A Calm, Practical Guide to Handling a Common Household Emergency
Oh, my dear friend, I know that moment of panic when you flush the toilet and the water starts to rise instead of go down. A clogged toilet has a way of becoming an emergency at exactly the wrong moment—maybe you're in a guest bathroom without a plunger, or perhaps the plunger simply isn't doing the job.
Before you call a plumber, take a deep breath. There are several simple, effective methods you can try using items you likely already have around the house.
The Most Important Rule: Stop Flushing
The key is to stop flushing immediately. If the water level is already high, another flush could turn a manageable clog into a very unpleasant mess.
Before trying any unclogging method, look at the water level. If it's rising toward the rim, do not flush again. Instead, wait a few minutes for the water to settle before attempting any of the following methods.
Method 1: Hot Water and Dish Soap
