There's a good possibility that if you're reading this article, you need to unclog your toilet but don't have a plunger handy. Not to worry — you don't need to hurry to the shop for a plunger to remove that annoying *crappy* clog; we show you how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. We'll go through possible equipment you'll need and what you need to do so that your toilet's running smoothly again.
First things first, why do you need to learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? Whether you're a home renter or homeowner, being able to unclog a toilet is a must-have skill that'll help you and your family. A clogged toilet's a huge hassle, delaying your everyday activities and possibly escalating to more serious issues, like a weak flushing toilet that needs to be fixed if left unattended. Learning how to solve the issue yourself can ultimately save you time and money because having to call a plumber for every little clog around your household can get pricey.
Maybe you know how to unclog a toilet with a plunger but don't have one or it simply didn't do the job. The good news is that you can unclog a toilet without one and you don't even need any specialized equipment.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Here's how to unclog a toilet without a plunger, DIY style:
- Use a bottle of hand soap and boiling water. Start by adding a little amount of hand soap to a pail of hot water. The blockage can get looser and dissolve thanks to heat and soap. Avoid splashing any of the hot water and soap onto yourself as you slowly pour it into the bowl. To let the mixture do its magic, let it sit in the basin for a while before flushing your toilet to check it it's unclogged.
- Use vinegar and baking soda mixture. If the hot water and soap approach doesn't clear the clog, you can try combining baking soda and vinegar to do the trick. Add a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into a plastic bowl or directly into the porcelain toilet. Like in chemistry class, the mixture will bubble and fizz to remove the clog. Let the mix sit in the toilet bowl for an hour before flushing to unclog your toilet.
- Use the toilet auger. You might need to use a toilet auger to manually break up and remove the blockage if the earlier techniques didn't work. The toilet auger is a long and flexible cable that has a tiny hook at the end and kind of looks like a clothes hanger. When using a toilet auger, place the cable into the bowl and push it slowly through the pipes until you encounter resistance. Slowly withdraw the cable after carefully moving the auger back and forth to clear the obstruction. Check to check if the clog has been removed by flushing the toilet.
If you've learned how to unclog a toilet without a plunger and none of these methods worked, you should contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
Tips for Preventing Future Toilet Clogs
While learning how to unclog a toilet without a plunger is a good thing, you can prevent future clogs and more serious toilet issues by not flushing non-biodegradable items, using a lower-flor or dual-flush toilet, and cleaning your bathroom toilet bowl routinely. This way, water won't flood the floor or damage your toilet!
Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Materials Down the Toilet
Avoiding flushing non-biodegradable products down the drain is one of the easiest and most efficient strategies to prevent toilet clogs. These substances, including paper towels, feminine hygiene items, and baby wipes, will simply become stuck in the pipes and clog them. Make sure to only flush biodegradable items, such as toilet paper and human waste, down the toilet to avoid these kinds of obstructions.
Use a Toilet Brush to Clean the Bowl Regularly
Regularly cleaning the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush will help prevent clogs and keep your toilet functioning properly. Start by filling a bucket with hot water before using a brush to wipe the toilet bowl. If you want to use a natural cleaning method, combine hot water and baking soda with a small bit of toilet bowl cleanser. Scrub the inside of the bowl with the brush after dipping it into the cleaning solution. Pay close attention to the areas under the rim and around the bowl's base.
After cleaning the entire bowl, flush the toilet to remove any remaining cleaning agent. You can wait a few hours before flushing the cleaning solution into the bowl for extra thorough cleaning. This will give the cleaner more time to penetrate the porcelain's pores and remove any stains or filth.
Consider Using a Lower-Flow Toilet or a Toilet with Dual Flush Capabilities
Traditional toilets flush with a lot of water, which can cause more frequent clogs and use more water overall. Yes, you can learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger but consider using a toilet with a lower flow rate or a toilet with dual flush capabilities to lessen the likelihood of clogs and conserve water at the same time.
In addition to using less water each flush, dual flush toilets provide you the option of choosing between a full flush and a half flush. For solid trash, use the full flush; for liquid waste, use the half flush. This lets you flush waste effectively while using the least amount of water possible, conserving water and lowering the possibility of clogs.
When to Call a Professional
You can learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger or even with one and still be unable to get rid of obstructions. As a last resort, you might want to try using salt or Epsom salts to see if that helps to clear the blockage before hiring a plumber. Add a cup of salt or Epsom salts to the bowl and let them sit for a few hours before flushing. This may facilitate clearing the clog by helping to split it up.
If you've exhausted all of our recommended methods or you keep having to go back to unclog your toilet, we suggest calling in professional plumbers. A toilet that's constantly clogged can mean a more serious plumbing issue. Make sure to keep your hands clean and stay clear of any surfaces or contaminated areas in your bathroom while waiting.
Bottom Line: How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
In case one is not on hand or did not work, it's essential that you know how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can resort to using hot water and dish soap, baking soda and vinegar, a toilet auger, and Epsom salts to unclog your toilet. If none of these methods work, contact your local plumbing experts.
You can also prevent a clogged toilet by not flushing non-biodegradable items, using a low-flow or dual-flush toilet, and maintaining the cleanliness of your toilet bowl. Keep in mind that having a healthy and hygienic home requires a clean and well-maintained toilet.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger FAQs
How can I clear a clogged toilet without using a plunger?
How to unclog a toilet without a plunger: try a solution of hot water and soap, baking soda and vinegar, toilet auger, or a plumber's snake.
What advice do you have for avoiding clogged toilets in the future?
Steer clear of flushing anything that won't decompose down the toilet, think about switching to a dual-flush or lower-flow toilet, and regularly scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush.
What distinguishes a dual-flush toilet from a low-flow toilet?
What is a dual flush toilet? This toilet provides two flush options, one for liquid waste and one for solid waste, which is water-efficient. A low-flow toilet consumes less water each flush than a regular toilet.
When pouring hot water and soap into the toilet, how should I handle them safely?
Wear gloves if needed and be careful not to spray yourself with the hot water and soap mixture as you slowly pour it into the bowl.
When should I contact a plumber to help me unclog a toilet?
If none of the solutions suggested in the article work to unclog the drain, call a qualified plumber for help.
How frequently should I clean the toilet bowl?
You should learn how to remove rust stains from your toilet and clean the inside of the bowl on a regular basis.
How should I operate a toilet auger?
To use a toilet auger, place the long, flexible cable into the bowl and slowly push it through the pipes until resistance is felt. To check if the obstruction has been cleared, flush the toilet after carefully moving the auger back and forth.
How can I unclog a toilet that has become clogged with non-biodegradable materials?
We've outlined how to unclog a toilet without a plunger above but if it has been clogged with non-biodegradable materials and none of the methods worked, call a professional plumber.
