Height, clowns, confined places, and having to unclog a toilet without a plunger are among the world’s most widespread anxieties. It usually occurs when you least expect it: at your in-laws’ home, at a business meeting, on a vacation, on a date…
We wouldn’t wish anybody this anxiety with no way out. That’s why we’ve put up a list of the best methods to unclog a toilet without using a plunger.
Why A Plunger is Your Best Choice
A plunger works by sucking fluids with force so that it can break through any debris that is blocking the sink, toilet, or tub. Plungers use a simple design that has been used for many years and is very effective. They also do not require harsh chemicals to work properly.
Alternatives To Using A Plunger
The common, and correct way to unclog a toilet is with a plunger. However, this can be difficult to do if the clogging has occurred past the trapway of the toilet itself. Here are some alternative ways that might work for you in certain cases:
1) Use your fingers or a stick.
2) Place several towels around where water is coming up from (including one on top of where it’s attached) under pressure and then use something like an ice tray over those towels.
3) Pour boiling hot water into the drain while partially blocking it; let it sit there for 2-10 minutes before opening again.
4) Another effective way is with baking soda and vinegar.
Read the following sections to get a better idea of each of these methods.
Water Is Slightly Scalding, But Not Quite Boiling
It’s critical to distinguish between the two in this case. The obstruction in the toilet will be melted away by hot water. Boiling water may cause the porcelain in toilet bowls to fracture, which is a far more inconvenient problem to deal with.
Fill a bucket with not-quite-boiling water as large as you can manage. The combination of water flow and heat will aid in the removal and flushing of the blockage.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is designed to dissolve oil and other food waste when it comes into touch with it. As a result, it’s virtually as good in removing blockages from toilets. Dish soap can help unclog a toilet if you have the time to let it rest and wait.
Fill the toilet bowl with at least a cup of dish soap and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes. Check to see whether the water level in the bowl has begun to fall, which indicates that the soap is functioning. If the water level is dropping, you may flush with confidence!
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt isn’t something that everyone keeps on hand, but if you do, it may be useful in a hurry. It causes a fizzy chemical reaction when poured into a bowl, which may assist unclog and unblocking drains. Allow 15 minutes for it to do its job before flushing again.
A Brush For The Toilet
Only use this for desperate last-ditch attempts. Pull your arm back and forth while holding the handle and pushing the brush into the drain hole. Don’t become too excited to the point of damaging the toilet, but be active. Because this may be a little icky, we suggest using gloves or old clothing in case you are splashed.
Contact An Expert Plumber Now
If nothing else works, it’s time to contact a plumbing expert. They will take your call at any time!
Toilet drainage can have backflow problems connected to the sewer line. The way to prevent this is to have the backflow meter tested and certified. To learn more, see our post Is It Time For Your Backflow Recertification?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I unblock my toilet without a plunger?
A: You can put a bucket under the faucet and fill it. Then pour water into the bowl until you’re satisfied with how much is in there, then flush again.
How do you unclog a toilet quickly?
A: Pick up a plunger and pour some cold water on it. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes before trying to plunge again.
Will a clogged toilet eventually unclog itself?
A: No, it will never unclog itself.
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