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There’s probably nothing you’d want to deal with less than a clogged toilet. Figuring out how to unclog a toilet with no plunger in sight, is even lower on the list. You don’t want to take risks and end up with a wastewater-filled bathroom. You also don’t want to leave the mess behind for the next person either. While DIY is rarely recommended, there are a few simple things to try before calling in the plumbing experts at Art Plumbing, AC & Electric.
You probably never thought you’d have to unclog a toilet without a plunger. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! There are different ways to clear the clog but keep in mind it’s all at your own risk. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or don’t want to risk damaging your plumbing – call professional plumbers.
You might be able to unclog your toilet with liquid dish soap like DAWN®. It helps act as a lubricant to get the debris to slip through the plumbing pipes. Additionally, DAWN® is known for its “delicate degreasing” properties. If a soap can easily remove oil from the feathers of baby ducks without hurting them, you know it’s safe for your plumbing. Remember – do not use any oil-based products to get the same lubricating effect. Depending on the cause of the clog, the soap should help everything slide into the sewage pipes.
Approximately ½ a cup of liquid soap in the toilet should do the trick but be prepared in case it doesn’t work.
Sometimes the liquid soap trick might need a little extra nudge. Use hot water in a bucket and pour it from a standing position into your toilet bowl. Try to pour it from waist height in a steady stream into the bowl. This can help dislodge the clog.
Keep in mind to use hot water and not boiling water. Hot water from your faucets works great. Boiling temperature water could cause damage to your toilet bowl and/or your plumbing.
The best way to describe mixing baking soda with vinegar is to call it a concoction. If you don’t have dish soap on hand, make use of one cup of baking soda to two cups of distilled white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes. If the clog hasn’t subsided, try using the hot water tip above.
When it comes to getting rid of debris build-up, it’s important to also think about your plumbing system. It costs more to fix any damage you cause than calling in a professional plumber to handle it in the first place. While there are a ton of do-able DIY’s online, always think about what you’re doing and how it can affect your plumbing. Some “hacks” suggest making use of a wire hanger to snake the drain. While in theory, it could work but if your pipes need repair, this can cause damage to the plumbing system.
It’s also important to remember that while some “concoctions” can help, you shouldn’t rely on them too often. You should also NEVER use chemical drain cleaners to achieve similar results. Chemicals are abrasive and can cause your pipes to deteriorate. If you’re constantly dealing with a clogged toilet, you need to have a plumbing inspection done. Regular preventative maintenance can help save your household plumbing.
Pro plumbing tip: Our plumbers recommend using BioClean® for preventative drain maintenance. It’s made from enzymes naturally found in bacteria that eat away at the clogs caused by grease and other debris. The best part is that it’s natural, meaning it has no caustic chemical properties that can lead to pipe damage.
Sometimes handling recurring clogs can make you lose your mind. It’s the last thing anyone wants to deal with after a hard day’s work. It’s also mortifying if it happens when guests are over. If you want to get to the root of your clogged drain problems, it’s time to call the professionals. The friendly and reliable plumbing team at Art Plumbing, AC & Electric has been taking care of South Florida’s pipes since 1983, and they’ll help yours too!
If you’re worried about your clog dilemma and none of the above tips have cleared up your issue, it’s time to call Art Plumbing, AC & Electric! Schedule an appointment with a plumber today at 1-800-475-1504!
