The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

If yourtoiletis clogged and you don’t havea plunger, don’t worry.

There are several ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

Most of these methods are simple and use items you may already have around the house.

person adding baking soda to the toilet

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

What Causes a Clogged Toilet?

There are many reasons as to why your toilet could be clogged.

Mechanical reasons such as a broken flapper or blocked toilet vent or sewer line can also lead to problems.

person pouring vinegar into the toilet

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Why Isn’t My Plunger Working?

verify your plumber is in good condition and is not cracked or old.

Hot Water

Hot water plus the driving force of a flush can dislodge some toilet clogs.

person pouring heated vinegar into the overflow tank

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

These types of clogs need to be pulled out, not pushed in.

This requires immediate attention from a plumber.

The quickest way to fix a clogged toilet is to use a toilet or flange plunger.

materials to make a diy wasp trap

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A toilet plunger has a head uniquely shaped for the bottom of a toilet.

Fill the toilet plunger with water before plunging the toilet.

Sometimes, a toilet will unclog itself over time.

Jetdio Stainless Steel Wire Hangers

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

One tool to use instead of a toilet plunger is a 2-liter plastic bottle.

A plastic bottle roughly duplicates the plunging action of a conventional toilet plunger.

If your toilet bowl is overflowing, first you should turn off the water valve.

Add cleaning solution to the toilet bowl before flushing

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Then, mop or soak up the water with a mop or towels.

Assess any damage sparked by the flood and contact a professional if necessary.

Wet-dry vacuum hose sucking up water to drain white ceramic toilet with yellow gloves

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Toilet auger reaching inside toilet bowl

The Spruce / Kevin Norris