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.

1. Pour about half a mug's worth of washing up liquid into the toilet and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
2. Then, add 2 litres of hot water and let this sit for another five to ten minutes before flushing.
3. The soap should break down the toilet paper and lubricate the drain clog so that it can flush smoothly.

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.

1. Fill a bucket with hot water and pour it quickly into the toilet bowl to flush the blockage out.
2. Make sure that the water isn't boiling otherwise it could lead to a cracked toilet bowl.
3. Flush the toilet after a minute or two to check if the toilet is still blocked.

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.

1. Spread one cup of baking soda evenly inside the toilet bowl.
2. Then slowly pour two cups of vinegar over the baking soda and let it fizz - this should break down the waste.
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. Flush the toilet twice after the water starts to drain out to clear the clog completely.

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.

1. Cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle and keep hold of the top half with the lid still on.
2. Lower the open end of the bottle into the toilet bowl and then thrust it up and down like you would with a plunger.
3. The bottle has to remain submerged in the water to create water pressure.
4. This should create a vacuum which will suck the blockage up into the main drain.

• If you looking for other ways to help keep your bathroom spotless, check out Sun Selects' roundup of the best shower cleaners.