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Page 20 — Plumbing

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plumber

Most toilet clogs are cleared in under 10 minutes with the right tools and a little patience. You don't need a plumber for this.

Flange Plunger
The correct tool for toilets. A flange plunger has an extended rubber flap that seals inside the drain. A flat cup plunger will not work.
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Toilet Auger
For clogs that won't move with a plunger. Feeds through the trap and breaks up or retrieves the blockage.
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Dish Soap
Helps lubricate and break down the clog before plunging.
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1
Add Dish Soap and Hot Water

Squeeze a generous amount of dish soap into the bowl. Follow with a bucket of hot tap water. Let sit for 5 minutes — this sometimes clears a soft clog entirely.

2
Plunge With Firm Steady Pressure

Insert the flange plunger with the flap sealed inside the drain opening. Push down slowly to release air, then plunge with firm up-and-down strokes. Ten to fifteen strokes is usually enough.

3
Use a Toilet Auger If Needed

If plunging doesn't work, feed the toilet auger into the drain opening and crank clockwise as you push through the trap. Work it back and forth to break up or hook the clog.

When to Call a Plumber

If the toilet backs up repeatedly or if multiple drains in the house are slow simultaneously, the blockage is deeper in the main line.

How to Unclog a Bathroom SinkHow to Fix a Running ToiletHow to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Faucet
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