- 1). Place the rubber cup end of a plunger over the drain opening inside the toilet bowl. Push down slowly on the plunger handle and raise the handle gently at first to avoid splashing the water. Plunge the drain several times, then determine if the water level in the bowl is dropping. Plunge the toilet more, if necessary. Flush the toilet to determine if the clog is cleared. If it is not, proceed to Step 2.
- 2). Insert the bottom end of a toilet auger into the toilet bowl, gently but firmly placing the auger's curved end onto the drain bottom. Grip the auger shaft with one hand, while turning the handle clockwise and pushing downward with the other. This will extend the auger cable, allowing it to snake through the trap of the toilet.
- 3). If you feel resistance on the cable, gently pull back on the auger while turning the handle counter-clockwise. Once cleared, again turn the handle clockwise. Retract the cable by turning the handle counter-clockwise. Carefully pull the auger from the bowl. Flush the toilet to see if the blockage is cleared.
- 1). Determine if the toilet is leaking from beneath the tank. Tighten the connecting nut on either end of the supply hose, at its connection to the shut-off valve or underneath the tank, as necessary. Use an adjustable wrench. Don't over-tighten the nut. Replace a supply hose that is damaged or leaking.
- 2). Remove the tank lid if you determine the leak is coming from between the tank and the bowl. Turn the shut-off valve completely clockwise. Flush the toilet, removing as much water as possible by holding down the handle. Use a towel to absorb any leftover water. Steady the bolt heads on the bottom of the tank with a screwdriver, while tightening the washers underneath the tank with an adjustable wrench. If the leak is from beneath the bowl, proceed to Step 3.
- 3). Place a towel on the floor nearby. Turn the shut-off valve completely clockwise and disconnect the supply hose from the shut-off valve, using a wrench. Remove the tank lid. Flush the toilet, holding the handle down to drain the tank. Absorb the remaining water with a towel. Push the water out the bowl with a plunger. Remove the nuts from the bolts in the toilet base. Lift and remove the toilet, then place the toilet upside down on the towel on the floor. Remove the wax from the flange and the toilet horn, using a putty knife. Install a new wax ring on the toilet horn. Reinstall the toilet and supply hose. Turn the shut-off valve counter-clockwise.