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Hot Water and Dish Soap
Using hot water and dish soap is a simple alternative to a plunger for clearing a clogged toilet. Here’s what you have to do:
- Put some water on the stove to boil.
- Douse the toilet with the hot water.
- A few drops of dish soap in the water will help. If grease or oil are to blame for the clog, the soap will assist dissolve them.
- Hold off on flushing the toilet for a few minutes to give the hot water and soap time to do their thing. Since the obstruction has been removed, the water should flow freely again. If that doesn’t work, you might need to switch tactics.
Wire Hanger
A wire hanger could be used to remove a clog if it is located near the drain’s opening. This is what you need to do:
- Make sure the wire hanger is as straight as possible.
- Create a hook at the end of the hanger by bending it.
- Gently feed the hanger down the drain in an effort to hook and draw out whatever debris is creating the clog.
- Be cautious, as you don’t want to cause any harm to the plumbing by employing this technique. The hanger may not be effective if the clog is deeper down the drain or cannot reach the drain’s lower sections.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you don’t have a plunger, baking soda and vinegar can help you get rid of a clogged toilet. This is what you have to do:
- Add one cup of baking soda to the bowl of the toilet.
- When you’re done with the baking soda, follow it up with a cup of vinegar.
- The fizzing motion created by the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar may aid in dissolving and removing the clog. It’s best to give the combination a few minutes to do its thing before flushing the toilet. Since the obstruction has been removed, the water should flow freely again. If that isn’t the case, you might need to switch tactics.
Toilet Auger
An auger for a toilet is a long, bendable tool with a tiny hook at the end. It can reach deep down the drain and pull out any obstructions. Here’s the lowdown on using a commode auger:
- First, you’ll need to spin the lever on the auger and feed the cable down the bowl and into the drain.
- Turning the handle slowly will allow you to lower the auger further into the drain.
- When you encounter friction, it’s time to put down the crank and get out the hook.
You can also use a plumber’s snake if you don’t have a toilet auger. A long, bendable metal cable with a tiny auger at the end, used to remove obstructions from plumbing.
Plumber
If the aforementioned solutions don’t work, it’s time to call a plumber. A plumber has the equipment and training to unclog even the most difficult drains. Although hiring a professional may be more expensive than attempting a DIY toilet unclogging, it is ultimately more cost-effective in the long run.