Non-Plunger Methods for Clearing Toilet Clogs

When you flush a toilet and it doesn’t go down properly, what’s the first solution you think of? If you’re like most people, the answer here is the plunger. There are a few different plunger types, and this basic item is the most common tool for helping unclog toilets and other drains.

At All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re often asked the same question when dealing with drain cleaning services: What do I do about a clogged toilet if I don’t have a plunger? Whether this is in a public area or your home’s plunger has recently been trashed for some reason, there are a few simple ways you can go about clearing a small toilet clog. Here are some of the common methods used here.

Hot (But Not Boiling) Water

In many cases, simple clogs can be unblocked by using some basic hot water, which will melt away the blockage and help it run down the drain more easily. It’s vital, however, to make sure your water is not too hot here – boiling or near-boiling water may accomplish your desired task, but may also crack the ceramic of your toilet bowl and cause major leaking and repair issues.

As long as you ensure water isn’t quite that hot, though, you’ll be in good shape. Fill up a large bucket with hot water, then pour it slowly down the drain. The water’s movement will help dislodge clogs, as will the temperature.

Epsom Salt

Many people keep Epsom salt in their homes, and if you’re among these, it can be a great tool for unclogging drain blockages. It combines with water to create a fizzy, acidic chemical reaction that will help to break up stubborn particles. You should plan to wait about 15 minutes after pouring it into your toilet bowl, then try to flush the toilet again and see if it did the trick. Some stubborn clogs may require more than one repetition.

Dish Soap

During normal use, dish soap is meant to break down various elements of food waste and grease – and this same theme can be applied to a blockage in the toilet as well. Squeeze at least one full cup of dish soap into your toilet bowl, then leave it there for at least 30 minutes and often more.

When you return, what you’re looking for is primarily the level of the water. If it’s lower than when you first left, this is a sign that the soap is doing its job and helping clear the clog. If this is the case, you can flush again and see how much of the clog has cleared.

Toilet Brush

And finally, if none of the other options are available to you, use the toilet brush to try and clear out a clogged drain. Don’t push hard enough to damage the drain, but put enough pressure to hopefully clear up clogs. If possible, wear gloves or old clothes to block splashes.

For more on clearing toilet clogs without a plunger, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the pros at All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air today.