How do I fix a clogged toilet?

Of all the drains in a home, most people hope the one that remains completely clog-free is the toilet drain. A clogged toilet often spells the beginning of a very unpleasant chain of events, from identifying the cause to clearing away the clog itself. Some fixes may require the services and equipment of a professional plumber, but there are some things a home owner can do to fix a clogged toilet herself. First of all, fixing a clogged toilet does not have to be a torture test. The amateur plumber assigned to that task can always wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, a disposable mask, safety goggles and waterproof boots. It may seem like overkill, but fixing a toilet containing human waste and other objectionable materials calls for the same precautions as any other handling of hazardous substances. When in doubt, suit up. The next step is to determine the source of the clog. This can often be done by a visual inspection, followed if necessary by a gloved manual inspection. ...  more

Forget the bleach or liquid plumber mess and clean-up. If vigorous plunging doesn't work, buy or rent a toilet auger. It looks like a cane with a crank at the bottom. It is useful to loosen something stuck in the drain-trap of the toilet bowl. A plumber is needed if that doesn't free the obstruction.  more

There are two basic ways to unclog a stopped up toilet: plunger or augur snake.  more