Unclog a Toilet Checklist

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Toggle Necessary Items status

Necessary Items

Toggle A Plunger. status

A Plunger.

Toggle A Bucket . status

A Bucket .

Toggle Disposable Gloves. status

Disposable Gloves.

Toggle An Auger status

An Auger

This versatile tool clears out drain clogs for both tubs and toilets (a hand auger and a toilet auger, respectively). ;You may not need an auger to remove this clog, but chances are it will come in handy.

Toggle Rags, towels, or a mop in case of overflowing. status

Rags, towels, or a mop in case of overflowing.

Toggle Using the Plunger status

Using the Plunger

Toggle Remove any overflowing or excess water with the bucket status

Remove any overflowing or excess water with the bucket

Toggle Grab the handle of the plunger and push into the toilet. status

Grab the handle of the plunger and push into the toilet.

Toggle Ensure plunger cap fits securely over the toilet drain opening. status

Ensure plunger cap fits securely over the toilet drain opening.

Toggle Plunge back and forth quickly status

Plunge back and forth quickly

You should feel some resistance from the suction cap.

Toggle Keep plunging until the clog is cleared; toilet will flush automatically. status

Keep plunging until the clog is cleared; toilet will flush automatically.

Toggle Carefully pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl to clear any debris. status

Carefully pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl to clear any debris.

Toggle Repeat the process until the toilet is unclogged, or use the auger. status

Repeat the process until the toilet is unclogged, or use the auger.

Toggle Using the Toilet Auger status

Using the Toilet Auger

Toggle A toilet auger consists of a long handle and crank status

A toilet auger consists of a long handle and crank

There is a plastic sleeve at the crank bend in order to prevent scratching the toilet basin.

Toggle Loosen the auger's setscrew. status

Loosen the auger's setscrew.

Toggle Push the cable into the drain until it stops. status

Push the cable into the drain until it stops.

You've found the clog!

Toggle Start tightening the setscrew and continue until ;you have approximately 6 inches of cable between the pipe and auger. status

Start tightening the setscrew and continue until ;you have approximately 6 inches of cable between the pipe and auger.

Toggle Too much cable will cause the coil to kink, and won't be effective in removing the clog. status

Too much cable will cause the coil to kink, and won't be effective in removing the clog.

Toggle Turn the auger clockwise and push through status

Turn the auger clockwise and push through

Toggle The auger may clear the obstruction or snag whatever it is that's clogging the drain. status

The auger may clear the obstruction or snag whatever it is that's clogging the drain.

Toggle If the auger snags the clog, pull it out and test the toilet by flushing to ensure the pipe is clear. status

If the auger snags the clog, pull it out and test the toilet by flushing to ensure the pipe is clear.

Toggle When to Call a Professional status

When to Call a Professional

Toggle You can't clear the obstruction with the plunger or auger. status

You can't clear the obstruction with the plunger or auger.

Toggle The auger pulled out an obstruction, but the toilet continues to fill slowly or not at all. status

The auger pulled out an obstruction, but the toilet continues to fill slowly or not at all.

Toggle The toilet continues to overflow or simply stops working. status

The toilet continues to overflow or simply stops working.

Toggle The toilet becomes clogged again almost immediately with no ;discernible ;cause. status

The toilet becomes clogged again almost immediately with no ;discernible ;cause.

Download or Print this Unclog a Toilet Checklist

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Presented by:

Lauren Meir

Lauren Meir

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Details

Clogged commode? No problem! Our Unclog a Toilet Checklist shows you how to turn a messy situation into an easily-solved repair with step-by-step instructions. Have the right tools on hand and you could save yourself from flushing your hard-earned cash down the toilet!

Tips

  • There are two different types of Augers, a hand auger for tubs and a toilet auger for your commode. Both are essential tools to have around the house, especially if you want to avoid calling a plumber and shelling out extra cash.
  • Make sure you thoroughly disenfect the bathroom after clearing a clog. Use bleach or a cleaner with anti-bacterial properties in order to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria from sewage.

Who it's for

This Unclog a Toilet Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Unclog a Toilet essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Unclog a Toilet structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Unclog a Toilet Checklist

  • Save Unclog a Toilet Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Unclog a Toilet (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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