5 Easy Ways How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Is the water in your toilet overflowing? Or have you noticed water leaking around the toilet bowl? We know that these situations can be frustrating. However it's crucial to attend to this situation as soon as possible.
When many turn to a plunger, it can be hard to know what to do otherwise. At Mr Splash Plumbing, we share a promise to empower the local community with plumbing knowledge. Which is why we've provided a simple guide. This is so you can help ensure a smooth plumbing system.
To unblock your toilet, see our guide:
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What is The Definition Of a Clogged Toilet?
We know that it can be easy to misdiagnose a plumbing issue. This is whether you may be faced with a leaky, clogged or outdated toilet fixture.
In simple terms, a toilet clog means that there's a blockage in your drain pipes or toilet. These range from minor, moderate to major blockages. Which in turn means that the repair solutions widely vary.
Why Do I Have a Blocked Toilet?
Before diving into any solutions, let's understand what could be causing your toilet block. From outdated fixtures, to a lack of maintenance, there are various reasons behind this. Our plumbers have provided a simple list of potential problems. This is so you can restore your toilet sooner.
Using Too Much Toilet Paper: Flushing too much toilet paper at once can block the pipe.
Foreign Objects:Items like toys, hygiene products, or even wipes can lead to severe clogs.
Build-Up in Pipes: Over time, mineral deposits, grease, or soap scum can narrow the pipe, making blockages more likely.
Slow Draining or Gurgling: If water drains slowly or gurgles, it’s a sign of a partial blockage.
No Plunger? No Worries, with Our DIY Methods
If you don't have a plunger on hand, unclogging a toilet doesn't have to be tricky. Instead, keep your toilet clear with other household items available.
Our plumbers in Sydney have provided some simple methods on keeping your toilet clear. This is so you can enjoy smooth toilet operations in your bathroom.
See some clogged toilet fixes below:
1. Hot Water and Dish Soap
Chances are, like many, you have dish soap lying around the house. For this method, any kind is fine and can be just as effective as without the plunger.
So, Why Does it Work?
The combination of soap and hot water works to break down any build-up. This is because the soap lubricates the toilet for a thorough cleaning. While the hot water makes the build up easier to remove.
The 5 Easy Steps
- Pour Dish Soap: Add half a cup of liquid dish soap to the toilet bowl.
- Boil Water: Put water to a boil and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This ensures that it doesn't cause any damage like cracking the porcelain.
- Pour the Water: Slowly pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height.
- Let the Mixture Sit: To reap the complete benefits, allow 10-15 minutes.
- Flush: Press flush and enjoy a clog free toilet!
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
As more common household products, these can be useful for managing any clogs. It also has many other benefits like removing any ongoing smells from your toilet.
So, Why Does it Work?
When these chemical free mixtures work together, it creates pressure. This is because the foam expands and makes stubborn build-up easier to get rid of.
The 5 Easy Steps:
- Pour Baking Soda: Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Pour white vinegar: Follow with two cups of white vinegar into the toilet.
- Let the mixture sit: Ensure it fizzes and sit for at least 30 minutes to make it effective.
- Pour the water: Bring water to a boil and wait 5-10 minutes. Then pour into the bowl.
- Flush: Drain the mixture from your toilet.
3. Epsom Salt
As a staple in many bathrooms, epsom salt can come in handy for any clogs. At the same time, it can clean and remove any smells from your toilet.
Why Does it Work:
It contains magnesium sulphate, which results in a reaction that can break down many clogs. This works similarly to baking soda and vinegar (See step before.)
See Easy 4 Steps:
- Pour the epsom salts: Take a cup of salts and pour into the toilet bowl.
- Pour water: Grab a bucket of boiled water that's been cooled for 5-10 minutes.
- Let the mixture sit: Make sure that it sits for 15 minutes.
- Flush: Press flush for a clog free toilet.
4. Homemade Wire Hanger Tool
Don't have any cleaning products hanging around? See this step to create a temporary plunger tool.
Why Does it Work?
This provides a short term answer for your toilet, as it acts as a drain snake. Which means that it can break down the block.
5 Easy Steps:
- Create the tool: Straighten a wire hanger and wrap the end with a cloth to avoid scratches.
- Insert the hanger: Bring the tool into the toilet drain and gently push until you feel resistance.
- Move the hanger: Twist it in circular motions to get rid of the clog.
- Flush: Press flush and clear the remaining debris!
5. Toilet Brush to Plunge a Toilet
If you don't have a plunger, the next best thing can be a toilet brush. This is a convenient method as most bathrooms will have this on-hand.
Why Does it Work?
The toilet brush can work because it imitates the suction of a plunger. This means that it can capture many different blocks at hand.
4 Easy Steps:
- Insert the toilet brush: Slowly move the tool into the drain.
- Use fast motions: Move the toilet brush up and down inside of the drain.
- Flush: To see if the blockage has been removed, press flush.
Clean off toilet brush: Insert the tool in the bowl only and flush the toilet.
So, When Do I Call a Professional?
Have you tried the methods and nothing is working? In this case, there may be an underlying problem. To resolve this, it's best to get in touch with a professional plumber. This is because they have the tools and expertise to resolve wider problems.
Some potential causes can include a blocked pipe, or collapsed pipe. This would often need a tree root removal, removal of grease, overflowing repairs, or a pipe replacement.
How to Prevent a Toilet Block in the Future
Once your toilet is unclogged, it's important to take some measures. Preventative maintenance can help make sure that the block doesn't come back. This means that your plumbing can continue working smoothly.
See some steps to keep in mind:
- Only Flush Toilet Paper and Waste: This means wipes, tissues, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels should not be flushed.
- Limit Paper Use: Be mindful in flushing larger amounts of toilet paper.
- Annual Plumbing Inspection: Schedule a professional inspection with a plumber. This is so you can catch any problems before it can get worse.
Dispose of Items Properly: Use the bin for items like grease, hair, and non-flushable products.
See Your Go-To Solution to a Blocked Toilet in Sydney
Faced with a persistent toilet clog? Rest assured, we have the right solutions for you.
Backed with years of experience, we've unblocked toilet drains Sydney-wide. This means that we can handle any blockage, regardless of the extent involved. Our expertise doesn't stop at blocked drains, we offer comprehensive toilet repairs for your convenience.
Get in touch with us today!
