Do Not Flush

• You may be tempted to flush the toilet again to empty another full tank of water into the bowl in an attempt to force the clog down the drain. This may work sometimes, but you are taking a chance of causing the toilet bowl to overflow. If you feel that an additional flush will correct the problem, be patient and wait until the water level in the bowl drops to its normal level. If the level does not drop, do not flush. If he second flush does not dislodge the clog, advise all other members of the household not to flush the toilet until the clog has been removed another way.
  
  

Turn Off the Water

• If it appears that the toilet is going to flood and the water filling the tank has not shut off yet, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will not cure the clog, but may keep the toilet from overflowing any further until the problem has been resolved. Most toilets have a shutoff valve located at the floor or wall near the base of the toilet. If your toilet does not have an external shutoff valve, lift the toilet tank lid straight up and remove it. Lift up on the ball float -- the large plastic ball -- in the tank to stop the water from running. Have a helper turn off the main water supply to the house; then you can release the float. Keep the water shut off until the clog is removed.
  
  

Remove the Item

• If a large item inadvertently got flushed -- such as a toy, a cell phone or another object -- protect your hand with a plastic trash bag and attempt to retrieve the item from the toilet drain. Do not try to force your hand into the drain or it may get stuck. The member of the household with the smallest hands may be ideal for this job.
  
  

Plunger

• You may already be familiar with this device, but it is quite useful in getting rid of toilet clogs caused by waste or toilet paper. The air caught in the cupped portion of the plunger acts to push the clog further down the drain, so keep the plunger perfectly upright before submerging it in the flooded toilet.
  
  

Toilet Auger

• Lastly, if all other attempts at correcting your flooded toilet do not work, a toilet auger may be your last chance at correcting the clog yourself. A toilet auger is like a plumbing snake, but it is not as long and it will not scratch or chip the inside of your toilet bowl. Insert the auger into the drain and turn the handle while pushing the auger into the drain. If this does not work, you may need to call a plumber.