Clearing clogged toilets is an unpleasant task at best. If you are uncomfortable trying to clear the clog yourself, calling your plumber is a smart move. Also, if your toilet seems to be constantly clogging, it could be a sign of more serious plumbing or sewer/septic issues and you should have it checked out by a reputable plumber or sewer/septic professional.
But calling a plumber for every toilet clog can get expensive and often you don’t have time to wait for the plumber to arrive. Fortunately, most toilet clogs can be cleared without having to call a plumber.
The first thing to remember is “do no harm.” Don’t make the situation worse by pouring caustic chemicals or forcing a plumber’s snake down the commode. These will only cause further damage and make it even harder to clear the clog. Stick to using a trusty rubber plunger and you will avoid causing any damage to your toilet or pipes.
If the toilet is filling rapidly with water, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water supply to the toilet. Next, after placing some towels around the toilet to catch any spills, put the rubber plunger in the toilet bowl and try to place the lip of the plunger so that it forms a good seal around the drain. Push the plunger straight down, forcing water down the drain. Carefully pull the plunger up to refill the rubber plunger cup and repeat as many times as it takes to clear the clog.
If you cannot clear the clog with the plunger, it’s probably a good idea to let a plumbing professional handle it.
