Very few things can be more disruptive around the house than a clogged toilet. It’s not only a huge inconvenience, but it can also be pretty gross. The image of a plunger in the bathroom is a common sight and for a good reason. It’s a simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated tool to use when things start flowing in the wrong direction.
Most people don’t realize how a plunger unclogs a toilet. The suction creates a seal around the drain hole. This increases the air pressure in the bowl, which dislodges the clog and allows it to be flushed away. Basically, the plunger is just a simple physics trick that uses air pressure to push the clog through the drain.
So what do you do when your toilet is backed up, and you don’t have a plunger on hand? Luckily, there are a few things you can try before resorting to calling a professional. But before that, let’s take a look at how unclogging a toilet without a plunger works.
Solution 1
Now that you know how a plunger works, let’s look at how to unclog a toilet without one.
- boiling water
- wire hanger
- dish soap
- drain cleaning chemicals (if needed)
First, you’ll need to remove as much water from the toilet bowl as possible. Next, you’ll need to unscrew the cap at the back of the toilet and make sure the flapper is in the open position. This will give you access to the toilet’s plumbing.
If there is a lot of water in the bowl, you can use a cup or a pot to remove it. Just make sure you don’t splash yourself! Once the water level is low, use a wire hanger to fish out any visible debris from the toilet bowl. If you can’t see anything, don’t worry. The next step will help dislodge the clog.
The next step is to boil a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, carefully pour it into the toilet bowl. Be careful not to splash yourself! The hot water will help break up the clog and make it easier to flush away.
You may need to repeat this step a few times before the clog is completely gone. If the clog is still stubborn, you can try adding some dish soap to the mix. Just pour a generous amount into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing. The soap will help break up the grease and grime that might be holding the clog together.
If boiling water and dish soap don’t do the trick, you can try using drain-cleaning chemicals. Just be careful with these, as they can be dangerous if used improperly. Always follow the instructions on the label and use gloves to protect your hands.
Solution 2
If you don’t have any drain-cleaning chemicals on hand, there’s one last thing you can try. This method is a little more involved, but it’s worth a shot if the clog is really stubborn.
You’ll need the following:
- rubber gloves
- Epsom salts
- dish soap
- toilet brush
- vinegar
First, put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Next, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts to the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. After the Epsom salts have had a chance to work, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the bowl and let it sit for another few minutes. The combination of the two will help break up the clog.
Next, add 1/4 cup of dish soap to the bowl and brush around the rim with a toilet brush. This will help create suction and dislodge the clog. Finally, flush the toilet and see if the clog is gone. If not, you may need to repeat this process a few times.
Solution 3
A third solution will involve some heavy-duty equipment, but it will get the job done if all else fails. You’ll need to rent or purchase a toilet auger from a hardware store.
Also known as a clogging snake, an auger is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the toilet bowl to reach the clog. Once the auger has reached the clog, you can turn the handle to break it up and clear the drain.
If the clog is particularly stubborn, you can also use some specialized unclogging chemicals to help you out. These solutions are made to eat away at the material that’s causing the blockage. Just be careful with these, as they can be dangerous if used improperly. Always follow the instructions on the label and use gloves to protect your hands.
A wet/dry vacuum can also be used to suction the clog out of the drain. Just ensure you don’t use too much force, as you could damage the pipes. Don’t try to use your household vacuum cleaner, as it’s not designed for this type of job.
Takeaway
Clogged toilets are never fun, but you can usually get the job done with a little elbow grease (and maybe some heavy-duty equipment). Remember to use gloves and take safety precautions when cleaning with drain chemicals.
If you’ve tried all these methods and the clog is still stubborn, it’s time to call a professional. Chances are, there’s something stuck in the pipes that you can’t reach. A plumber will be able to quickly assess the situation and get your toilet running smoothly again.
This is why home warranties are important. They can help cover the cost of repairs like this, so you don’t have to break the bank. A home warranty from First Premier Home Warranty can help you save money on a variety of home repairs. Get a free quote today and see how we can help you!
