A toilet clog is one of the most common plumbing emergencies. As a result, you can expect to deal with one at some point, whether at your own house or someone else’s. If you don’t have a plunger on hand to loosen up the clog, you can try any of the safe alternative drain cleaning methods below.

Toilet Drain Cleaning Strategies That Don’t Require a Plunger

1. Baking Soda & Vinegar

When combined, baking soda and vinegar have a fizzy reaction, creating carbon dioxide and water. The bubbling of the carbon dioxide can loosen up your clog.

Remove the water from the bowl so it is half empty. Pour one cut of baking soda into the bowl, then one cup of white vinegar. Let it work for 15 minutes before flushing.

2. Dish Soap & Hot Water

Dish soap has chemicals designed to cut through grease; this can make it an effective tool in breaking up clogs. Pour a half-cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes, giving it time to sink down into the plumbing and coat the clog.

Prepare a large pot of hot water, pouring it into the toilet bowl from just above the seat to avoid splashing. The dish soap loosens up the clog, while the hot water helps force it through the pipe. The water should just be hot, never boiling; if it’s too hot, it can crack the porcelain.

3. Plastic Water Bottle

Put on some rubber gloves and remove as much water from the toilet bowl as possible. Fill up a plastic water bottle with warm water, as hot as it will get from your tap.

Plug the bottle with your thumb as you place it top-down against the drain. As you remove your thumb, squeeze the bottle to forcefully push out the water. This may dislodge the clog and push it down the plumbing.

If your home methods don’t work, the drain cleaning team at Norhio Plumbing Inc can help in Aurora, OH. These award-winning plumbing contractors are fully licensed and insured for your protection and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on each of their services. They are available around the clock for emergency plumbing needs. Learn more on their website and call (330) 562-9671 to schedule an appointment.