The toilet may very well top the list of mankind’s greatest innovations – until it clogs. Then it’s the lowly plunger that dives in and claims the, ahem, throne.

Step 1: Put on rubber gloves

If the waste water level is too high to plunge without making an even bigger mess, put on rubber gloves.

Step 2: Reduce waste water level

Dip the cup into the toilet repeatedly and pour its contents into the bucket, until you’ve reduced the waste water level enough to plunge without spillage.

Step 3: Put plunger into toilet

Put the plunger into the toilet with the force cup end down in the water.

Step 4: Position force cup & push down

Position the force cup over the drainage opening at the bottom of the toilet and push down on the plunger handle until a suction seal is formed.

Step 5: Plunge rhythmically

Plunge rhythmically for up to 2 minutes at a time (about 20 to 30 plunges).

Step 6: Break the suction seal

Break the suction seal. If your efforts have worked, the toilet will start to drain without flushing. If no drainage occurs, repeat the plunging process.

Step 7: Pour bucket & flush toilet

After you’ve cleared the clog, pour the contents of the bucket back into the toilet and flush.