rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank needs to be completely sealed to prevent water from draining into the bowl.Press it against the bottom of the tank to close it.If you don't want to get your hands wet, you can wear rubber gloves, but the water in the toilet tank is clean.
Step 3: If there are spills, place rags or towels around the toilet.
If you want to prevent water from reaching your floor, fold the rags or towels twice.The rags should be 6 inches from the base of the toilet in case the water splashes out.If there are gaps between the rags, overlap them.Since towels can get very dirty, don't use them for showering or bathing.After plunging your toilet, wash the towels in a separate load so you don't mess with other items.
Step 4: If the toilet bowl is close to overflowing, you need to bail out water with a bucket.
If you flushed the toilet before, the water may have filled the bowl.Put on gloves and go to the bathroom.Remove the water from the toilet before it overflows.Either pour the water into a different toilet or put it back in the toilet.If the bowl is not close to the rim, you don't have to remove water.After bailing water out, wash your hands.
Step 5: Pour hot water and dish soap into your toilet.
Take 4 cups of the hottest water from your tap and put it in a bucket or container.Put a small amount of liquid dish soap in a container and mix it up.Leave the soapy water in your toilet bowl for 5 minutes.The soap will help break up the fats in the clog.If you don't have dish soap, you can use a replacement.If there isn't room to pour the water in the toilet bowl, use another bucket to remove some water from the bowl first.
Step 6: The best way to get the best suction is with a flange plunger.
A better seal against the drain hole in your toilet can be achieved with a flange plunger, which has an extended edge from the cup.A cup that covers the entire drain is what you should look for.It won't seal around the drain completely if you use a standard plunger that only has a cup.If you want to remove it easier, you can use an accordion-style plunger.If you have a plastic base on your plunger, you can keep it in your bathroom.If you don't have a base for the plunger, put it inside an old coffee container or a plastic bag.
Step 7: The cup should go around the drain hole if you put the plunger in the toilet.
You don't want the water to splash out if you ease the plunger into the bowl.Press the cup against the bottom of the bowl after guiding it into the drain hole.To get the best pressure and seal, position the handle above the drain.You won't be able to make a perfect seal if you hold the handle at an angle to the drain hole.You can use a toilet cleaning brush if you don't have a plunger.Push the brush head into the drain.
Step 8: The plunger needs to be moved up and down for 10 to 20 seconds before it can be removed.
Push down on the handle so the cup collapses.If you push and pull the handle fast, the pipes will loosen and force itself out.Pull the handle out after 20 seconds to create a vacuum.Water may splash out of the toilet while you use it.If the object in the toilet bowl is not meant to go down the drain, such as a toy or toothbrush, you can fish it out by hand or with a bucket.Don't keep the item in your bathroom.If you want the plunger to stay clean, spray it with a sterilizing spray when you finish.
Step 9: If you can't flush your toilet, turn on the water.
Turn the supply valve on the wallcounterclockwise to turn the water back on.If the water doesn't drain normally, press the toilet handle to flush it.The water should drain if you were able to remove the obstruction.If the toilet bowl keeps filling up, you may need to break it.If your toilet looks like it's going to overflow after you flush it, press the flapper down to prevent more water from coming in.