Clogged Toilet

Question:
I have a plumbing problem wherein the toilet appears to bubble up water and the bowl completely fills with water upon flushing. It requires about 30 minutes for the water to drain out. When it does, it almost completely drains out. I have tried using a plunger, but to no avail. What should I do?

Answer:
It sounds like you have a clog. To clear a clog you have to be smarter than the toilet. First, get a mirror and use it to looking deeper into your toilet's drain. If you see nothing the next step is to remove the toilet and see if anything is stuck in the lower portion of its drain. If the toilet is A-OK then the next step is to use a "closet auger" (a short flexible coil spring cable that is used to dislodge debris in a sewer line). The sales clerk can explain how to use it. Once you have attempted to clear the drain with the auger you can then replace the toilet. Don't for get to use a new wax ring. The old one will most certainly leak.

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