8 Ways to Unclog a Toilet (When You Don’t Have a Plunger)

Murphy’s Law states that if something can go wrong, it will. Usually, it will choose to do so at the worst possible opportunity. This also applies to clogged toilets, specifically as the Toilet Clog Probability Law: When the toilet clogs, it will usually do so when there’s no plunger around.

When the Toilet Clog Probability Law strikes, you don’t have to panic. A plunger makes the job easier, but there are ways to effectively handle a toilet clog without one. You don’t even have to run to the store, as you probably have the tools you need right there in the bathroom when it happens. So if your toilet clogs at the worst possible time, take a deep breath, shut off the water supply so the toilet doesn’t overflow, and keep these ideas in mind.

First, Understand The Problem

There are a few different ways to handle a malfunctioning toilet.

First, consider the problem; was something flushed that shouldn't have been? (For future reference, here's a useful guide to what not to flush.) Are there any other signs of toilet trouble with your hardworking commode, such as leaks or constantly running water? We put together a list of some common causes of toilet leaks, as well as a step-by-step breakdown of how to fix a running toilet, too.

It's also a good idea to consider the age of the toilet. Toilets have an expected use span of about twenty years, so any toilet older than twenty years should be replaced before the worst of the problems set in. If the toilet has not been cleaned and maintained regularly, the expected lifespan gets lower, because mineral deposits and wear and tear on the surface finish can deteriorate the toilet and interfere with regular operations. If your toilet gets clogged frequently and for seemingly no reason, wobbles on the floor, has visible cracks, or has also sprung a leak, maybe the more effective solution is to replace it with a new toilet all together.

Of course, the other approach to the problem of a clogged toilet is to simply clear the clog with a toilet plunger. That simple solution assumes that you have the plunger easily at hand, however. For those instances where you don't have a plunger, here's a list of different ways to remove a toilet clog.

Hot Water Clog Removal

The toilet bowl shouldn’t have a lot of waste water in it for this hack to work. If you caught the clog early enough and stopped the bowl from filling, all the better. The idea is to use heat to break up the fats and oils in the waste while also using the force of water to push the clog through the toilet.

Step 1:

To do this, you will need to run the water in the sink or in the tub as hot as it can get. Fill up a bucket or a deep pan; ideally, you’ll need about a gallon of water to work with. If (as according to Murphy’s Law) the bathroom water heater doesn’t want to cooperate, you can also heat a pan of water on the kitchen stove. The trick is to make it hot, but not boiling, as boiling water can crack porcelain and ruin your toilet.

Step 2:

Apply a about a cup of the hot water to the toilet and wait; with any luck, the hot water will be enough to break up the clog and get things moving again.

Step 3:

After a few minutes of the hot-water soak, it might be useful to try flushing the toilet again. Be sure to remove the tank lid first so that you can easily access the float to close the flapper in case the clog is still in place. If the toilet is still clogged, do not allow the bowl to fill! It runs the risk of overflow and limits your options on clearing the clog.

Step 4:

If there is still no movement, the final step of the Hot Water Clog Removal trick is to take the pan of hot water - remember, hot but not boiling - and pour it directly into the bowl. Keep clear to be sure you don’t splash yourself with hot water (or the waste water) but make sure you pour it evenly enough that it causes an impact. It should push on the clog to force it through and clear the toilet.

Soap Clog Cleaner

This trick works great alongside the Hot Water Clog Removal trick. When hot water does not work on its own, you can also add it with liquid dishwashing soap. Most liquid dishwashing detergent is effective at breaking apart grease, grime, and fat, which is exactly what it does when you use it in your dishwasher. This is obviously a slightly different application, but just as useful!

Be sure to use the liquid detergent rather than the gel form, however, as the gel will not dissolve as easily in cold, dirty, toilet water and will only add to the mess.

To use the soap clog cleaner method:

1. After pouring several squirts of soap down the toilet, follow it up with hot water.
2. Wait 20 minutes to allow the soap some time to work.
3. You can then flush the toilet, preventing an overflow in case it occurs.

The Bath Bomb Method

Another easy fix often found in the bathroom are bath bombs, those fizzy, powdered creations meant to drop in the bath for a relaxing soak. Most are made out of a predictable combination of epsom salt, baking soda, and citric acid. The chemicals that make it fizz when it meets water can also react to the organic waste clogging up the toilet.

As long as the bath bomb doesn’t have any non-dissolvable material in it, such as petals, confetti, or glitter, they could help dislodge the problem clog. Just drop the fizzy mixer in with the hot water and let it get to work. This fix might take an hour or two to do the job, but it’s simple: Drop the mix into the toilet with a few cups of hot water and let it soak completely.

If you’re the kind of person who thinks ahead, you can make your own “Toilet Bowl Bomb” version to have on hand for these kinds of emergencies.  You’ll need:

• 2 cups of Baking Soda
• ¼ cup Epsom Salt
• 8-10 tablespoons Liquid Dish Detergent

To make your own cleaner pods to help clear the toilet clog:

1. Mix the dry ingredients.
2. Add the liquid detergent one tablespoon at a time until it starts to clump and stick together.
3. Take a muffin pan and pop in some paper liners, then pack the mix down into the liners, and let them dry overnight.
4. When they’re done, you’ll have a pack of toilet cleaner pods ready to go.

Store them in a glass jar and have them on hand to tackle the next clog.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

If you have baking soda and vinegar already sitting in the pantry then this can be an effective method for dealing with clogs.

1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet.
2. Immediately follow it up with one cup of white vinegar.
3. Wait a few minutes and then pour several cups of hot water into the bowl.

Bleach Clog Removal

For tough cases, it may be better to use bleach. It’s important to keep in mind that bleach is a harsh chemical and can damage some materials; the toilet should be fine, but any towels or clothing that may be in the splash-zone are at risk. It would also be useful to open a window for air circulation, and it’s never a good idea to mix bleach with other chemicals without first researching that the combination is safe.

How to use bleach for toilet clog removal:

1. Pour two or three cups of bleach into the toilet.
2. Follow this up with powdered dishwasher detergent, as most of these contain bleach and enzymes that will help break up the solids in the toilet.
3. Give it about 10 minutes to allow the chemicals to react with one another.
4. You can then flush the toilet and send the clog on its way.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

While the store-bought, industrial grade cleaners are effective at breaking apart clogs, you should save them as a last resort. The harsher chemicals can corrode pipes and septic tanks. They are also harmful to people and animals, so you may not want a container in the house where small children can get into it. If you do choose to go that route, make sure the cleaner you are using specifically states it is meant to be used for toilets.

Follow the instructions on the cleaner exactly. Pour the exact amount inside the bowl and wait for however long stated. While waiting, you should keep the lid down so that the fumes from the chemicals do not overwhelm the bathroom. It is also a good idea to keep the room ventilated.

After the clog is removed, flush the toilet a few times to be sure the chemical is cleared out of the bowl. Do not mix these chemicals with normal cleaning chemicals.

Snake or Hanger Method

A common plumbing tool for clogs is known as a plumber’s snake. This tool is capable of reaching farther down into the curves of a drain. It is often used to sneak down the toilet and break apart or push down the obstruction. In the event you do not have a snake handy, you can achieve a similar effect with a slightly modified plastic-coated wire hanger.

To use a clothes hanger or a snake to clear a toilet clog:

1. Cut the hanger and straighten it out as much as possible; take care because exposed wire can scratch the porcelain and open up a whole new world of toilet trouble further down the road.
2. Cover the end of the hanger in a sturdy shop rag or hand towel and use duct tape to fix the towel to the wire. It is important to be very careful to tape the towel securely, or you run the risk of losing the towel down the toilet as well.
3. Wear rubber gloves as you push the straightened hanger into the toilet, turning it as much as possible to be sure it catches any debris that might be blocking the pipe.
4. As long as the clog is not too far down the pipe, the hanger should be able to break it up.
5. Remove the hanger and flush the toilet to see if it worked.
6. Of course, when you’re done with the hanger, toss it in the garbage.

Toilet Brush Method

You may not have a plunger readily accessible, but there will likely be a toilet brush around that gets used to clean the toilet regularly. This brush can be used similarly to a snake or hanger, but will not have quite the same amount of reach down the pipe. Push the brush into the hole to see if you can reach the clog and dislodge it. This method only works when the clog is relatively close to the opening, but it can be effective in a pinch.

If you have any plastic bags, you can add a little more force to this method by putting the brush head in the bag and wrapping, tying, or taping it securely to the handle. Then you can use the toilet brush in much the same way as you would a plunger, with the bag acting to help force the water through the toilet pipe. Depending on what exactly the clog is, with either option, the brush may become damaged or excessively dirty, but it is much easier to clean a toilet brush than it is to mop up dirty water off the bathroom floor.

Plan Ahead for Toilet Trouble

At the end of the day, there are many ways to unclog a toilet when you don’t have a plunger. However, for future reference, it is a good idea to invest in a toilet plunger if you don’t already have one.

Pro-tip: make sure you get a flange plunger as well as a cup plunger. Flange plungers are better for toilets while cup plungers are better for tubs and sinks. Be prepared so that you can be ready for life’s little inconveniences, because if a clog has a chance to form, it probably will.

Clogs may not happen often, but when they do, you will thank your lucky stars you have the right tools on-hand for the job.