How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
It’s happened again. Your toilet is clogged. Only this time, your trusty plunger is nowhere in sight. It’s too late to call a plumber and you need your toilet to work, like, five minutes ago. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.
3 Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Luckily, you don’t always need a plunger to relieve your clogged toilet woes. Read on to learn three ways you can easily unclog a toilet when you don’t have a plunger handy.
1. Bleach and Powdered Soap
Bleach is one of the most versatile products when it comes to household chores. Not only does this stain-fighting powerhouse help clean various rooms throughout your home, but it can help unclog your toilet too.
Materials
- 2 or 3 cups of household bleach
- 1 cup powdered soap
How to Unclog a Toilet With Bleach and Powdered Soap
Directions
Step 1. Simply pour two to three cups of bleach and one cup of powdered soap into your toilet.
Step 2. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3. Turn on the water valve, flush your toilet, and repeat the process if the clog is still intact.
2. Shampoo or Dish Soap and Hot Water
Dish soap is the real MVP of the kitchen and beyond. Just a generous squirt of dish soap and some warm soapy water is all you need to clear a clog.
Materials
- Shampoo or dish soap
- Gallon of hot water
How to Unclog a Toilet With Shampoo or Dish Soap and Hot Water
Directions
Step 1. Squirt a generous amount of shampoo or dish soap into your toilet.
Step 2. Add a gallon of very hot water to the toilet bowl.
Step 3. Let the soap and hot water sit for five to 10 minutes. This should break up the toilet paper that is causing the clog and help it slide down the pipe. If this doesn’t work, try repeating the process again.
3. Wire Hanger
Have a wire hanger somewhere in the depths of your closet? You’re a few minutes away from a perfectly-working toilet.
Materials
- Wire hanger, unraveled
- Wire cutters
- Rubber gloves
How to Unclog a Toilet With a Wire Hanger
Directions
Step 1. Unravel a wire hanger very carefully using the wire cutters. Straighten the wire as much as possible.
Step 2. While wearing rubber gloves, stick the end of the straightened wire hanger into the bottom of the toilet.
Step 3. Work the clog by moving the hanger around.
Step 4. Remove the hanger and try flushing the toilet.