How to unclog a toilet
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- Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet , Authors, Dare to Repair
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Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet
Authors, Dare to Repair
Unclogging a toilet can be a challenging task, but when you have the right tools and the right advice, it’s a breeze. Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, who Dare to Repair, show you exactly how to unclog a toilet without flooding your bathroom.
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Instructions
How to unclog a toilet
- Find the toilet shut-off valve located behind the toilet near the floor, and turn it off. If you cannot find it, go to your main water valve in your home and shut it off, typically located in either the basement or utility room.
- You either have a gate valve or a ball valve. With a gate valve, turn it to the right to turn it off. With a ball valve, lower the lever so that it is perpendicular to the water line.
- Take a plunger and plunge rapidly over the drain hole about 12 times. If needed, add more water to the toilet bowl.
- Plunge rapidly again another 12 times if needed.
- If the toilet still isn’t unclogged, you will need a toilet auger. Insert the corkscrew end of the auger into the drain hole. Turn the handle clockwise. As you’re turning the handle and feeding the auger into the drain whole, the obstruction is being pushed through the drain.
- Once you think the clog is dislodged, flush the toilet to test.
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How to unclog a toilet
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