Can You Unclog a Toilet Without Plunging?

Toilets can become plugged or clogged with waste, paper, small items and feminine hygiene products that can be removed by using a plunger. A plunger is a device that has a rubber suction cup at the bottom of a stick that is utilized to unclog toilets and drains. However, unplugging toilets can also be accomplished without plunging and requires only a few common household items.

Precautions

Before trying any method of unplugging your toilet, make sure that the water level is low enough to not overflow onto the floor. If the water has already overflowed, clean the area before proceeding with unplugging the toilet. Before performing any of the methods, the water to the toilet should be shut off. Locate the water valve, which is usually behind the toilet or underneath the bathroom sink. You can also shut off the water from the main water valve of your home or office. By shutting off the water supply, you can avoid further overflow or flooding if you accidentally flush the toilet. Wearing rubber gloves remove as much of the water from the toilet bowl as possible by using a disposable container. Also remove any items floating in the water and arrange towels on the floor in the event the toilet overflows.

Bottle Method

Put on rubber gloves and fill up a big soda bottle with warm water. While keeping your thumb over the opening of the bottle, place the bottle in the water and downward into the hole at the toilet's bottom. Tightly grip the bottle with both hands while squeezing it to make the water shoot down the drain of the toilet. The pressure of the water should unplug the clog. Although this method usually works on the first try, you may have to repeat the procedure a few times for stubborn clogs.

Tap Method

This method requires that there be a minimal amount of water already in the toilet for it to work because it relies on flushing the toilet while tapping your foot on the toilet bowl. You should continue to hold the handle as the water pours into the toilet bowl while tapping your foot firmly against it until everything flushes down.

Boiling Water Method

Boil at least three quarts of water on the stove and carefully carry it to your bathroom. Pour the water slowly into your toilet to ensure that the boiling water does not splash or cause the toilet water to overflow. Hot water encourages the clog to break apart and begin to decompose. Allow the water to remain in the toilet for 15 to 20 minutes before flushing it.

Soap Method

Squirt some liquid soap into the toilet bowl. Then slowly pour at least three quarts of boiling water into the toilet and let the combination sit for a few minutes. The liquid soap serves as a lubricant to loosen the clog and the boiling water aids the soap by breaking the clog apart and pushing everything down the pipes.

References

• My Clogged Toilet
• Hubpages