A clogged toilet presents a problem especially if you only have one bathroom in your home. Almost all homeowners face this problem. This guide will provide you with strategies that should help fix your problem.

• Toilets can become clogged for several reasons, from a simple buildup of waste and toilet paper, to the accidental, or in some cases, intentional flushing of an object that is not meant to travel down the narrow toilet pipes. Regardless of the cause of the toilet clog, having a clogged and backed-up toilet is not only inconvenient, it can also be unsanitary.

• Depending on the severity of the clog you may need some or all of the following supplies:

1. Newspapers, old towels or rags to cover and protect the floor around the toilet
2. A toilet plunger
3. A bucket
4. Rubber gloves
5. Warm water
6. A toilet auger or snake

• If the clog in your toilet is due to a buildup of waste or toilet paper, you may be able to clear the toilet easily using a plunger:

1. Line the floor around the toilet with old towels, rags or newspapers to catch any spillage or overflow
2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves
3. Adjust the water level in the toilet: There should be just enough water to cover the rubber part of the plunger when it is placed over the toilet hole. If necessary, add or remove water to the bowl
4. Place the plunger over the toilet hole and press it down slowly, yet firmly
5. Make sure that there is a tight seal between the toilet bowl and the plunger and that you have a good grip on the handle
6. Push the plunger down and pull it up several times, gradually increasing speed with each thrust. The plunging action creates a vacuum and the motion will help release minor clogs
7. If the water begins to drain out of the bowl, you have likely dislodged the clog. Pour some water down the toilet to ensure that the drain is cleared
8. Always wash your plunger with a disinfectant cleaner before storing it away
9. If 15-20 plunges do not release the clog, move on to the next step

• If plunging does not clear your toilet, you likely have a more severe clog or foreign object lodged in the plumbing, which a toilet snake or auger may be able to dislodge or remove. If you don't already have a toilet snake, head down to your local hardware store and purchase one. Ensure that you get a tool that is designed for use on toilets, as those intended for use on sinks may scratch your toilet bowl.

1. Put on your rubber gloves
2. One end of the snake will be equipped with a hook and the other will have an offset handle. Take the hook end in one hand and lower it into the toilet drain as far as you can
3. Grasp the handle and begin turning it until you feel it reach the clog
4. Maneuver the snake to either push the clog through the pipe, or try to hook the obstruction and then bring it back up the toilet
5. Once you have removed the clog, flush your toilet and clean your snake thoroughly before storing it away

• Most toilet clogs can be removed with either a toilet plunger or toilet snake and a bit of elbow grease. When purchasing tools for the job, ensure that you purchase those that are specifically designed for use on toilets, as those designed for sinks will not work as well and may damage your toilet. If neither plunging nor snaking dislodges your toilet clog, you will have to bite the bullet and call in a professional plumber to tackle the job.