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!
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