When the toilet is clogged, it can be quite a hassle. The good news is that it can often be fixed with some basic tools and household products that you probably already have in your home. Some clogs require more advanced techniques, however. If basic methods fail to fix the problem, it may be time to call in a professional.

The most common cause of a Clogged toilet is a build-up of residue and sediment. This residue is usually a combination of hair, soap scum, food scraps and other debris that builds up over time. The best way to remove this is by plunging the toilet. Before you begin, make sure that the toilet is empty and that towels are nearby to soak up any water that splashes out. You also need to ensure that the flange is sealed around the drain hole. Once this is done, push down and pull up rapidly about six or seven times. This creates rapid alternating forces of compression and suction that can break up or dislodge most residue clogs.

If plunging the toilet does not work, you can try using a plumbing snake. This is a long metal rod with a hook on the end. It is inserted into the toilet’s drain and pulled to dislodge any clogs that it encounters along the way. If you choose to use a snake, it is recommended that you have rubber gloves on hand as the process can be messy.

Another option is to put pressure on the clog by pouring hot water into the toilet bowl. Be careful not to let the water get too hot, however. If you do, the toilet could crack or break. You can also add a bit of dish soap to the mixture to act as a lubricant.

It is also possible to unclog a toilet by forcing a hose into the vent pipe leading into the sewer line. This can be a messy job, however. If you decide to go this route, it is important that you use a long tube so that the nozzle can reach all the way down into the sewer line. Once the clog is removed, you should be able to flush your toilet.

If the clog persists, it is time to call in a plumber. If basic methods do not clear the clog, it is likely that there is an issue with your home’s sewer line and this is a serious problem that cannot be solved by a do-it-yourself project. A professional plumber will be able to use more advanced tools to clear the blockage without damaging your plumbing system.