Introduction
There’s nothing worse than a clogged toilet, especially when you don’t have a plunger around. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through a clogged toilet until you can get a plunger. In this article, we will go over seven effective ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.
Pour hot water
Boiling hot water poured slowly into the toilet bowl can help clear clogs. The heat can help break down the blockage so that it tumbles down the pipe. Pouring slowly helps avoid splashing and reduce the risk of injury.
To use this method, boil a pot of water and let it cool slightly. Slowly pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from waist height. If the water is too hot, it could crack or break the toilet’s porcelain. If you are worried, use hot tap water instead of boiling water.
Be cautious when pouring hot water in the toilet bowl. Always stand back and pour slowly to avoid splashing. Wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns.
Dish soap and hot water
Dish soap can also help lubricate and break down the clog in your toilet. Start by pouring ΒΌ cup of dish soap into the bowl. Wait for a few minutes to let it work. Then, pour a pot of hot water into the toilet bowl. The combination of dish soap and hot water will help move the clog along.
Be careful not to use too much dish soap as it can cause excessive foam. You should also avoid using cold water; it can cause the dish soap to solidify and create further blockages.
Use a wire hanger
You can use a wire hanger to remove a clog by straightening the hanger, bending one end into a hook, and pushing it through the toilet drain hole. Gently push the hanger down, then twist and move it up and down to break apart the clog and pull it back toward the toilet bowl.
Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and germs. Avoid using a hanger with a coating that could scratch or damage the inside of the toilet bowl. Once the clog has been cleared, flush the toilet to ensure that the water flows smoothly and there are no other issues.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are renowned natural clog remedies, and they work together like a charm. To use this method, pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Wait for a minute to let it settle, then pour one cup of vinegar into the bowl. You will see the solution foam and bubble.
After 10-15 minutes, pour hot water into the toilet bowl. Repeat this process until the toilet unclogs and the clog loosens. The reaction from baking soda and vinegar helps dissolve tough clogs, while hot water will help move the resulting debris down the drain.
Use a plumbing snake
A plumbing snake is an excellent tool for clearing blockages in your toilet. To use this method, insert the snake into the toilet bowl and push it until you reach the obstruction. Once you’ve found the blockage, twist and push the snake until the clog breaks apart.
When using a plumbing snake, be careful not to push too hard. You can damage the pipes. Follow the user manual carefully when using the snake and avoid forcing the tool to avoid scratching the toilet bowl’s surface. After removing the blockage, check if the toilet flushes correctly before using it.
Use a wet/dry vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum can help suck out large, stubborn clogs from your toilet bowl. First, remove excess water from the toilet bowl using a cup. Then, place the vacuum hose inside the toilet bowl, covering as much of the drain as possible.
Tightly seal the hose around the edges of the drain hole and switch on the vacuum. The vacuum will create a suction that can help pull out the clog from the toilet bowl. Once the clog has been removed, flush the toilet to check if it works correctly.
Before using the wet/dry vacuum, ensure that the vacuum can collect both liquid and solid waste. If not, you could damage the vacuum or create a significant mess.
Try a natural drain cleaner
You can use natural drain cleaners like borax, bleach, or Epsom salt for unclogging toilets. Pour one cup of the natural drain cleaner of your choice into the toilet bowl. Wait for an hour and then flush the toilet. Natural drain cleaners help break down waste materials by creating a strong chemical reaction.
When using natural drain cleaners, ensure that the bottles have childproof caps and handle the cleaning products carefully. Be sure not to mix drain cleaners as they can react and create toxic gases that can harm your health.
Conclusion
A clogged toilet can be frustrating, but there are many ways to fix it without a plunger. We hope that this article has provided you with some helpful tips to resolve the issue. Be sure to take precautions when using these methods to avoid injury or damage to your toilet. Try out these methods and leave your feedback in the comments section below.
Remember, if you can’t solve the clog, it’s best to call a professional plumber. It is better to spend money and get a professional to fix things rather than spend much more for repairs due to DIY damages.