When you’re prepared with a plunger, a toilet clog is an easy fix. However, if you find yourself with a clog and no plunger, a normally simple problem can quickly become a complicated issue. Luckily, there are several alternative methods for unclogging your toilet without a plunger.
Hot Water
All you need for this method is a bucket and hot water. Make sure the water does not reach boiling temperatures, as this can cause a porcelain toilet to crack, making the situation much worse and requiring costly repairs. When you fill the toilet bowl with hot water, the heat and the force of moving water can dislodge the clog.
Dish Soap
Try pouring ½ cup of dish soap into your toilet along with hot water. Dish soap dissolves stubborn grease and dirt, so combining it with hot water and allowing it to sit for half an hour or so can usually dissolve the clog. You can also use hand soap or shampoo as effective substitutes.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mixing vinegar and baking soda creates an effective cleaning solution for many surfaces and can help eliminate toilet clogs. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, spreading it around so it covers as much of the water as possible. Slowly pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl in a circular motion as the combination of chemicals begins to fizz. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour. If this doesn’t work, you can keep the mixture in the bowl overnight.
Epsom Salt
While not as intense as vinegar and baking soda, Epsom salt causes a fizzy reaction when added to water and can help to break up a clog. Add several cups to the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for half an hour. You can also combine Epsom salt with dish soap for a more powerful effect.
Contact Efficient Plumbing Today
If you tried the methods described above to unclog your toilet and have had no luck, contact Efficient Plumbing to schedule a consultation. For over two decades, our family owned and operated company has provided residents of Littleton, Colorado with the highest quality plumbing services at affordable rates.
