Clogged Toilet and No Plunger? Ask A Maurais & Sons, Inc.
Believe it or not, there are ways to unclog toilets without a plunger. In an earlier blog, we addressed common reasons that toilets clog and described how to use plungers to unclog them. But what can you do if you don’t have a plunger to unclog your toilet? A Maurais & Sons, Inc., knows! In the absence of a plunger you can use:
- Soap and Hot Water
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- A Coat Hanger as a Plumbing Snake
Soap and Hot Water or Baking Soda and Vinegar Do the Trick
If you don’t have a plunger handy, try using either soap and hot water or baking soda and vinegar. When using soap and hot water, first use a cup to remove water from the toilet bowl. This will make room for extra liquid. Then, lubricate the toilet bowl with shampoo, bar soap shavings, or dish soap. Next, heat water to steaming hot, but not to boiling; boiling water can crack the toilet. You’ll probably need at least a half-gallon. Pour the water into the bowl, let it be for 20 minutes, then flush. Repeat steps one more time if it doesn’t flush.
If using soap and hot water doesn’t work, try using baking soda and vinegar. Before putting the water back into the bowl, mix a 1:2 cup ratio of baking soda and vinegar. Remember learning in school how baking soda and vinegar react to one another? The baking soda and vinegar mix will bubble excessively. Let the bubbles sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then try to flush again.
Use a Plumbing Snake, or Make One with a Coat Hanger
Can’t spare any baking soda and vinegar or soap and hot water? The next best thing to these or a plunger is a plumbing snake. But if you don’t have a plunger, chances are you don’t have a snake, either. Also not a problem! You can make a snake with a wire coat hanger. First, unravel a wire coat hanger and wrap one end with a cloth, securing it with duct tape. Gently push debris down the toilet with the coat hanger by twisting and pushing it in a circular motion. Be sure to wear a pair of disposable gloves.
At A Maurais & Sons, Inc., we’ve offered plumbing and HVAC services for more than 90 years. Give us a call at (207) 897-3027 and like us on Facebook. Our experienced plumbing staff would love to share happy more ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.
