When it comes to problems with pipes and drains, calling a professional plumber is usually the first solution that comes to mind. But some common pipe and drain problems can be solved using tools and other homemade hacks. For example, a plunger always comes in handy in dealing with clogged toilets and sinks.
But sometimes, unexpected things happen – like not finding a plunger in your home when you need it the most. You might ask yourself how you are going to unclog a toilet bowl without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet, sink, or shower drain can be stressful especially if, for some reason, you don’t have the tools for it.
How to unclog a toilet without a plunger
The good news is that there are other ways to get rid of clogs on your toilet without using a plunger at home. You might even already have these tools at home, which means you don’t have to go to the nearest supermarket or hardware store and spend on these extra items. Here are ways to deal with toilet clogging without a plunger.
Do not flush repeatedly.
The first thing you should never do is to flush your toilet repeatedly, especially if you see the water already rising. Or else, not only will you have a clogged toilet but also a flooded bathroom floor. To prevent things from getting worse, cut off the toilet’s water supply. Remove the tank lid then push the flapper down and wait for the water to reside before fixing the clogging.
Use hot water.
Instead of a plunger, you can pour a pan or bucket of hot (not boiling) water. You can also add a half cup of salt before pouring the hot water down the toilet. By doing this, it can help break up remnants and debris that are causing the clogging.
Use vinegar and baking soda.
Another way to deal with a clogged toilet is by using baking soda and vinegar. Pour baking soda and then follow up with a cup of vinegar and pour on a half-filled toilet (you can scoop some of the water out or add hot water). Let the mixture soak for around 20 minutes before attempting to flush it.
Use a toilet brush.
You often use this to clean your toilet. But in this case, you might use this to get rid of the clogging. Use the brush like you usually do with a plunger, sticking it deep into the bowl. Hopefully, this works and when it does, make sure to throw the brush away and buy a new one for your future toilet cleaning tasks.
Try declogging using a wire hanger.
If these abovementioned hacks won’t work, try using a wire hanger as it can work as a toilet snake. Straighten the hanger until it becomes an improvised rod, then use it to push the blockage in the toilet and hopefully get rid of the clogging.
These homemade hacks can be helpful when dealing with a clogged toilet. But if all else fails, it might be time to call a professional plumber in Franklin TN to help you with this rather dirty task.