3 Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

Nothing is more aggravating and embarrassing than clogging the toilet (especially when you’re at a friend’s house). Wait a minute. Clogging the toilet and not having a plunger on hand definitely takes the cake! When you inevitably find yourself in this awful scenario, keep a few of these tricks in mind.

Finding Yourself in Hot Water

Before you start to panic, check the bathroom for any type of bucket or cup. If you can’t find one, see if they have a cup-like tooth brush holder you can use. Fill the bucket or cup with as hot of water as you can (not boiling). Pour roughly 10 to 12 cups of hot water into the toilet and allow it to slowly break up the blockage you recently flushed.

Lubricating the Clog

If you’re in the comfort of your own home (or you’re feeling sneaky), run into the kitchen and grab the dish soap. Pour some into the bowl and allow it to sink into the opening. Pour some hot water into the toilet and let it sit. The combination of hot water and soap should help break up and lubricate the clog so the toilet can successfully flush.

Brushing Your Way to Freedom

There’s no bucket or cup and you’re too afraid to ask someone to bring you dish soap, now what? Drastic times call for your drastic measures – grab the toilet brush and use it to plunge! Yes, this might get a tad bit splashy and isn’t the cleanest of methods, but that’s why this is the last resort. Push the brush as far into the bowl opening as you can in hopes that the bristles can break up the clog.

Every bathroom should have its very own plunger, but since there are those risk takers in the world, these toilet unclogging methods are good to have on hand. When your toilets begin clogging on a routine basis, a larger problem exists that needs to be addressed. Contact the plumbing pros at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (717) 207-8198.