A clogged toilet can be a messy business in more ways than one. When the toilet suddenly clogs, your first instinct is to reach for a plunger. Unfortunately, when there’s no plunger in sight, you’ll have to think on your feet before panic sets in.
Before jumping into your car and heading to your nearest store in search of a plunger, check out our at-home solutions to help fix your clogged toilet in a jiffy:
Use Hot Water
Adding hot water to your toilet bowl can be a simple way to loosen and dislodge the clog. If your toilet is overflowing, it’s best to scoop out the extra water before pouring a large pot of hot water into the toilet bowl. The pressure of the falling, hot water should break down any nasty elements from the clog. DO NOT pour boiling water, as this can cause the porcelain of your toilet bowl to crack. You can also pour half a cup of liquid dish soap into your toilet before adding the hot water. This addition can help soak up any nasty bits that have built up, guiding them down the drain along with the hot water.
Add Airflow
One of the best ways to get rid of clogs is through the power of compressed air. Unfortunately, not everyone will have a toilet air blaster, so using your wits and sense of innovation will have to do. Use an empty plastic bottle or two-litre soda bottle to force air through your pipes, which can be similar to using an air blaster. Make sure the bottle is upside down when inserting it into the toilet, and squeeze firmly and fast. This will force air into the pipes and help loosen the clog. An alternative can be to create your own makeshift plunger with your handy plastic bottle. Cut the bottom of your bottle and insert it into the toilet, using a pull-and-push motion a few times (similar to how you would use a plunger) and wait until the water level goes down.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a popular concoction for cutting through grime and can be a fantastic way to tackle clogs. Add a cup of baking soda to your clogged toilet and slowly pour two cups of white vinegar onto the powder. The two ingredients will create a chemical reaction that fizzes and hopefully clears the blockage. Prevent your mixture from bubbling over by ensuring the toilet bowl is only half filled with water. Let the mixture soak for 20 minutes to work its magic.
Find a Toilet Brush
A toilet brush is a staple in every bathroom and is the next best thing when attempting to unclog your toilet. Insert the toilet brush in the bowl and use an up-and-down motion (as you would a plunger) to help loosen the blockage. Make sure you really dive deep, as the plunging movement will provide some suction action that will hopefully rescue you from your problem.
Use a Wire Hanger
As a last resort, turn to your wardrobe for help. A wire hanger can act as your improvised toilet snake and offers a more aggressive approach to your problem. Unfold the hanger and extend the end into your pipes. By using a twisting and plunging motion, you can help dislodge the blockage before flushing the contents down the drain.
Give The Professionals a Call
When all else fails, it’s best to turn to the professionals for help. Blocked toilets are common occurrences that can leave you panicked and reaching for your non-existent plunger. You can rest assured knowing Clearpath Drainage is only a call away and ready to tackle your blocked drains and provide relief in no time!
Our team at Clearpath Drainage can quickly help you unblock your toilet, sink or shower drains and unclog your pipes in no time! Get in touch with one of our experts today!