5 ways to unclog your toilet without a plunger
We’ve all been there before – the toilet is clogged and the plunger is M.I.A. Before the panic sets in, turn off the water source to the toilet and take a deep breath. Then head to the kitchen and grab these clever hacks to unclog your toilet without a plunger.
- Hot (not boiling) water. Fill a large bucket with very hot water and dump it down the toilet. The heat and movement of the water should help to remove the clog. An important warning: be sure the water is not boiling for this technique, as boiling water can potentially crack a ceramic toilet bowl – and then you’ll have much bigger problems on your hands.
- Epsom salt. This isn’t necessarily a staple in most households, but if you’re lucky enough to have Epsom salt on hand, it’s a great way to unclog a toilet. Pour a healthy amount of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl to create a fizzy reaction that has the potential to unclog and clear the drain. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes before attempting to re-flush the toilet.
- Toilet brush. When in dire need, find the nearest toilet brush and a good pair of rubber gloves and get to work. Hold the brush handle and push the bristled end of the brush into the drain hole. Using the same motion as you would with a plunger, work to unclog the drain. In fair warning, this can get a bit messy. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
- Dish soap. Just as dish soap removes food waste and grease from your dishes, it can do the same for clogs in the toilet. Squeeze a cup (or more) of dish soap into the toilet bowl and, just as you would for a crusted bake pan, let it soak for 30-40 minutes. Check back to see if the water has noticeably lowered in the toilet bowl. If so, go ahead and re-flush.
- Baking soda and vinegar. This age-old combination has several uses, and unclogging a toilet is one of them! Combine 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar and pour the mixture into the toilet bowl. Let it fizz for about a half-hour to give it time to break down the clog.
Drain cleaning in Northwest Indiana
Hopefully, this post can save you from the existential dread that a toilet clog mishap can bring. But if you’re still experiencing toilet troubles, feel free to give us a call. Our team at Reichelt Plumbing can solve even the worst clogs and give you advice on how to prevent them from happening in the future. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (219) 322-4906.