How to unblock a toilet without a plunger
BLOCKED toilets can be a tricky and potentially costly issue to deal with.
But don't panic - even if you don't have a plunger at hand, here are five foolproof ways to unblock your toilet.
How to unblock a toilet without a plunger?
If you have to deal with a blocked toilet at home, having a plunger can be a life-saver.
But even if you don't have one, there are some other methods you could try, before having to call a professional plumber for help.
Here's what you can try:
Unblock a toilet using washing up liquid
Washing up liquid is one of the best methods for unblocking your toilet.
- Pour about half a mug's worth of washing up liquid into the toilet and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Then, add 2 litres of hot water and let this sit for another five to ten minutes before flushing.
- The soap should break down the toilet paper and lubricate the drain clog so that it can flush smoothly.
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Unblock a toilet using hot water
If you don't have any washing up liquid to hand, hot water alone can be an easy and effective solution.
- Fill a bucket with hot water and pour it quickly into the toilet bowl to flush the blockage out.
- Make sure that the water isn't boiling otherwise it could lead to a cracked toilet bowl.
- Flush the toilet after a minute or two to check if the toilet is still blocked.
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Unblock a toilet using baking soda
Baking soda can be used to clean lots of different household items including dirty pans, but it can also be used to unblock your toilet.
- Spread one cup of baking soda evenly inside the toilet bowl.
- Then slowly pour two cups of vinegar over the baking soda and let it fizz - this should break down the waste.
- Leave the mixture for two hours before flushing to unblock your toilet.
Unblock a toilet using a makeshift drain snake
If you don't have a drain snake, there's no need to rush out and buy one - you can DIY your own.
- Unravel a wire clothes hanger into a straight line and angle the hanger towards the drain until you reach the blockage, which you can push free.
- Flush the toilet twice after the water starts to drain out to clear the clog completely.
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Unblock a toilet using a plastic bottle
Another clever hack to try out when unblocking your toilet is using a plastic bottle to build up the water pressure.
- Cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle and keep hold of the top half with the lid still on.
- Lower the open end of the bottle into the toilet bowl and then thrust it up and down like you would with a plunger.
- The bottle has to remain submerged in the water to create water pressure.
- This should create a vacuum which will suck the blockage up into the main drain.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You're cleaning your carpet all wrong - here's how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven't in ages, here's how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
- If you looking for other ways to help keep your bathroom spotless, check out Sun Selects' roundup of the best shower cleaners.