How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

A plunger usually gets the job done, but it isn’t the only thing you can use to unclog your toilet.

From baking soda and vinegar to wire hangers, dish soap, hot water, and more, this article will teach you how to unclog your toilet without a plunger.

But first: This article mostly deals with DIY methods using common materials from around the house. For a more detailed look at unclogging a toilet using specialized tools, read our article, “How to Unclog a Toilet.”

Before Unclogging the Toilet

Instead of flushing and re-flushing the toilet in hopes that the clog will magically disappear, I start by turning off the water supply to the toilet. Attempting to flush the toilet may cause an overflow and result in a mess.

Once that’s done, I begin the unclogging process.

Pour in Hot Water

This isn’t the most effective method for unclogging a toilet, but it is the quickest and easiest one I’ve found.

I heat some water until it’s steaming, but not boiling. Boiling water can crack porcelain, the material that many toilet bowls are made from.

Standing beside or in front of the toilet, I carefully pour the hot water into the bowl. The idea is that the force and the heat from the hot water will break down the clog and make things flow smoothly again.

After dislodging the clog, I flush the toilet to see if all’s well.

Add Dish Soap

Pour half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes. Then, flush the toilet to see if the blockage is clear.

For better results, you can combine the hot water method and the dish soap method. The soap should lubricate the clog so that the hot water can flush it away easily.

Use a Toilet Brush

This is another method I have used to unclog my toilet. It only works if I can see the clog, or if the blockage isn’t too deep inside the toilet drain line. Here’s how it works:

1. I insert the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and attempt to break up the clog manually.
2. I push down with the brush, twisting and turning to dislodge the clog.
3. After removing the item clogging the toilet, I flush it to ensure it operates smoothly.

Try a Wire Hanger/DIY a Toilet Snake

In the absence of a plunger, you can convert a wire hanger into a makeshift auger or toilet snake. To do this:

1. Straighten the Hanger: Uncouple the wire hanger and straighten it into one long piece. Then, bend one end of the piece and fashion it into a hook.
2. Insert into Toilet: Feed the hook end into the toilet bowl until it makes contact with the clog.
3. Turn the Wire: Turn and twist the wire hanger around in order to hook or break apart the clog.
4. Pull Out: If you’re able to snag any obstruction, pull out the wire hanger.
5. Flush: Flush the toilet to make sure the clog is gone.

Force It with Water or Air

For this, you’ll need an empty 2-L plastic bottle, some rubber gloves for your hands, and a face mask and goggles to protect your face and eyes.

1. Fill the empty bottle with warm or mildly hot water.
2. Cover the opening of the bottle with a gloved finger.
3. Turn the bottle upside down and place it at the bottom of the toilet bowl, aiming the top at the mouth of the drain.
4. Remove your thumb and squeeze the bottle to force some of the warm/hot water into the drain. The pressure plus the heat should do the trick and dislodge the clog.
5. Repeat if necessary.

Alternatively, if you have an air compressor, you can use it to force through and clear the clogs in the toilet.

Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is an effective home remedy for unclogging a toilet without a plunger. For this, you only need baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.

1. Make sure the toilet bowl is half full of water. You may need to scoop out some water with a disposable cup or pour in some water to achieve this.
2. Pour one cup of baking soda down the toilet.
3. Pour two cups of vinegar onto the baking soda.
4. The mixture should start fizzing and bubbling, proof that it’s working. You may notice the water level reducing, showing that the obstruction in the toilet is clearing.
5. After waiting for at least 30 minutes, flush the toilet with hot water.

Other Methods

If the previous methods fail to unclog the toilet, here are a few options to consider.

Use a Toilet-Safe Drain Cleaner

Go to the store and purchase a toilet-safe drain cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product carefully. It usually involves pouring the product into your clogged toilet and waiting a few hours before flushing.

Use an Auger or Toilet Snake

Insert the flexible end of the auger or toilet snake into the toilet bowl until you feel resistance from it touching the clog. Twist or crank the handle to break up the blockage or snag it up.

Use a Wet Vac

A wet vacuum may be your next line of offense if other options in this guide fail to yield positive results..

1. Set up the vacuum and ensure it’s set to liquid mode.
2. Wrap the hose with an old towel/rag and place it in the toilet drain to create a tight seal.
3. Turn on the vacuum and watch it suck out any obstruction in the toilet.

FAQs

Hire a Plumber

If all else fails, you may need to hire a plumber. They have the technical know-how and are properly equipped to handle toilet unclogging jobs, no matter the complexity.

Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.

What to Read Next:

• How to Unclog Your Shower Drain
• How to Unclog Your Bathroom Sink

Main Image Credit: Evgen / Adobe Stock generated with AI

Racheal Oyebisi

I am a writer with a passion for transforming homes through insightful and engaging content. With a love for all things DIY, I specialize in crafting home improvement articles that inspire and educate readers on a wide range of topics. In my free time, I enjoy staying active and love to read.

Posts by Racheal Oyebisi