A clogged toilet is never a welcome occurrence. It can create an embarrassing & frustrating situation, whether during a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or when you’re alone. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can simply ignore.

Clearing a clogged toilet can be tricky, especially when you don’t have a plunger. However, there are effective methods to unclog a toilet, both with & without a plunger.

This guide will walk you through step by step, providing you with our most efficient techniques.

How To Unclog A Toilet With A Plunger?

• Time needed: Five minutes or less
• Necessary items: Toilet plunger, disposable gloves/dish gloves

Get your clogged toilet back up & running the old-fashioned way — with a plunger & some serious elbow grease. Here’s how to restore your bathroom to working order in just five easy steps:

1. Ensure You Have The Right Plunger.

Did you know that there are different types of plungers for other tasks? Using a toilet plunger specifically designed for the job, rather than a sink plunger, is essential. Toilet plungers have a flange that fits into the toilet hole, whereas sink plungers are flat & lack a flange. While both function similarly, sink plungers may require assistance in creating a proper seal for effective toilet plunging.

2. Confirm That There Is Standing Water In The Toilet Bowl.

Occasionally, clogs can result in a toilet draining its bowl sluggishly. It is impossible to plunge into an empty toilet, so if there is no standing water, you can use a cup to fill the bathroom with water from the sink. If the toilet is accessible, take advantage of the opportunity to use hot water (not boiling), as elevated temperatures can aid in clearing the clogs.

3. Cover The Hole With The Plunger At A Slight Angle.

Position the plunger so that the flange aligns with the hole at the base of the toilet bowl. Apply pressure to create a tight seal around the opening at the correct angle.

4. Pump The Plunger Several Times.

Press the plunger firmly & pump it at a slight angle to generate high-pressure water flow into the pipe. Repeat this process multiple times. If you notice air escaping from the side of the plunger cup, adjust its position to create a proper seal. After pumping approximately six or seven times, remove the plunger from the bowl to check if the obstruction has been cleared.

5. Flush.

After removing the obstruction with the plunger, flush the toilet & let it refill normally. If plunging the toilet doesn’t work & the washroom appears to be on the verge of overflowing, open the tank & pull the flapper to stop the water from flowing into the bowl. Once the tank stops filling, try steps 1-4 again. If the clog persists after multiple attempts, it may be time to seek the assistance of a plumber.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

Today may not be your lucky day. Your toilet is clogged & you don’t have a plunger? Don’t worry; there are still alternative methods to tackle this issue. If your toilet needs to be draining correctly, you might not necessarily require a plunger to resolve the problem.

Here, we present three unconventional ways to clear blockages from your toilet pipes.

Unclog A Toilet Using Soap & Hot Water

Time needed: About 30 minutes

Necessary items: Soap, a gallon of boiling water, a plastic cup, disposable gloves/dish gloves

1. Make Room In The Bowl.

To create room for adding a gallon of liquid, carefully extract some water from the toilet bowl. To accomplish this task, use a small container, such as a cup from the bathroom sink. Once finished, be sure not to place the container on the counter!

2. Add soap.

Enhance the lubrication of the toilet bowl by adding a small amount of dish soap, shampoo, or a few slivers of bar soap.

3, Add hot water

Warm a gallon of water to a pleasantly hot temperature, ensuring it does not reach boiling point. The ideal temperature for drinkable tea is just what we’re aiming for. Beware of boiling water, as it may cause your toilet bowl to crack. Gently pour the water into the bowl & allow it to rest for approximately 20 minutes.

4, Test your work

Please attempt flushing the toilet. If it successfully washes, you’re good to go! However, promptly shut off the water valve behind the bathroom if it begins to overflow instead. You can then restart the process from step 1 or explore an alternative method.

Unclog Your Toilet With Baking Soda & Vinegar

Time needed: 10–15 minutes

Necessary items: Baking soda, vinegar, disposable/dish gloves, cup

Remove half of the water from the bowl if the toilet remains clogged after several attempts to resolve the issue. Next, carefully pour 1 cup of baking soda & 2 cups of vinegar into the bathroom.

Be prepared for excessive bubbling, so removing any excess water beforehand is essential. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes before flushing.

Unclog Your Toilet With A Coat Hanger

Is your toilet still clogged? Here’s a last-ditch effort: Grab a wire coat hanger & wear disposable gloves.

1. Take out some water from the toilet bowl to make room for a gallon of liquid. Use a small container, like a cup from the bathroom sink, to remove the water. Ensure not to put it back on the counter when you’re done!

2. Lubricate the toilet bowl by adding dish soap, shampoo, or a few small pieces of bar soap.

3. Heat a gallon of water until it’s close to boiling. The perfect temperature is like drinkable tea. If the water is too hot, it could crack the toilet bowl. Pour the water into the bowl & let it sit for 20 minutes.

4. Try flushing the toilet. If it works, you’re all set! But if it starts to overflow instead, turn off the water valve behind the bathroom & either go back to step 1 or try another method.

How To Unclog Your Toilet With Baking Soda & Vinegar?

Remove half of the water from the bowl if the toilet remains clogged after several attempts to resolve the issue. Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda & 2 cups of vinegar into the bathroom.

Due to the excessive bubbling, it is crucial to eliminate the excess water beforehand. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes before flushing.

How To Unclog Your Toilet With a Coat Hanger?

Still having trouble with the clog? Here’s one last-ditch effort: Grab a wire coat hanger & disposable gloves. Bend one end of the hanger back on itself a few inches (just like in the photo). Wrap that end with a cloth & tape it to avoid scratching your toilet.

Now, gently use the hanger to push the debris down the pipe until you can flush it. Twist it & move it around in circles. This is beyond your reach if you can’t feel the wire hitting the blockage. Give us a call today!

Why Won’t My Toilet Unclog?

If your toilet remains clogged after multiple attempts at plunging, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Contact the experts at Proficient Plumbing Solutions, where we prioritize your plumbing emergencies. We will promptly schedule a service to resolve your issues. Visit our website today!