How to Unclog a Toilet With Hot Water

Hot water is sometimes effective at clearing clogged toilets.

A clogged toilet is never fun, especially if there's only one bathroom in the house. One of the simplest and most DIY-friendly ways to unclog a toilet involves pouring hot water down the drain. Using this method means you don't have to purchase or deal with an auger, which can be intimidating, or pour harmful chemicals down your pipes. While it's not a fail-proof method, it can help with less stubborn clogs.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 gallon hot water
• Dish detergent
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Heat a pot of water, bringing it to a near-boil.

2. Pour a small amount of dish detergent into the toilet bowl.

3. Pour the hot water into the toilet. Wait one to two minutes.

4. Plunge the toilet to help remove any clogs that the hot water may have loosened but not completely removed, using a plunger.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when handling hot water.

• Do not use boiling water, as this could damage the toilet.

References

• Home Turned Green: Fixing a Clogged Toilet Without Harmful Chemicals
• PlumbingKnowledge.com: What to Do if Your Toilet is Clogged