How to Unplug a Toilet Without a Plunger
As frustrating as it is to discover that your toilet is clogged, it's even worse when you don't have a plunger handy. Although a plunger is the first tool usually used to unplug a toilet, you may have other tools that can do the job. It's also possible that you have a plunger, but it has failed to unplug the toilet. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Toilet cleaning brush
- Bent coat hanger
- Hand-cranked auger (pipe snake)
- 1-1/2-inch expandable bladder
- Garden hose or hose attached to the sink
- Bolt grabber (available at automotive stores)
- Fish-hook remover
Instructions
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Unplug a Toilet Without a Plunger
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1
If your toilet is obviously clogged with toilet paper at the opening, try to break up the blockage with your toilet cleaning brush or a bent coat hanger.
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2
A hand-cranked auger (also called a pipe snake) can work its way through the toilet's waterway, unplugging the toilet. Insert the auger end into the toilet bowl, pushing the auger through the bends of the waterway. Turn the handle to ease the auger's passage. If you feel a blockage, continue turning the handle until you feel the auger breaking up the obstruction.
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3
An expandable bladder will block off the toilet opening and push a high-pressure stream of water into the waterway. Attach the expandable bladder to a garden hose (if you can get it into the bathroom), or a hose attached to the sink faucet. Insert the bladder halfway into the toilet's opening and turn on the water. The bladder will expand as water flows into the waterway, unplugging the toilet. Water may back up around the bladder, so be aware of possible overflows.
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4
If the toilet is still plugged, the blockage is most likely a solid object, such as a toy. Insert a bolt grabber or a bent coat hanger into the opening and try to grab the item and pull it out.
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5
Drain the toilet bowl and tank, disconnect the water line, pull out the toilet and turn it over. If you see the foreign object in the other end of the toilet, grab it with a fish-hook remover. If the item is hidden, insert a bolt grabber, which has a longer reach, and try to catch onto and retrieve the object.
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6
Move the toilet outside. Insert a water hose into the bowl and a hand-cranked auger into the bottom of the toilet. Turn on the water while you use the auger. If the toilet remains plugged, you will have to replace it.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent damage, be extremely careful when moving your toilet.
