How Can I Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?

It is the type of situation that nightmares are made of; it’s our worst fears that come to life. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but we have all had at least some type of “bathroom emergency” situation involving a backed-up toilet. Possibly you did not realize there was a clog, and you came across a rapidly filling toilet bowl? Or perhaps you realized it was overflowing but had to hurry and could not get the water shut off as it approached an overflow. Or even worse, it is filling up, and you cannot find the plunger to pop the blockage through. Well, no need to fret. Your friends at Poole’s Plumbing are not the number one Raleigh emergency plumbers for nothing! We have got you covered in any plumbing emergencies. Yes, even when you are trying to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger.

All joking and hypothetical scenarios aside, this is a problem that can lead to a colossal mess and, depending, could lead to some severe damage. If you can’t find or don’t have the right tools for some reason, any plumbing emergency can quickly turn into a disaster. In this case, not having a plunger is means for panic, no question. Thus, we will list out below several alternative options for you to know if you ever need to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger.

Is It Safe to Use Another Tool to Try and Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger? 

We do not recommend using just any item to clear through a clog in the toilet, for starters. There are many things, especially in a panicked state, that could go wrong with shoving something into the toilet frantically to try and loosen a blockage. However, in a last-ditch effort, if you see no alternatives, you can Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger using a toilet brush.

If, and only if you see no other option, we urge you to be careful when using a brush to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger. You do not want anything to break off into the already clogged toilet. Don’t forget, the use of these brushes are to clean the bowl. Thus, they are not necessarily real flexible or strong. Thus, over-exuberance could result in a bigger clog than you start with. So, basically, you want to hold the brush by its handle and push it into the drain hole. Then, push and pull back and forth, again remembering to not get too forceful in doing this. Don’t get us wrong, you have to put some “elbow grease” into it but be careful to not bend and break while attempting to unclog.

We would also suggest wearing gloves when taking this approach to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger. It could get a little messy. Likewise, there may be splashing depending on how high the water level has risen to.

What Can You Use to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger Without Shoving Anything in the Bowl to Clear?

Ok, so we understand the initial reaction to realizing first the toilet clog. Likewise, if you see it’s about to overflow and that there is no plunger. However, just keep a cool head about it, and don’t fret. There are some basic household items or fixes that you should be able to use to Unclog a Toilet Without Using a Plunger.

Since each of these methods to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger involves pouring or putting a substance into the toilet bowl to dissolve the blockage, we recommend if at all possible shutting off the toilet’s water before trying any or each of these. Once you have the water off, below are three ways that can usually get that toilet flushing like normal once again.

Use Very Hot Water. We Repeat…Not Boiling Water, But Very Hot Water

The first method we suggest is trying to pour very hot water into the toilet bowl. It is very important that the water is extremely hot. However, it is more important than the water you use to Unclog a Toilet. Without a Plunger, it is not so hot that it is boiling.

We need to be clear on the water temperature here. If you fill a bucket with extremely hot water and dump it into the bowl, the heat and movement of the water can solve the problem. This should help remove and flush the clogged unit. However, boiling water can crack ceramic. In case you’re unaware, ceramic is what your toilet is made out of. Thus, if the water you use is too hot, you can see how it could cause an emergency situation to get even worse.

When Time Is On Your Side, Let it Take Care of More than Just “Grease and Grime.”

Our final two remedies to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger involve fairly common household products to fix this problem. Well, one is more common than the other, but neither is difficult to find if needed. So first, let’s turn to a product you use every day. Known to “cut grease and grime,” the product is dish soap. 

Again, we remind you to shut that water off going to the toilet. But you probably did that unless you are just watching it pour over the sides and all on the floor. Anyhow, you want to squeeze about a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Now, we wait. About 30-40 minutes should do. Just as it loosens the debris on your “greasy and grimy” dishes and pans, the dish soap will begin eating away at your clog. You can actually tell if this way to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger is Working by monitoring while you wait. If you see the water line starting to get lower in the toilet, you are well on your way to flushing freely once again.

No Need to Get “Salty” Over this Clog… Oh, Wait, Yes, There Is!

Ok, so we know having to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger is no laughing matter. Sorry for the “plays on words” and “puns,” but, remember, we got your back! So that’s just us trying to help you stay at ease and get back to flushing. The last method we suggest is to use Epsom salt to clear the blockage in your bowl.

Sure, Epsom salt we know is less common a household item than dish soap. But if the water is shut off to the toilet, you have time. Even if you need to get some, it can solve your toilet issue. To start with, pour a healthy amount into the toilet bowl. This will create a fizzy, chemical-type reaction in the bowl. Give it about 15 minutes or so, and you should see that you were able to Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger, after all, thanks to a little Epsom salt.

What Happens if None of These Methods Clear My Clogged Toilet?

Well, it would seem you may ask this question thinking the obvious answer would be to go get a plunger. Honestly, you should get a plunger and keep one handy near the toilet. This would most times avoid this situation from even happening. But, given the fact that none of these methods worked, it is a distinct possibility it would not plunge either. So, one way or another, yes, get a plunger. Yes, keep it in your bathroom. But, if that isn’t helping either, it’s time to call the pros in.

To contact us at Poole’s Plumbing to take a look at how to Unclog Your Toilet Without Using a Plunger or for any other plumbing issue, visit poolesplumbing.com.