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While you don’t have to run out and immediately buy a new toilet at the first sign of a clog, if the toilet keeps clogging because it’s a low-flow or poorly designed model, a new toilet may be the way to go. If your toilet keeps clogging, you can try using less toilet paper, adjusting the fill valve, checking the toilet vent pipe on the roof, and using a toilet auger to make sure nothing is stuck in the pipe or trap.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

You can tell if your toilet fill valve is full by removing the lid and taking a look. When you flush the toilet, the float is at the bottom of the tank, the water empties, and the fill valve opens. The float rises to the top as the tank fills again with water. When the float rises to the right level, the fill valve closes; if the valve is too high, your toilet may only partially flush, requiring you to adjust the float. 

Yes, flushing a clogged toilet can make it overflow. While flushing the toilet may push enough pressure through the system to dislodge the clog, this is unlikely. Your best bet is to use a plunger and hope the suction can break up whatever is blocking the pipe. If this doesn’t work, use a plumbing auger or call a pro to help.