Most homeowners (and even renters!) can agree that it’s always good to have a plunger around. Even if your home was built with state-of-the-art plumbing, mistakes happen and you want to be prepared. In the rare instance that you find yourself in a bathroom without a plunger, what do you even do? Can you remedy the situation without leaving an unmentionable surprise for the rest of your house? Yes, you can. Thankfully, there are a few popular methods for clearing the toilet without using a plunger.
4 Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Method #1: Hot Water & Dish Soap
Locate a bucket or large tub. Fill it with hot water from the sink (just make sure it’s not boiling!) and pour it into the toilet bowl. Add dish soap and let it sit. The hot water and dish soap combination should help break down any unmentionables in your bowl in a half hour or more.
Method #2: Wire Hanger
Don’t want to wait? If your toilet is mostly clogged by paper, you can try using a wire hanger. Unwind it and stick it into the bowl to break up any solids manually. Avoid uncoated wire hangers as they might scratch your toilet bowl and leave unsightly marks.
Method #3: Toilet Brush
Own a toilet brush? Use it in the same manner as a plunger to assist your situation. Holding the handle, forcefully plunge the toilet. After a few pokes, you should be free and clear.
Method #4: Bleach & Dish Detergent
If all else fails, turn to strong chemicals like bleach and dish detergent to get the job done. Pour one to two cups of bleach into the bowl, then add dish detergent (preferably powder, but liquid detergent works, too!). Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then flush.
Sometimes these methods work as a quick fix. Other times, you can find yourself in a bit of a mess. For major toilet clogs from foreign objects or repeated wear and tear, you may need the assistance of a professional plumber—in Denver, call Good Guys Home Services.
Good Guys Home Services: #1 in HVAC and Plumbing Near Denver, CO
When disaster strikes, choose Good Guys Home Services—the best Denver emergency plumbing service. We’ll get to you ASAP to help with any emergency plumbing needs. When it comes to repairing all aspects of your home’s plumbing system, choose the locally owned business that takes pride in living up to its name. Whether you need assistance while remodeling your home or need us during an emergency plumbing issue, you can rely on the experienced staff at Good Guys Home Services. Contact us online today or give us a call at (970) 818-8008.
We offer year-round HVAC and plumbing services throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.