Considerations

• When using the plunger, make sure that you press the plunger's rubber cup firmly over the drain opening. If not, you may not be creating a proper seal in order to effectively remove the drain clog, and may be pushing the clog deeper. If you're having difficulty creating a good seal, apply petroleum jelly to the plunger rim.
  
  

Alternatives

• If the clog is deep within the drain, you will need to use a closet auger. Cranking the auger handle clockwise while pressing down moderately on the auger shaft snakes the cable through the trap, allowing the tip to push the blockage through or pull that blockage back up through the drain. If an auger won't work, temporarily removing the toilet and directly removing the blockage from the pipe is an alternative.
  
  

Warning

• Before plunging or using an auger, don't use chemicals to clear the toilet drain. If the chemicals don't work, you face plunging through water loaded with corrosive chemicals that may splash onto you. Allow the toilet to sit overnight before you use the plunger.