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Water that doesn't swirl as it enters the toilet; a flush that only trickles into the drain; and water that backs up instead of flushing out are signs of clogged toilets. You may not want to, but you can fix it. Get out your plunger and hope for the best.
Before using the plunger, however, turn off the water or lift up on the float in the tank so that the toilet doesn't overflow. Then use the plunger.
By placing the plunger, a rubber cup mounted to a long handle, completely over the hole at the bottom of the toilet, most of the time you can suction up the blockage enough to let water flow freely through the drain. After the rubber cup is in position, push the handle down gently — you don't need to exert yourself — and then quickly pull it up. Sometimes you have to do this repeatedly, but eventually you'll dislodge the mass. Then you're finished until the next time. Keep your cool. Nobody likes the job but it's one of the necessities of life — unless you want to dig a hole in the woods.
When plungers fail, try a toilet auger. It has a stiff, hollow tube that you put far into the bowl. When you crank the handle, it works a flexible coil through the tube. When it reaches the blockage, very likely located in the trap under the toilet bowl, the coil pushes it out. Augers are inexpensive and handy tools to keep in your home. Think of one as insurance — you have it in case you need it. But an auger is much more affordable than most insurance policies today.
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