Let's say you're at a friend's dinner party when you excuse yourself to quickly use the bathroom, and while you're in there things take a turn for the worst and you find yourself face-to-face with a clogged toilet. After a moment of panic, you look about and discover that this dear friend of yours does not keep a plunger in their bathroom, leading you to panic further.
Fortunately, you regularly read plumbing blog articles and you know there has to be a way to get yourself out of this plumbing predicament — and you're right! So, if you see the water rise after an attempted flush, just stay calm and learn...
How to Unclog a Toilet with Hot Water
- STEP 1: Take the lid off the tank, and simply close the flapper so that no more water will be let into the bowl.
- STEP 2: Since there is no plunger present, we'll go ahead and assume you don't have a bucket handy. Empty the trashcan, fill it with hot water, and pour the hot water into the toilet letting it sit for a few minutes.
- STEP 3: After the hot water has had a chance to dissolve parts of the clog, you should be able to attempt a second — and successful — flush.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Soap
- STEP 1: While dish soap is preferred, we know you don't have access to dish soap in a bathroom with no plunger and no bucket. In this scenario, squeezing liquid hand soap, body wash, or shampoo into the toilet should net you the same results.
- STEP 2: Let the soap sit for about 20 minute so it can coat and loosen the clog for maximum flushability.
- STEP 3: After you've checked Facebook, played a game or two, and caught up on your emails, you should be able to attempt a second — and successful — flush.
How to Unclog a Toilet with a Toilet Brush
- STEP 1: Hopefully your friend does keep a toilet brush nearby that you can cover with a plastic bag (likely taken from the trashcan). So, cover the brushy part with a plastic bag, then secure with an elastic band if you can find one.
- STEP 2: Use your makeshift tool like you would a real life plunger and "plunge" for a few minutes to break up the clog, then you should be able to attempt a second — and successful — flush.
While these tactics may not work on a BIG clog, which may require the suction of an actual plunger or the heavy-duty-breakup-power of an auger, they should be enough to get you out of your awkward situation! If you were unable to conquer the clog and need the help of a professional plumber, just give us a call at (864) 242-5511 or click the banner below to schedule service online!
FAQ - Unclog a Toilet
1. What are some alternative methods to unclog a toilet if hot water, soap, or a toilet brush are not available?
Alternative methods to unclog a toilet if hot water, soap, or a toilet brush are not available could include using a wire hanger to manually break up the clog, pouring baking soda and vinegar down the toilet to create a chemical reaction, or using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the obstruction.
2. Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to using hot water, soap, or a toilet brush to unclog a toilet?
While using hot water, soap, or a toilet brush to unclog a toilet can be effective in some cases, there are potential risks and drawbacks to consider. For example, using hot water could potentially damage the porcelain of the toilet bowl if it's too hot, and using soap may not be effective for particularly stubborn clogs. Additionally, using a toilet brush as a makeshift plunger may not provide enough suction to clear the clog fully.
3. How effective are these alternative methods compared to a traditional plunger or an auger?
The effectiveness of these alternative methods compared to using a traditional plunger or an auger can vary depending on the severity and nature of the clog. While hot water, soap, and a toilet brush can work well for minor clogs or soft obstructions, they may not be sufficient for larger or more stubborn clogs that require the suction of a plunger or the mechanical action of an auger to fully clear. It's important to assess the situation and use the most appropriate method accordingly.
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