Or- The proper way to unclog a toilet.

A very close friend's struggles with plumbing problems recently made me realize that there are MANY people out there who have never learned how to properly clear a clogged toilet.

The impulse is to use the plunger to force a clog on through the system, and unfortunately this often works, at least temporarily. I say unfortunately, because it reinforces the notion that this is the proper way to clear a clog, and could lead to much, much worse trouble.

The problem with this method is that whatever is causing the clog, for one, moves down further into the plumbing system, where it may lead to expensive professional house calls to remove a deep clog, or it doesn't move at all, leading the homeowner to think there is a much more severe and costly problem like a backed up septic system, for instance.

The correct method would be to use the force of the plunger to PULL up the clog, by slowly compressing the plunger over your drain opening, pumping the clog to loosen it and get it moving, and then jerking it back out with as much force as the plunger can muster. Sometimes you must repeat the process, but under most circumstances, whatever happens to be plugging your toilet will pop back up into the bowl, (or sink), including eating utensils, like forks.