Cleaning a clogged toilet can be a difficult task, especially if you don't have a plunger, as it's the best way to clear a clogged toilet. But, there are other ways also to unclog a toilet besides using a plunger. This blog will guide you on how to remove clogs caused by waste and toilet paper by various means like hot water, dish soap, vinegar, a hanger, etc.
What Are the Causes of a Badly Clogged Toilet?
You can prevent clogging and overflow issues by taking precautionary actions and identifying the reasons behind the clog. For example, the following things should never be flushed down the toilet:
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Baby Wipes
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Pads and tampons
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Cotton Products
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Diapers
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Paper towels
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Toys
These items get stuck in the toilet pipes and clog the toilet. You can reduce the risk of blockages by being mindful and not flushing these items.
Safety Precautions to Take When Unclogging the Toilet
Wear Protective Gear
Rubber gloves can protect your hands from potentially harmful bacteria and germs. It will also prevent any waste from directly coming into contact with your hands.
Remove Excess Water
In order to minimize your contact with germs, it is best to start by removing as much water as possible from the clogged toilet bowl. You can do this by using a small disposable cup.
Ventilate the Bathroom
Working in an area with adequate ventilation will help you control any unpleasant smells or fumes. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom.
Turn Off the Water
Before you start unclogging the toilet, shut off the valve to turn off the water supply, which is generally located near the toilet's base. As you work on unclogging, this helps avoid any accidental overflow.
Keep a Bucket and Some Old Towels
Keep a bucket and some old towels handy in case there are spills or overflows while unclogging. You can easily clean the spill with the towels.
How to Clear a Blocked Toilet Without a Plunger?
1. Hot Water and Dish Soap
You can easily unclog your toilet with dish soap and warm water. Adding dish soap to the hot water lubricates the clogged toilet and dissolves the obstruction. It makes it easier for the toilet to pass through the pipes.
Here's how you can do it:
Fill the toilet bowl with warm (not boiling) water.
Add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap to the water.
Try flushing the toilet after letting the warm water and detergent sit for a while to help dissolve the blockage.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are another common DIY solution for unclogging a toilet. This non-toxic and natural solution produces a reaction that helps dissolve the obstruction. Here's how to use vinegar and baking soda to unclog your toilet:
To start, evenly distribute one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
After adding the baking soda to the bowl, add one cup of vinegar. The mixture will start to bubble and fizz.
Allow the mixture to sit for approximately half an hour so that the blockage can be removed by the chemical reaction.
To see if the obstruction has been removed, flush the toilet after the allotted time has passed.
You can try combining it or repeating the process if needed.
3. Snake or Hanger Method
A plumber's snake is a commonly used tool for clearing clogs. This tool can reach deeper into a drain and is commonly used to push through the obstruction by moving down the toilet. You can also use a modified wire hanger coated in plastic to do the task, just like the plumber's snake.
To remove a toilet blockage using a clothes hanger, follow the steps below:
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Cut the hanger first, then straighten it as much as you can.
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Secure the hanger's end with duct tape after wrapping it in a sturdy shop towel or hand towel.
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To prevent the towel from possibly slipping into the toilet, it is important to tape down the towel securely.
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Put on rubber gloves and slide the straightened hanger into the toilet, twisting it as much as you can to remove any debris that might be obstructing the pipe.
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The hanger should be able to dislodge the obstruction as long as it isn't too deep in the pipe.
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After that, remove the hanger and flush the toilet to see if that fixes the problem.
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Make sure to throw away the hanger in the trash after using it.
Change the Toilet if Needed
Consider the age of your toilet. Since toilets typically last 20 years or less, any older unit should be replaced before serious problems occur. Mineral buildup and surface finish damage can weaken the toilet and interfere with its normal operation. If the toilet is not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, its lifespan may be shortened. It's a wise decision to spend one time on a new toilet rather than spending on regular repair work.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be annoying. You can effectively clear a toilet without a plunger by using the methods described in this article. There are several methods, like using a wire coat hanger, mixing vinegar and baking soda, or using dish soap and hot water to unclog the toilet.
However, it is advisable to call a professional plumber in case you are unable to do it yourself. You can reduce the chances of clogs in your toilet by following safety precautions.
