If your toilet is backed up, then you need a solution fast. In a pinch, you may have to be resourceful like MacGyver! Here, you will learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. If you have a plunger but don’t know how to use it, we cover that here. There are several methods for fixing a clogged toilet, so you’re likely to have something on hand to get the job done.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap
Hopefully, you have a variety of dish soap on hand because that works best. All you should need is half a cup of dish soap in the bowl, and then follow that up with a quart of boiling hot water. The combination of these two elements will break up the clog, allowing it to flush. Shampoo or hand soap might get the job done, too, if you don’t have dish soap.
“Make a sudsy mix of hot water and dish soap to unclog your toilet,” says Marla Mock, a cleaning expert and the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “Pour a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl, add a few tablespoons of dish soap, and let it sit so it has time to soften the clog; attempt to flush the toilet. Repeat the process as needed until the clog is cleared.” – Martha Stewart
Fixing a Toilet Clog with a Wire Hanger
If you’re familiar with snake tools, this is basically the same concept but with a makeshift tool as opposed to the real deal. Unfold the hanger like you’re trying to break into your car with the keys locked inside. This part is important: wrap a rag or cloth around the end of it to prevent damage to the bowl. Poke the clog until it loosens up.
Unclog with Epsom Salt
Adding Epsom salt to the bowl will create a chemical reaction that fizzles in the water, which should help to break things up. In that same vein, a bath bomb will probably suffice.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Baking Soda
This solution will take you back to elementary school science experiments. Prepare a mixture of hot water and white vinegar (two cups of each). Pour one cup of household baking soda into the toilet bowl, then chase it with your water/vinegar solution. If you recall, this is exactly how you made a volcano. Let it sit in the toilet for about half an hour; then, you should be able to flush everything through.
What If I Don’t Have Any of Those on Hand?
Do you have a toilet brush? That might get the job done in place of a wire hanger. The problem with this option is you’re probably going to have to toss it in the trash after the fact. It’s also possible that if you just let the clog sit for a while, the pressure of the water weight on it will loosen the clog over time, and it will eventually allow you to flush it.
If none of this works, I hope you have a snake tool. If not, it might be time to call in the big guns and get a professional on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boiling water to unclog a toilet?
No, you should avoid using boiling water, especially with porcelain toilets, as the extreme heat can cause the bowl to crack. Use hot water instead, just below boiling, for safety and effectiveness.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
It’s best to avoid chemical cleaners in toilets. They can damage your plumbing and are not always effective on organic clogs. Stick to gentler DIY methods or call a plumber if needed.
How can I prevent future toilet clogs?
Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or excessive amounts of TP. Regular maintenance can also help prevent a buildup in your pipes.
Shop PlumbersStock for Toilets, Parts, Accessories
Now that you know how to unclog a toilet without a plunger, you can feel like a real handyman and walk around the house with your chest out. Plumbing pros and homeowners both choose PlumbersStock because of name brands and cheap prices. If you are buying in bulk because you are a contractor or have a big project, contact us, and we can give you even better deals than you see listed! Save on toilet parts, plumbing tools, and more.
Related resources:
How to Plunge a Toilet
Adjusting a Toilet Float
How to Drain a Toilet
Replacing a Toilet Flange
Replace Toilet Supply Line
How to Use a Toilet Auger
About the Author
Cliff is a proud Dad and already a Grandpa, if you can believe it! He likes to lift weights, play basketball, hunt, and do just about anything outside. He has been in the construction and plumbing business off and on since 1989 and has tons of experience in many areas of home improvement.
