How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger Quick List

There are a ton of ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.  Here is out quick list to get your started.

1. Toilet Auger
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
3. Salts
4. Hot Water (Our Top Choice)
5. Baking Soda (by itself)
6. Bleach
7. Wire Hanger
8. Wet Vac

Unclogging a Toilet without a Plunger: 8 Methods to Try

You might wonder, what can I use if I don’t have a plunger? Here are 8 home remedies that you can try that should do the trick.

#1. Editor’s Recommended Way to Unclog Toilets Fast

The best way to unclog a toilet is with a toilet auger.  The second best way is with a plunger.  But what if you have neither of those tools in your house?  If you’re toilet is clogged and you need to get it running again FAST, there are 7 ways you can try.  

We will go through each method below and let you know if they work, or if you should just forget about even trying.

#2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction from combining hot water, baking soda, and vinegar can happen in your toilet bowl to clear out clogs.  Banish your clogged toilet mess!

Honestly, its the hot water that actually clears out your clog by melting and dissolving enough of your clog to let your pipes run clear.  For a short time anyways.  Unclogging a toilet permanently is not this easy.

The gunk and grime that caused your clog is probably still lurking in the elbows and corners of your pipes, just waiting for the perfect time to clog up again.  A toilet auger will clean all that gunk from the sides of your pipes, preventing clogs for a long time to come.

#3. Salts

We have seen different types of salts recommended for clearing out toilet clogs.  Rock salt is the most popular for unclogging a toilet.  Rock salts are definitely not something I have lying around the house.  I would have to make a special trip to the store.  If you have to do that, just buy a budget toilet auger instead.

With using salts, once again, you’re using hot water to wash the salt down your drain.  It’s the hot water that is clearing your pipe of grease and gunk.  In short time, your toilet will start clogging again because the main cause of your clogging issue is still in your pipes.

#4. Hot Water

This is the method we recommend to try if you don’t have a plunger or a toilet auger.  Everything else is a waste of time and money on supplies.

Make sure your bowl is about half full.  Pour hot, but not boiling water, into your bowl and let it sit. The hot water should melt away some of the gunk that’s collected in your pipes.  When that happens, you’ll notice the water level in your toilet bowl start to slowly go down.  Wait until then and try to flush it.  Have towels and a a mop/bucket handy in case the bowl overflows.

Then, grab yourself a plunger or a toilet auger ASAP.

#5. Baking Soda (by itself)

The answer is don’t waste your baking soda.  The hot water that you’re using to run the baking soda down your toilet bowl is what’s melting the gunk in your pipes. It’s only a short term solution.  Your clogged toilet will return. Save your baking soda.

#6. Bleach

Septic tank users beware!  This option is NOT for you if you’re on a septic system.  You pour diluted bleach down your toilet bowl and let it sit for awhile.  Fill the bowl with hot water and wait again.  Once again, its the HOT WATER that’s actually doing the most work here and NOT the bleach.  Also, don’t mix bleach with any other cleaners or vinegar because it creates poisonous gases, even when mixed in small amounts. Save the bleach for your laundry or disinfecting.

#7. Wire Hanger

Read out detailed post about how to do this HERE.

#8. Wet Vac

You could try sucking the clog out with a wet vac. We can’t say we’ve tried this method, but it may work in a pinch. To be honest, you can buy a toilet auger for much less than a wet vac and use it over and over again for toilet clogs.

What Plunger do I Use for Which Clogs?

Plunger	Use
Sink	Sink Drains
Flange	Toilet
Accordion	Toilet

Toilet Clog Prevention

Here are some tips to prevent future toilet clogs:

• Don’t flush too much TP down the toilet at once
• Flush multiple times during a big poop
• Watch that the kids don’t flush anything
• Don’t flush any wipes down the toilet. It doesn’t matter if they say they are “flushable”. They aren’t. Most of my service calls are for this issue.
• Clean out your pipes twice per year with a toilet auger
• Don’t flush cat litter: it turns into cement in your pipes
• Don’t flush paper towel
• Don’t flush large feminine hygiene products
• Grease should be poured into a container and thrown out, not down your toilet

Cost of Hiring a Plumber Versus Buying a Toilet Auger

Hiring a plumber to unclog your toilet costs anywhere from $100- 250, depending on the area and how complicated the clog is. A toilet auger can be as cheap as $30. You can also use your toilet auger as many times as you like, so I consider it an investment.

How to Unclog a Toilet when a Plunger Doesn’t work

If a plunger doesn’t work, you’ve got a complicated clog that needs a toilet auger or a Pro to come in and remove it. Read up on how to use a toilet auger HERE.

Conclusion How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

How to unclog a toilet without a plunger is not impossible.  You CAN get your toilet running again for a short while.  After you’ve unclogged your toilet this time, grab yourself a plunger or a toilet auger to make your life easier.  

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