Easy Steps to Fix a Clogged Toilet Without a Plunger

Clogged toilets sometimes happen at very inopportune times, and usually when it’s at someone else’s home. If the water level is forced over the top and starts to flood the bathroom, then it’s important to take action immediately and get rid of the clog.

Turning off the water and laying down towels to soak up the mess before it ruins the flooring or leaves the bathroom should always be the priority. After that, you can get inventive in the absence of a plunger.

Did you know that you can unclog your toilet with a range of different household items, depending on what you have on hand? Some options include liquid dish soap, bleach, a wire clothes hanger, or even hot water.

How is this possible? Let’s explore some of the more creative ways to unclog a toilet, and learn how to utilize the items you have in place of a plunger. From the deep degreasing ingredients of liquid dish soap to the cutting power of a wire coat hanger, you can fix a sudden clog quickly and efficiently.

Different Methods to Unclog a Toilet

The first patented plunger was not developed until 1874 when indoor plumbing was starting to really take off. Until then, there were a variety of other methods used to flush away the clogging problem.

Fortunately, today, we don’t have to resort to some of the extreme measures taken back then, but rather we can use common household items. This is especially useful when a plunger is not readily available.

Clogs should never be left unattended. They can become impacted if more organic matter is placed on top of an existing blockage, leading to much more severe consequences down the line. 

Thus, if the clog is not removed swiftly, you can end up with a serious plumbing emergency. This may happen when you are not prepared, such as in the middle of a party, or when you are not home. As well, if you ignore this problem, then you will likely experience higher repair bills in the future.

To avoid this inconvenience occurring repeatedly, take control and call a plumber. By removing a stubborn clog immediately, you can save on potential future repairs and other damages.

Unclogging a Toilet With Liquid Dish Soap

This method works best if you notice that your toilet bowl is not that full. However, if your toilet is quite full or you suspect that the clog is very bad, you may want to try the bleach method instead.

Squirt a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl. This will break up the fat in the clog in the same way that it dissolves grease. If you don’t have liquid dish soap, you could also try to use shampoo or even a few small pieces of bar soap.

Pour 4 cups of hot water into the toilet bowl. This will activate the dish soap. Allow the mixture to sit in the toilet bowl for 20 minutes. Then, turn the water valve on and flush the toilet.

Unclogging a Toilet With Hot Water

Pour 2 to 4 cups of hot water into the toilet and wait for 5 minutes. The water will work away at the fat in the clog. Next, turn the water valve back on and flush the toilet.

Unclogging a Toilet With Bleach

This can be done in one of two ways: bleach alone, or bleach with hot water. Either way, you will need to ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom. Therefore, open the windows and turn on the fan. Also, remember to wear rubber gloves. Bleach can be very harmful to the skin and the fumes can cause lung irritation.

Bleach Only

Add 1-2 cups of bleach to the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Next, flush the toilet to clear the clog.

Hot Water and Bleach

Add 1-2 cups of bleach and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Boil water and fill the bowl about halfway, and then allow the mixture to sit for a further 5-7 minutes. Then, flush the toilet several times to clear the clog away.

Unclogging a Toilet With a Wire Clothes Hanger

First, straighten out a wire hanger with a pair of wire cutters. Ideally, the hanger would have plastic over it so that it doesn’t scratch the porcelain. Next, stick the straightened hanger into the toilet bowl and move it around to break up the clog.

Then, remove the hanger, turn on the water valve, and flush the toilet.

To Conclude

A clogged toilet will inevitably happen at the worst time. Commercial products will help you to clear the clog away, but in their absence, so will many household items. Regular maintenance also ensures that clogs don’t get the chance to build up.

If you notice that your toilet is clogging regularly, it may be time to contact a professional. If you need professional plumbing services, contact our team of experts at Brothers Plumbing today. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and we offer affordable rates.