Whether you get caught unawares at home or find yourself in a potentially embarrassing situation at a friend’s house, knowing how to unclog a toilet without using a plunger is a useful skill to have in your arsenal. So, here we will provide you with step by step instructions to unclog a toilet with whatever you have on hand.
Using Hot Water
While you may not be able to find a
plunger in a friend’s bathroom, chances are there is lots of hot water on hand. You’ll need to start by taking the lid off the toilet tank so you can close the flapper. This will prevent more water being fed into the bowl and creating a flood issue. If there is a bucket handy, great, but if not you can use an empty trash can or another receptacle you can find in the bathroom. You’ll need to fill the container with hot water, so it can be poured into the toilet. Allow the hot water to sit for several minutes, and this should dissolve some parts of the clog to allow you to try a second and hopefully successful flush. Just remember to reopen the flapper before you leave the bathroom.
Using Soap
If you’re still struggling to clear the clog with hot water, you could try using soap. Although dish soap is the best option, you’re not likely to have access to any dish soap in a bathroom. So, you could try using shampoo, body wash or liquid hand soap. Put a good squeeze of soap into the toilet, and you’ll need it to sit for approximately 20 minutes. Soap will need this amount of time to coat and loosen any clog, so you’ll need to entertain yourself for a while, but after 20 minutes you can try flushing again and hopefully clear the clog.
Using a Toilet Brush
If all else fails, you could try using a toilet brush. With any luck, your friend will have a toilet brush handy in the bathroom. Take a plastic bag from the trash can and cover the brushes. If possible secure the bag with an elastic band or hair tie. Use your new makeshift tool as a plunger. Put the plastic covered brush into the bowl and use a plunger action for several minutes to try and break up the clog. This will allow you to try flushing again to clear any remnants of the clog.
Although these tactics may not be effective on a large clog that may require a heavy duty auger or other professional tools, they may be enough to help you out of an awkward situation. If all else fails, you may need to brave the embarrassment and confess your difficulties to your friend. Just be sure to pass on the details of your trusty plumber.
If you are having difficulties with a clogged toilet, you can save time and stress by calling in a
professional plumber. Experienced professionals have access to specialist tools with the skills and expertise to clear any clog.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
