Few household issues are more annoying and potentially messy than a clogged toilet. And if this mishap occurs and you don’t have a plunger, you might think that you are really up that often talked about creek. However, there are several DIY remedies that you can fall back on to clear up the clog and return your toilet to its much-needed function.
All of these tips use simple household products that are safe to use, will not damage your pipes, and that you should have around the house. BUT, these options can be a little messy, so it is best to always don a pair of rubber gloves before tackling any toilet clog. It is also a good idea to have some antibacterial wipes handy and a few paper towels in case things get a little out of hand.
Tip 1
Dish soap might not be something that you would consider using to remove a toilet clog, but it is the critical ingredient in this first toilet clog removal process. If the toilet bowl is full or nearly full of dirty water, it is best to remove some of the liquid and pour it into a bucket. Next, add about a half of a cup of liquid dish soap to the toilet bowl. The soap will sink and coat the pipes to make the surface more slippery. Wait about 20-30 minutes before flushing to allow the soap to settle in around the clog. If you are low on dish soap, try cutting a bar of soap into small cubes and adding them to the toilet bowl. It will take longer for the solid pieces of soap to melt and settle into the pipe, so wait a full hour before flushing.
Tip 2
If the dish soap does not do the trick, pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet could finish the job for you. Use hot water from your shower but never use boiling water as that could crack your toilet bowl and make an even bigger mess. Stand over the toilet and carefully pour the bucket of hot water from waist level. This will increase the force of the water. It will also keep the dirty water from splashing on your face and hands. With any luck, the toilet will begin to flush as the hot water is added. If not, be careful not to pour in too much and overflow the toilet.
Tip 3
If the combination of soap and water does not clear the clog, a wire hanger could be just what you need. Untwist the hanger until you have a long straight piece of wire. Now the rubber gloves are going to be very important. Use the wire like a pipe snake. Insert it into the toilet to dislodge or break up the mass clogging the pipe. You might need to insert and remove the wire multiple times or twist it around to break up the clog.
Tip 4
If you don’t own any wire hangers, there is another option for you. And it requires only a few ingredients that you will find in the kitchen. Add one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar to the toilet bowl. The fizzing reaction should begin to break up the clog and clear the pipe. But the process can take up to 30 minutes. If the pipe is not completely clear after 30 minutes, add a bucket of hot water for a little extra cleaning power.
It is essential to understand that all of these processes are safe for your drain pipes and will not create any toxic chemical fumes that are common with chemical drain cleaners. So when you find your toilet clogged and don’t have a plunger, these are all great options. However, for really tough clogs, a call to Flow Plumbing is your best course of action. Our licensed plumber will arrive promptly and have your issue resolved quickly and affordably. Call (214) 388-8838 24/7 when you have a toilet clog that you can’t eliminate on your own.