Few plumbing mishaps are as inconvenient as facing a clogged toilet with no plunger in sight. You might think the only solution is to go buy one or contact a plumber. However, you can clear the blockage using simple household items.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to unclog a toilet without a plunger or snake. Keep the following tips in mind the next time you have a clogged toilet and don’t have access to common plumbing tools.
1. Try Hot Water
There are many reasons why your toilet might not be flushing. If the clog was caused by natural waste rather than a foreign object, a safe and effective way to remove it is by pouring hot water into the toilet bowl. Fill a large bucket with hot water, and pour it into the bowl from waist height. The water’s temperature and force of the pour are often powerful enough to disintegrate the clog and push it through the plumbing system.
2. Add Dish Soap
If water alone doesn’t do the trick, you’ll need another solution. Experts recommend using dish soap if you need to unclog a toilet without a plunger. Pour about half a cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl, and let it sit for a few minutes. The soap should break apart the clog and lubricate the pipes so waste flows through the system easier.
3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
You’re probably aware that mixing baking soda and vinegar is an easy way to clear your drains. Combining these household staples is also useful if you need a plunger-free way to unclog a toilet. Add one part baking soda and two parts vinegar into the toilet bowl, and let it fizz for 30 minutes. The clog should dissipate so you can flush the toilet without water backing up.
4. Remove the Water
Clogged toilets can lead to water backup and create a huge mess in your bathroom. Remove excess water from the bowl to avoid overflow. You can scoop the water into a bucket or use a wet/dry vacuum to reduce the water level in the toilet bowl.
5. Make a DIY Drain Snake
Do you know how to unclog a toilet without a plunger or snake? Even if these tools aren’t accessible, a makeshift drain snake can give you the same results. Straighten out a wire coat hanger, and position it into the toilet drain to break apart the clog.
Pro tip: Place a rag at the end of the wire to avoid damaging the porcelain toilet or pipes.
Tips for Preventing Future Clogs
Unclogging a toilet takes effort, whether using common plumbing tools or attempting a plunger-free way of clearing the drain. Prevent clogs from forming in the first place by following these expert tips:
- Avoid flushing too much toilet paper: Use a small amount of toilet paper each time you use the bathroom to avoid clogging the drain. Large quantities of toilet paper can put excess strain on the toilet drain and form a blockage in the pipe.
- Flush the toilet incrementally: If you need to use more toilet paper, don’t flush it all at once. Flush in increments so the drain pipe can remove all the waste without clogging.
- Keep toys and other foreign objects out of the toilet: Clogging the drain with toys, watches, or other foreign objects can prevent your toilet from flushing properly. Keep these items out of the toilet to protect your plumbing system.
- Ensure flushable wipes are flushable: Don’t assume all baby wipes are flushable. Cleaning wipes, feminine products, and other personal hygiene items are unsafe for flushing down the toilet. You risk clogging the toilet if you place non-flushable items down the drain.
Call Hutchinson for Any Plumbing Emergency
Knowing how to unclog a toilet without a plunger can help you avoid a plumbing emergency. When other issues arise with your plumbing system, turn to the experts at Hutchinson for reliable plumbing services in New Jersey. Schedule an appointment online or by calling (856) 420-7018. Our team will come to the rescue.