Aclogged toiletmight be alarming, but it’s usually easy to fix by plunging it.

The best way tounclog a toiletis by using the right tool: a toilet plunger.

A plunger fixes most problems.

How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

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A toilet plunger’s cup is taller than the cup on a bell-shaped sink plunger.

The flange fits into the hole in your toilet bowl for a good seal.

The flange can also fold into the cup so the plunger can be used on sinks and tubs.

Black plunger with white handle standing on tiled floor

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It is best to submerge and fill the entire head of the plunger.

Water has more compressive force than air.

Push and Pull the Plunger

Flush the Toilet

Flush the toilet.

Toilet bowl being filled with water from cup held in hand

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The job is done if the toilet flushes normally and the bowl empties.

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Sanitize the Toilet Plunger

Clean the toilet plunger before storage.

A clogged toilet does not need to sit before being plunged.

Black plunger positioned over toilet bowl with water for declogging

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You should plunge it as soon as possible to avoid overflow and restore it to workable condition.

Clogs can harden, becoming even more difficult to remove.

A clogged toilet is an unusable toilet.

Black plunger being pumped to declog the toilet

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The sooner you might unclog it, the sooner it will be in service again.

The speediest way to unclog a toilet is to use a toilet plunger.

The clog may have solidified and needs a few hours to absorb water to the point it can move.

Person flushing a toilet

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Certain items, like wet wipes, sanitary napkins, or children’s toys, may block the toilet.

These larger items might require a toilet auger, drain snake, or plumber.

A person holding the OXO Good Grips Toilet Plunger which has a holder near a toilet

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