How do I unclog a toilet?

1. Stop the water from rising

Don't flush again to "test" it. Close the supply valve on the wall behind the toilet by turning it clockwise. If the bowl is about to overflow, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop water entering the bowl.

2. Plunge the right way

1. Use a flange plunger (the kind with a soft sleeve that folds out of the cup). A flat sink plunger can't seal a toilet drain.
2. Make sure there's enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup. Add some if needed.
3. Seat the plunger over the hole and push down slowly first, so you push air out instead of splashing.
4. Pump firmly 10–15 times, keeping the seal, then pull up sharply.
5. Repeat a few rounds. When the water rushes down, flush once to confirm.

3. When plunging doesn't work

A clog that survives plunging is usually packed deeper in the toilet's built-in trap. You have two good options: a toilet auger (a short cable snake with a protective sleeve so it won't scratch porcelain), or an air-pressure drain opener, which seals over the drain and releases one burst of compressed air to push the blockage through.

When it's not the toilet

If the tub or shower also backs up when you flush, or several drains are slow at once, the blockage is probably in your main sewer line. No plunger or household tool will fix that. See when to call a plumber for a clog.