A clogged drain, especially a clogged toilet, can be such a drag. But you don’t need to immediately call in a professional. There are a few ways to get rid of the clog on your own first. Listen up!
Start with the plumber’s best friend – a plunger. I am assuming most of us know how to use one but if not, here’s how to be the most effective with one. Since toilet clogs most often occur at the top of the tight, up-curving trap that’s part of the fixture, a plunger can often do the trick. Place the plunger end on top of the drain, give it a few pushes and then pull back. Hopefully this will unclog it. However, more often than not, a toilet clog requires a little more work.
This brings us next to a closet auger. You can find these at a hardware store for about $15 to $40 and they are specifically designed for snaking out drains. Place the auger end into the bowl with its bent tip aiming up. Now, hold the tool shaft steady as you crank and push down on the handle. You should be able to feel the cable snake its way up and through the trap. Continue cranking until you’ve dispensed the entire cable. This should be about three feet. Retrieve the cable by simultaneously cranking and pulling up. Flush the toilet to clear out the drainpipe. If it’s still not draining, run the auger through the trap twice more: once up the left side of the trap, then again up the right side. This should now clear any debris blocking the drain.
If this still doesn’t work and you’re toilet still isn’t flushing, contact a professional plumber. Anymore work done by yourself may end up damaging the drain, costing you more.
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