How to Unclog a Blocked Toilet Without a Plunger

Intro: How to Unclog a Blocked Toilet Without a Plunger

What would you do if your toilet got clogged on a Saturday evening when the shops are closed and you are about to host a curry and beer party?

This instructable will show you a simple method for unclogging a toilet using hot water and shampoo. While there are other methods of clearing a toilet drain, this is a great option for unclogging a toilet because you don’t have to touch the water.

You will need:

• 1 clogged toilet (works best when someone has been overzealous with the toilet paper)
• A generous amount of surfactant (i.e., Dawn Dishwashing liquid, shampoo, liquid soap, or any other cleaner that gets sudsy)
• Hot (but not boiling) water
• A bucket or a basin to transport water to toilet

This will only work with a toilet that is not overflowing and has some room to hold extra water.

(For squeamish people: The picture of the blocked toilet was not created with actual bodily excretions.)

STEP 1: Add Shampoo and Hot Water.

Get your bottle of shampoo/ soap and squirt a generous amount into the bowl.

Follow that with a bucket of very hot water from the hot tap (not boiling).
Fill the toilet full but not overflowing.

The reason you should not use boiling is because it has been said that boiling water can cause the toilet bowl to crack (I have not personally tested this assertion though as I do not have the money to buy a new toilet).
Then go have a cup of tea and let the blockage 'marinate'.

STEP 2: Return and See Your Handy Work.

Hopefully after a few minutes the water level will have lowered. (Hot water helps break up toilet paper quicker and the soap lubricates the passage of solid material).
If nothing has happened wait 10 minutes more. If still nothing has happened you will probably need to use a different method (or bail some of the water out and add more hot water/ soap).

If the water level is lower than before add more soap and more hot water (hot water does not need to be as hot as the first time as this time there is less water in the toilet to heat up).
Again wait for water to drain (this should be quicker).

Repeat the process until water flows freely.

STEP 3: Done

Done.
Remind your party goers to treat your toilet with respect and only put bodily excretions and small amounts of toilet paper in.

Comments

[magicmagic]

This actually works!! I followed the steps and it worked like magic!! Thanks so much!!

[ohalrightm8]

i usually don’t write comments but once in a while i clog the toilet and it’s embarrassing i use too much toilet paper and you know the deal but i did this didn’t use a gallon of water but used smaller amounts and a bit of the garnish shampoo i had, i think the shampoo does the trick, i waited 10, 10 then another 5 minutes each interval putting more water, it was nearly filled to the brim but i took out the toilet brush and in 2-5 minutes it unclogged, it was soapy but this is a life saver and saved me judgement and distress and humiliation from my family members, the next time this happens fingers crossed it doesn’t and i will be weary of how much tp i use for my loo, i would flush once then twice see if the levels are low and put generous amount of shampoo hand soap in a large jug and put hot water in it. i just don’t want to deal with the toilet brush because it’s a dirty hassle and want the toilet to unclog by itself fast. any other tips? this was super helpful

[SpicyCheese]

Thanks so much for this amazing tip. I signed up just to extend my gratitude. The toilet was draining so slowly. I used washing up liquid and very hot water from the tap. Whatever the blockage was, this softened it up. I was a bit impatient so gave it a gentle plunge too, and now it flushes like a dream. I'm adding this to my favourites, if only to read some of the comments again!

[ruffles33]

I agree. Worked a treat. Was so worried I will have to call a plumber.

[ani ka]

i thought it was really hopeless case.. been plunging for couple of hours and no signs of improvement.. then i came across this, i tried it and with a bit of luck it was draining little by little.. i literally read every comment i see for encouragement while waiting.. after almost an hour i tried plunging it again, just a few seconds, it then flushed like magic.. i'm not really into this leaving a comment thing, it's too much of a hassle to sign up but i did took time to thank you and tell others not to lose hope and try this.. it's really helpful.. saved me a lot of money for plumber

[Xyzxyzxyzxyz900009]

Omg thank you so much :'0
Yes I also signed up only to say thank you and to tell others not to get discouraged if it doesn't work at first, it took me about two hours and a shitload of hot water, dishwasher soap and laundry detergand but then it finally worked !!

[TraceyC59]

Don't know yet

[NavdeepK12]

Who ever posted these instructions, you are a life saver. Bless you. Toilet was blocked for 10 hrs. After several plumbers no movement. Googled for help and poured washing liquid and boiling water it cleared in 5 mins. This is first first ever review in life time! Bless you. Thank you.

[randalosgood]

Keep the water temp below 180° or so if you have PVC or other plastic plumbing in the house. PVC softens at that temp and too long an exposure and your plumbing could disconnect itself. Bad news! No boiling water!

[TanyaM72]

Wow. This worked. I had to do the steps 3 times but then the water went and toilet flushes as normal Using dishing washing soap worked better than shampoo. Thanks!

[FionaO7]

Just wanted to say that this has saved me tonight, otherwise I would have flushed my 4yeqr old down the toilet. The usual toilet tissue pushed down with a toilet brush by my four year old. Your method worked instantly with much much thanks.

[Yinka1]

Yay it worked! I used boiling water though and a small cup of washing powder! It worked first time.Thank you!

[OkhumoideK]

My kid stuffed loads of tissue in the toilet. This technique worked 100%.

First used boiling water with shampoo and detergent but that was taking abit long... so boiled more water...added liquid dishwasher, shampoo, detergent and fabric conditioner and poured it and it just flowed instantly! Thanks.

[GuLp1PLH]

How much is a generous amount? How long should I let it marinate? Should I fill the toilet full even with the water level low?

[AriëlleT2]

It also works with powdered laundry detergent after you let it get full of suds under the bathtub faucet

[AmalitaB]

its gotta feel good that almost 5 years after OP people are signing up for an account just to say thank! thanks! it worked instantly.. you have saved our marriage...this time. lol.

[RayC123]

Holy cr@p Batman, put some cheap shampoo and hot water down and it worked, nearly called the homeserve people, would have cost me £50. Brilliant.

[MOSES001]

I tried it and it worked in minutes. I had a clogged toilet that I was trying to flush waiting for it to go down and the flushing with a bucket but it was not working. I saw your page, followed the instruction and unvelievably, in minutes I was clog free. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[devontaffy]

WOW!!!!!! the bowl cleared almost immediately.thanks.

[ElaineL55]

Thank you! This simple process really does work - unclogged my bathroom in less than 5 minutes.