If your toilet is clogged, you want to remedy that as soon as possible. What if you don't have a plunger or it’s not working? How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Stop!

The first thing you should do is stop and assess the situation. How bad is the clog? If your toilet is clogging up and a simple plunge doesn’t solve it, there may be a deeper issue that requires a professional plumber. If you don’t have a good plunger, go buy one. If the plunger doesn’t work, read on.

What NOT To Do

Don’t use a chemical drain cleaner.

It may seem a good idea to use a liquid drain cleaner. But these products actually contain chemicals that can break down the porcelain and other materials in your toilet, causing an even worse issue. Never use drain cleaner or unclogger in your toilet.

Don’t stick foreign objects down your toilet.

Using the wrong tools can damage the lining and plumbing in your toilet, which can cause major issues that will likely cost more to repair than the original issue.

Don’t act without proper knowledge.

If you aren’t trained on properly unclogging the toilet, save yourself some grief by refraining from attempting things that may make it worse.

Things You Can Try:

If a good plunger didn’t work, there are a few other things you can try before contacting a plumber.

Water

Occasionally, dumping a gallon of water into the toilet bowl may cause the toilet to flush and unclog. If it makes things worse, you need a plumber.

Try a hand auger

Something may have accidentally gotten placed into the toilet, especially if you have kids. Toys, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels, and tampons are some of the most common culprits. A hand auger may help pull these out. You can purchase one of these online or at your local hardware, plumbing, or major indoor lumber retailer. If this doesn’t unclog the toilet, you need a plumber.

Signs Your Toilet Clog Needs a Plumber

If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, you will save yourself time and money by contacting a plumber.

• A simple plunge or use of the auger doesn’t do the trick
• You think your child (or a clumsy adult) may have flushed a foreign object
• The water isn’t draining properly
• There’s a leak
• There’s a crack in the bowl or tank
• The bowl is wobbling or loose
• The flushing action seems weak
  
  

There are certain things you might think are quick that can actually cost you money when it comes to plumbing. Avoid the following quick fixes and call your plumber now before it costs you more later on.

Incorrectly using glue on your sink's p-trap - This is a huge no-no! P-traps need to be changed out at certain intervals and using glue in the wrong section can actually be very bad, as well as toxic. Remember that your water flows through these pipes. Therefore, they should be installed according to the proper city code. If you don't know what that is and don't know how to do it, it's always best to use a local licensed plumber. Otherwise, you could be risking your health and causing a huge cost down the road.

Using duct tape on leaks - While this might seem like a great way to solve an annoying leak, it can actually make it worse. Leaving the water running with an incorrect seal may cause further damage. If you have a leak, cut off the water source immediately and contact a plumber.

Using the wrong caulk or sealant for the project - This might be unhealthy, ineffective, and also a code violation. Please make sure to use the correct sealant or caulk for the project at hand. If you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be doing the job. Remember, some jobs also require a permit and a  licensed plumber who has been trained in the code.

Gluing or sealing areas that aren't normally glued or sealed - Certain areas of piping and other plumbing materials should be fit together but not necessarily sealed with glue or other sealants. For instance, as mentioned above, certain sections of the p-trap should be twisted together and never glued for multiple reasons. If there are holes, leaks, or other reasons for a sealant in an unusual place, the plumbing is likely not installed correctly and a licensed plumber should be contacted.

Using the wrong type of pipe for the project - Certain pipes are used for certain projects for a reason. There are specific pipes dedicated to carrying water, gas, and other materials. Not following the correct guidelines can actually be unsafe and against the city's code. Ask your local licensed plumber to get the job done correctly or you could be spending the money more than once if it's done wrong the first time. Also again, certain jobs require a permit and a properly licensed plumber.

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Tired of watching your small child get upset at not being able to reach the sink without a stool or your assistance? Try having a sink installed that's just the right size. Wait, they make those? Yes, and at a lower price than one might think. Here are a few reasons why having a child-sized sink in your bathroom is convenient.

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

With heating and cooling bills constantly on the rise, as well as the need to go green and preserve resources, more Houston residents are looking toward alternative methods. Deregulation of energy costs in Texas has consumers worried that energy costs will soar even higher. One money-saving alternative is to become more energy efficient, often with the use of Energy Star-qualified products, services and green homes. The HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system is the most effective means of doing this to create a green home.

Is Energy Efficiency Cost-Effective?

A resounding yes! First, an Energy Star or energy-efficient green home can have the same building costs as one that is not energy efficient. On the occasion that an energy-efficient green home costs more to build, it is still worth the extra cost. Why? The savings Energy Star will garner on heating and cooling alone will likely more than repay the extra cost in the purchase price. Also, according to EnergyStar.gov, when you go for a green home and utilize energy efficient methods, you could qualify for tax credits. That amounts to even more savings. In essence, opting for a green home with Energy Star will more than pay for itself.

Should I Build a Green Home or Remodel My Houston Home?

If you have the means to do so, build or purchase a new green home. You will save energy, money and experience other benefits when going energy efficient and acquiring a green home. Check with EnergyStar.gov to find out which builders and green homes are Energy Star qualified. An existing home still can become an energy-efficient green home, but it cannot receive Energy Star status. It can, however, achieve what is called Home Performance with Energy Star, which still is a huge improvement over the standard building code.

HVAC Services and Upgrades to Make the Home More Energy Efficient

Some HVAC services, installs and upgrades will help you go green and become more energy efficient. These installs, services and upgrades will go a long way in helping your home become more of an energy-efficient green home. A home built with the Energy Star qualification is the most energy-efficient green home, compared to one that is remodeled around energy efficiency.

Energy Star Qualified HVAC Unit - Installing an Energy Star qualified HVAC unit, in conjunction with cutting down on usage, using energy-efficient insulation and applying other energy-efficient methods is the best way to save energy in your green home.

Energy Star Qualified Clean Air System - A clean air system that is Energy Star qualified can go a long way in not only saving energy but also in improving the air quality of your green home. This can be a huge benefit to asthma and allergy sufferers. Even those without those conditions often notice the difference in a green home's air quality when switching to an Energy Star qualified clean air system.

Energy-Efficient Insulation - Energy-efficient insulation can help reduce energy costs by reducing drafts. There are many insulation materials that can help lower energy costs. However, the most effective is radiant barrier insulation, also known as reflective foil insulation, due to its silver color.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network