What to Do When You Clog Someone Else’s Toilet

Horror hits hard the moment you realize you have clogged your host’s toilet, and awkward doesn’t even begin to describe how you’ll feel telling them about it. But there may be a way out of this embarrassing situation if you follow a few simple steps.

1. Don’t Panic
   Panic never unclogged anyone’s toilet, so don’t waste time doing it. Inhale, exhale, and calmly address the problem.

2. Stop Flushing

Flushing a clogged toilet will not unclog it so stop trying to solve the problem this way. In fact, it could make the problem worse by causing the toilet water to overflow – and you definitely don’t want that to happen.

3. Turn Off the Toilet’s Water Valve

This is located at the bottom of the toilet. Turn it to the right.

4. Check the Bathroom for a Plunger

If you’re lucky, you will find one behind the toilet or under the sink.

5. Apply the Plunger

Apply the plunger to the bottom of the toilet bowl and make certain that it is sealed tight on it. Then begin forcefully plunging in an up and down motion, making sure not to loosen its seal on the bottom of the toilet bowl. Do this quickly and repetitively for about 30 seconds and check to see if water is beginning to drain out.

6. Turn the Water Valve Back On

If the water is beginning to drain, the clog has dissipated. Turn the valve to the left to turn the water back on, wait for the tank to fill, then flush, rinse off the plunger with clean water and put it back in its place.

7. What to Do if There Isn’t a Plunger

Now you can panic (just kidding). Take a deep breath and remember that everyone uses the bathroom and has likely had this happen to them. If you have your phone with you, try texting your host and asking for a plunger – then follow the steps above. If not, close the toilet lid and the bathroom door, locate your host and discreetly ask for a plunger so that you can fix the problem.

FloHawks Can Help

We know that clogged toilets can often present a challenge that should be handled quickly so as not to interrupt the celebrations. If these DIY tips don’t do the trick, or if you’re having ongoing issues with clogged toilets, don’t hesitate to call FloHawks at (800) 356-4295. Our experienced plumbers have seen it all and unclogged countless messy situations.