The most common issue our professional plumbers face every day is clogged toilets. In fact, almost all homeowners have already experienced this common problem. Usually, the solution is to use a plunger. However, what if a plunger is not available? The good news is that our friendly and knowledgeable professional plumbers at Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain have made a list of ways to fix a clogged toilet without using a plunger.
These methods involve using household items typically found in your medicine cabinet, closet, or under your sink. However, before enumerating the different techniques you can use, you must know the most crucial step when unclogging your toilet. To be specific, you have to shut down the water line connected to your toilet. By doing this step, you can guarantee that extra water will not accumulate in your toilet bowl or tank. With that said, we can now move on to the various ways to fix a clogged toilet without using a plunger.
Using Dishwashing Liquid
One of the most common ways to unclog a toilet is to use a dishwashing liquid. To do this method, you have to heat a pot of water. While you’re heating the water, you can put a few drops of soap in your toilet bowl. Once the water is hot, you can now carefully pour it into the toilet bowl. Then, you have to wait for the solution to go down the pipes. Usually, this process will take about 20 minutes. Afterward, the final step is to flush your toilet.
Keep in mind that the mixture of hot water and dishwashing liquid can unclog your toilet because of its ability to break down fatty deposits and dissolve grease. Once these substances are gone, water can finally flow into your pipes.
Using a Vinegar and Baking Soda
Another method you can use to fix a clogged toilet without using a plunger is to mix vinegar (one cup), baking soda (one cup), and hot water (one gallon). Remember that you should avoid using boiling water because it can damage the porcelain. Once the solution is ready, you can now pour it into the toilet bowl.
This method is effective in fixing clogged toilets because the mixture of vinegar and baking soda has an effect that is comparable to some harsh chemicals. The difference is that this solution doesn’t have long-term effects like erosion.
Using a Hanger
The third method to unclog a toilet is to use a hanger. Our professional plumbers recommend choosing a plastic-coated hanger to avoid damaging your toilet bowl.
For this method, the first thing you need to do is straighten the hanger using a pair of pliers. Afterward, bend the end of the plastic-coated wire, making it look like a hook. By bending the wire, you can reach and penetrate small crevices. Once you’ve made a hook, you can now stick the wire into the toilet bowl and through the pipes. Once the clogged is reached, you can spin the wire to loosen the deposits. Finally, the last step is to flush your toilet.
Using a Shop-Vac
If the abovementioned methods are ineffective, the last resort is to use a vacuum. However, according to our professional plumbers, it is best to utilize a shop-vac because it can handle liquids.
The first step in doing this method is to wrap a piece of cloth around the vacuum’s hose so that you can seal the drain. Afterward, you can position the hose and start the shop-vac. Once switched on, the equipment can suck the water in your toilet bowl. With some luck and persistence, it should be able to suck the object blocking your pipes.
Call Us to Unclog Your Toilet Anytime
Always remember that it is recommended to call an expert before trying to unclog a toilet without a plunger. If the methods mentioned above are unable to fix the plumbing problem, there may be an underlying issue. To be specific, your toilet may be taken off so that a professional can inspect the pipes thoroughly to fix the problem. Nevertheless, our professional plumbers consider a clogged toilet one of the most common plumbing problems they encounter daily. Most of the time, they can fix it quickly and easily.
Do you have more questions regarding other plumbing problems?
You can contact Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!