RDUSA201905

The high-water toilet bowl

is an ominous sight. But

no need to call a plumber

(just yet, anyway). Here’s

what Family Handyman

recommends:

1

Stop flushing! Yes, the

rising water is cause for

concern, but more flush-

ing could cause it to flood.

Instead, wait ten minutes

for the water level to drop.

2

If it doesn’t, remove

the tank lid and lift the

chain on the rubber flap-

per valve slightly to let a

cup or two of water into

the bowl to see whether

that lowers the water level.

3

Failing that, bring in

the plunger, preferably

a model with an extension

flange, which fits toilets

better than one with a

bell-shaped end. “You

could pull a woodchuck

from a hole with a toilet

plunger with an extension

flange,” according to Fam-

ily Handyman.

4

Pull on a pair of rub-

ber gloves. Make your

first plunge a gentle one

because the bell is full of

air and you don’t want to

blow water all over. Once

you’ve created a seal, you

can plunge harder.

5

Clog still stubborn?

Feed a toilet snake

down the pipe to snag

the clog and try to break

it up.

Bonus tip: No tools handy?

Try pouring in half a cup

of hot water and some

shampoo or dish soap. Let

it sit for about 30 minutes

and then see whether the

clog dissolves.

AN OVERFLOWING TOILET

Cover Story:Survive Anything