Here’s How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

We’ve all experienced that terrifying moment when a blocked toilet just won’t flush. You reach for a plunger—but there’s no plunger to be found. This bathroom hack is here to help. While there are a few limits (an overflowing toilet for example) it’s still a helpful option if you’re stuck without a plunger or a plumber. Read on to learn more!

Don’t Panic! Here’s What Not to Do

While a plugged toilet can definitely feel like an emergency, don’t panic in the moment. Repeated flushing in an effort to remove the clog can actually cause the toilet to overflow, which will lead to an even bigger and messier problem. To avoid overflow, or to stop overflow if it’s already started, you will need to cut off the toilet’s water supply. First, remove the toilet tank lid and disconnect the chain that connects the flapper and the toilet handle to prevent more water from entering the bowl. Next, near the bottom of the toilet you’ll find a valve that connects it to the main water line: twist it hard to completely cut off the toilet’s water supply.

You can also avoid overflow by removing excess water from the bowl. Don rubber gloves and use a small disposable bowl or container to transfer overflow water from the toilet bowl to a bucket.

Best Ways to Unclog a Toilet

There are a few common household items you can use to unclog a toilet without a plunger. From hot water to dish soap, we’ve put together a list of the best ways to unclog a toilet when you don’t have a plunger.

Dish Soap

Did you know that you can use regular dish soap to unclog a toilet? Its slippery nature can help lubricate blocked pipes, so the clog can slide through. Add about half a cup of soap to the toilet and flush to see if it removes the clog. If you’re out of dish soap or need something closer at hand you can also try shampoo, liquid body wash or liquid hand soap. Avoid using pieces of solid soap as that can potentially add to the clog.

Hot Water

If the dish soap method doesn’t fix your plugged toilet, try hot water. Fill a large bucket with hot water and pour it into the toilet bowl. The heat and force of the water should help break up the clog. Good to Know! Do not use boiling water for this method as it can crack a porcelain toilet bowl. Hot water from the tap should work just fine.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If neither method has cleared the blocked toilet, you can also try using vinegar and baking soda. Pour about one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it sink to the bottom. Next, pour in about two cups of vinegar using a circular motion to disperse it as evenly as possible. The vinegar and baking soda will cause a fizzy reaction that can help break up the clog. Let it sit for 20 minutes to one hour and then try flushing. 

Good to Know! It’s important to make sure the water level is low in the bowl before using this mixture so it doesn’t overflow or spill over the sides.

Wire Hangers

If all the above methods fail to unclog a toilet, you can also try using a wire hanger. Unfold the hanger to create a do-it-yourself toilet snake. Carefully maneuver it through the clogged area until it gives.

Epsom Salts or Bath Bombs

If you’re out of vinegar and baking soda, you can also try using Epsom salts or a bath bomb. The fizzy reaction these bath products have when they hit the water functions the same as the baking soda and vinegar solution, and may help remove the clog.

How to Prevent a Blocked Toilet

The best practice of course is to prevent a clog from happening in the first place. Here are a few easy tips to avoid a plugged toilet: ​

• Use less toilet paper

• Use thinner toilet paper

• Do not flush any bathroom products not intended for flushing

• If you have curious kids in your home, make sure they know not to drop and flush items in the toilet

• Perform regular maintenance to ensure your toilet has strong flushing power

There are a number of clogged toilet solutions available to you if you don’t have a plunger, some of which you probably already have on hand! But if all else fails and your toilet is constantly clogged, it may be time to replace it. Shop our collection of toilets and check out our blog on how to tell it’s time to replace a toilet for more information.