Nobody wants a clogged toilet–especially without a toilet plunger. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few alternatives. You probably already have most of the things you need in the house. Many of them can be used together to eliminate the clog.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Dip most of the water out of the bowl. Pour in a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction should loosen the clog. Let it work for about 30 minutes–then flush the toilet. If it is still clogged, repeat the process.
Use the Toilet Brush
Use your toilet brush as a substitute plunger if it fits the drain hole. Shove it down the drain and pump it up and down to loosen the clog. If it works, a couple of flushes clear the remains of the clog.
Use a Drain Snake
If you have a drain snake, it is the quickest way to dislodge the clog. You can also make a homemade snake by unwinding a wire hangar. Straighten the wire but leave the hook in place. Push the hook end into the drain until you find the clog. Pull it apart and flush it away. You may want to tighten the hook a bit to give it more strength.
Use a Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Only if you already own one. If you have to run out to rent one, get a plunger instead. It’s cheaper and quicker.
Use the shop vac to suck out all of the water. Wrap a wet rag around the hose a few inches from the end. Poke it down the drain until it seals the opening. Hopefully, the vacuum will suck out the clog when you turn it on.
Use Hot Water
Dip most of the standing water out of the toilet bowl. Pour at least one gallon of hot tap water into the bowl. (Do not use boiling water. You may crack the toilet.) The heat and weight of the hot water may be enough to dislodge the clog. Repeat two or three times if required.
Hot Water and Soap
If hot water alone won’t do the trick, add dish soap to help disintegrate the clog and lubricate the drain. Pour about a half cup of dish soap into the bowl. Let it run down to the clog and work for at least 15 minutes. Add a gallon of hot water and let sit for another few minutes–then flush the toilet to push out the clog.
Commercial Drain Cleaners
Many commercial drain cleaners claim to work even if there is water standing in the toilet or sink. Remove as much water as possible from the bowl and pour the cleaner into the drain. Follow the directions. The cleaner starts work immediately to eat through the clog. Less compacted clogs usually clear out in minutes. Some may take a few hours to clear.
Liquid Bleach
Bleach can eat through cloth, so organic material like feces and toilet paper in a clog dissolve quickly. Bleach also breaks down hair. Remove most of the water from the toilet bowl. Add two or three cups of bleach. Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bleach to work its way into and through the clog. Flush the bleach and clog down the drain.
Avoiding Toilet Clogs
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Period. Flushing any of the following products invites clogs.
- Disinfectant Wipes.
- Baby Wipes.
- Makeup Wipes.
- Paper Towels.
- Feminine Products.
- Diapers. Flushable diapers clog toilets just like non-flushable diapers.
- Cotton Balls.
- Cotton Swabs.
- Bandages.
- Left-over Food.
- Grease.
- Etc.
