4 Ways to Unclog a Toilet That Won't Drain

There’s never a good time for a toilet clog to occur. Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays or throwing a party for the neighbourhood, a clogged toilet creates an embarrassing predicament.

Clearing a toilet backup can be difficult, and it’s even more difficult when you don’t have a plunger. If you find yourself in this situation, there are still some techniques you can try. We’ll walk you through a few techniques for clearing toilet blockages with and without a plunger.

Wield the Plunger

How to Unclog Your Toilet with a Plunger

A plunger is one of the most reliable ways to clear a clog from your toilet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you the next time you need to break out the plunger:

1. If the toilet bowl is already filled to the brim, remove some water using a large cup to prevent overflow.
2. Put the plunger in the toilet bowl slowly to let the air inside of the plunger escape the bell.
3. Create a seal between the opening of the plunger and the opening of the pipe in the toilet.
4. Plunge firmly into the toilet at a straight, consistent angle multiple times. The plunger will force water into the toilet’s trapway, pushing the blockage down the pipe. If this process is successful, the water level in the toilet bowl will decrease.
5. Fill a bucket or other container with about 4 litres of water and slowly pour it into the toilet bowl. If the blockage has been removed, the water will go down into the bowl.
6. If the water does not recede, continue to repeat steps 1 to 5 until the clog is dislodged.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

Not everyone has a plunger ready to go at all times. When you run into this frustrating scenario, hang in there. There are a few ways to clear your clog without a plunger. Here are some methods you can use to overcome this inconvenience.

Smooth the Road to Success

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Soap and Hot Water

1. If the toilet bowl is full, remove some water using a cup or bucket. Make sure there is space for about four litres of liquid.
2. Add some dish soap, shampoo, or slivers of bar soap to lubricate the toilet bowl.
3. Heat 4 litres of water to a hot, but not boiling, temperature. It should be about the same temperature as a drinkable cup of tea. Don’t use water that is too hot, or it could crack your toilet bowl. After heating the water, pour it into the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Flush the toilet. If it flushes, you’re good to go. If it threatens to overflow, turn off the water valve behind the toilet and then start again from step 1 or move on to another method.

Science Fair Drain Care

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If the toilet remains clogged after a few attempts at resolving the problem, remove at least half of the water from the bowl. Then try pouring 250 ml of baking soda and 500 ml of vinegar into the toilet. The mixture will bubble excessively, which is why it’s important to first remove the excess water. Let the bubbles sit for at least 20 minutes before you try to flush.

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