A clogged toilet needs your attention. It isn't just going to work itself out — it needs you to take action. A clogged toilet can occur for a number of reasons; for example, when someone puts something down the toilet drain that doesn't belong there, or when tree roots are growing in through your drain causing your system to clog or even backup. If you are experiencing a clogged toilet and you aren't sure what to do, read on for helpful tips.

Grab the Plunger

The toilet plunger is a spectacular tool when trying to unclog a drain, but especially the toilet. Take your plunger and place it over the drain hole in your toilet bowl. Then press it into the toilet bowl to create a suction. Continue to work the plunger up and down to release the clog. If it isn't working, try to flush the toilet to give you more water in the bowl; sometimes if the bowl is empty of water, the plunging action doesn't work as well. Once the bowl has filled with water, try plunging it again. Continue to do this until the contents in the bowl go down the drain as they should.

Snake the Drain

If your toilet is clogged, it may take more than a plunger to get the job done. You may have to snake the drain to remove whatever is clogging your toilet. A store-bought snake may not be long enough to get down into the drain. Instead, rent a snake from your local tool rental shop to get further into the drain. This may need to be done if you have roots growing in your drain, or if there is something out further in the drain clogging your toilet. Things such as feminine products or thick toilet paper can cause this to occur over time.

Swap Out Your Toilet

Some toilets just aren't capable of keeping up with your home's demand. Some toilets, such as low-flow toilets may seem nice in theory, but they don't offer enough water at times to clear out the bowl, or they may not be able to push everything down the drain. Replace your low-flow toilet with something a little tougher, but still eco-friendly.

If you have an issue with a clogged toilet, you need to take action. If you are continuously having issues with your toilet, it could be a much larger problem. To learn more, call a professional plumbing company for help with this problem.