No Plunger? This Toilet Trick Can Save You A Call To The Plumber
We have all been there at least once. You flush the handle and instead of hearing that satisfying whoosh you see the water level start to rise ominously. It is a moment of pure dread especially when you look around and realize there is no plunger in sight. It feels like a disaster waiting to happen but please take a deep breath. You actually have quite a few effective tools right in your bathroom cabinets that can fix this mess without a plumber.
The Plastic Bottle Jet
This one sounds a little strange but it works surprisingly well for stubborn clogs. Find a large plastic water or soda bottle and cut the bottom off. Keep the cap screwed on tight. Put on some rubber gloves and push the cut end of the bottle into the toilet drain. Squeeze the bottle forcefully to shoot a blast of air and water down the pipe. It creates a sudden burst of pressure that mimics the action of a plunger and can dislodge the stuck waste.
The Wire Hanger Snake
Sometimes you just need to reach in and manually move the obstruction. If you have a wire coat hanger in your closet you can untwist it into a long straight rod. Bend one end into a small hook and wrap it with a little duct tape so you do not scratch the ceramic of your toilet. Feed the wire gently into the drain until you feel the blockage. You can use it to break up the mass or hook it and pull it out to clear the path.
The Soap Solution
Your first line of defense is likely sitting right by your kitchen sink. Grab a bottle of dish soap and squeeze a very generous amount into the toilet bowl. You want to use about half a cup to really coat everything. The soap is heavier than water so it sinks to the bottom and lubricates the trapway. Let it sit for twenty minutes or so to seep into the clog. This helps everything slide through the tight pipe much easier than water alone.
Hot Water
While the soap is doing its work you can make it even more effective with heat. Fill a bucket or a large pot with hot tap water. You want it to be hot but definitely not boiling because boiling water can actually crack the cold porcelain of your toilet bowl. Pour the water into the bowl from waist height rather than right at the rim. The force of the falling water acts like a gentle plunger and the heat helps break down the organic matter causing the blockage.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
If soap does not move things along you can try a classic chemical reaction. Pour one cup of baking soda into the water and let it sink. Then slowly pour in two cups of vinegar. It will fizz and bubble aggressively just like a school project but that effect is exactly what you want. The pressure from the bubbles can help loosen the debris. Let the mixture sit and fizz for about thirty minutes before you try to flush it all away.
Toilet Brush
If you have absolutely nothing else handy, you can use your toilet brush as a makeshift plunger. It sounds messy but it is often effective. Angle the brush into the drain hole and pump it up and down vigorously just like you would with a plunger. The goal is to use the bristles to push water down the pipe and create a little bit of suction. It can often create just enough movement to free the clog.
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Unclogging a toilet is never a glamorous job but solving the problem yourself feels pretty good. You saved yourself a hefty bill from the plumber and a little bit of embarrassment. Just remember to go buy a real plunger the next time you are at the store so you do not have to sacrifice your coat hangers or dish soap again. Give yourself a pat on the back and maybe go wash your hands one more time just to be safe.
Bliss Donahue-Power
