What Can I Use to Unclog a Toilet Besides a Plunger?

When you don't have a plunger on hand, turn to other methods to unclog your toilet.

Some people grab a plunger each time the toilet clogs, thinking a plunger is the only way to deal with the situation. While plungers will dislodge some clogs, other methods may be successful when the plunger fails to produce results. If you do not have a toilet auger to try on the toilet, go to your local home improvement store where you can pick one up.

Water

A good flush of water can dislodge some toilet clogs, but not the water from the toilet itself. Grab a five gallon bucket and fill it full of water, then pour the bucket into the toilet's bowl as quickly as you can without spilling over the edges of the bowl. Try to aim for the drain opening as much as possible, creating pressure on the clog.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Similar to the science experiments kids do in school, combining baking soda and vinegar in the toilet can eat away at or break apart the material that is clogging up the drain. Unfortunately, this method will work best on toilets that do not have much, if any, water in the bowl, since water will dilute the mixture, making it less potent. Pour baking soda into the drain opening in the bowl, then pour the vinegar until you start to see a reaction. Wait at least five minutes for the solution to break apart the clog, then flush the toilet to see the results.

Dish Soap

Pour a quarter cup of the soap you use to wash your dishes in the sink into the drain opening in the toilet's bowl. While the soap settles down to where the clog is located, boil a large pot of water on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, pour it quickly into the drain opening. The dish soap will lubricate around the clog, while the hot water will apply pressure and help break up the debris.

Toilet Auger

Toilet augers, or snakes, feature a flexible hose with a corkscrew on the end. Insert the corkscrew end of the auger into the drain opening in the toilet, being careful to not scratch the porcelain with the tip of the corkscrew. Use the auger's handle to turn the auger clockwise as you shove the auger deeper into the toilet's drain. Once you have fed the hose all the way into the drain, pull it out as you turn the auger's handle counterclockwise. You may need to repeat this process up to two more times before you completely remove the clog.

References

• Planet Green: 7 Green Methods to Unclog a Toilet...Plumber's Crack Optional
• Drano: How to Unclog a Toilet