How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger - 5 Ways [2023]

If you have got a clogged toilet and cannot find a plunger around, or you tried to unclog a toilet with a plunger but it doesn't work, what should you do? Don't worry. You can solve this dilemma with some other household supplies. Try to use these 5 hacks to unclog a toilet without a plunger now.

Method 1: Use Dish Soap and Hot Water to Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger

If you don't have any other tools for unclogging a toilet, then you should start with some regular stuff like dish soap, which can be easily found in your kitchen. The dish soap and hot water will lubricate anything that is stuck and aid in the breakdown of the residue. Here are the steps to use dish soap and hot water to unclog your toilet without a plunger.

Step 1. Grab a bottle of soap from the kitchen and squeeze a generous amount into the clogged toilet bowl. 

Step 2. Fill a bucket with hot water and carefully pour it into the toilet bowl. Then wait around 20 minutes to half an hour. 

Step 3. Now you can see that the water levels have gone down a little bit. Now is still not the time to flush. Just pour another bucket of hot water into the bowl and hopefully, you can unclog a toilet without a plunger with dish soap. 

If you flush it and the water won't come up too high, you can pour another bucket of water into the bowl with a little bit of force in the hope to clear the blockage. Wait a few minutes to see how it goes. Try it again if it doesn't work. 

Tips: Remember to get hot water from the tap rather than the stove. Using too hot water in your toilet bowl could crack the porcelain.

Method 2: Use Home-Made Drain Cleaner to Get a Toilet Unclogged Without a Plunger

If the toilet water is not too high, you can use a homemade drain cleaner to get a toilet unclogged without a plunger. Baking soda and vinegar are common household cleaners, which can be used to clean a toilet bowl. The mixture of these two products creates a lot of bubbles that will help break down the residue.

Step 1. Pour a pot of hot water and 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Wait for one hour or so. 

Step 2. If the water goes down, flush it out. If the toilet is still clogged, repeat this process. 

Method 3: Use a Brush to Unclog a Toilet Without Plunger Fast

If you have tried the dish soap, baking soda and vinegar strategies, but still have a clogged toilet, you can try to use the toilet brush, which is the one you use to scrub the toilet, to unclog a toilet without a plunger fast.

Step 1. Angle the toilet brush down into the toilet drain. 

Step 2. Pump it the same way you do with a plunger. The force of pressure drives away the things which clog your toilet.

Step 3. Flush the toilet several times. 

Method 4: Use a Wire Hanger to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger or Snake

As you know a toilet snake can be very effective to unclog a toilet even if a plunger failed to work. If you don't have one at home, no worries. You can use a wire hanger to unclog a toilet without a plunger or snake. It works very well when there is an obstruction in the first few inches of the drain. 

Step 1. Find a wire hanger with a plastic coating. Unwind and straighten the wire. Wrap a rag around the wire's end. Use duct tape or string to fix the rag in place. It is recommended to wear rubber gloves before trying step 2.

Step 2. Insert the wrapped end of the wire into the toilet bowl. Once the wire is in the drain, move it around to clear the drain. 

Step 3. The water will be drained when you twist the hanger. Flush the toilet and now the dirty water should flow through normally. If not, you may need to try method 5. 

Method 5: Use Chemical Drain Cleaner to Unclog a Full Toilet Without a Plunger

If none of the previous methods works, then you can purchase a chemical drain cleaner or ask for professionals to help you. A chemical drain cleaner is really effective for unclogging your toilet without a plunger if used correctly. Chemical drain cleaner is available at most grocery, or hardware stores. You should only buy the chemical drain cleaner for specifically made for toilets because other chemical drain cleaners may damage your toilet. When you get the chemical drain cleaner, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before trying. 

Step 1. Pour the specified amount of drain cleaner according to the manufacturer's guide into the toilet. Do not splash or squeeze the bottle. 

Step 2. Put the lid down to prevent toxic fumes from filling your bathroom and wait up to 30 minutes.

Step 3. Flush several times. 

Tips: If drain cleaner is splashed onto your skin, flush with plenty of water and contact a doctor immediately.

Bonus Tips: How to Avoid a Clogged Toilet

Trying to unclog the toilet can be devastating. Preventing a clogged toilet is always the best fix. Here are a few tips to avoid having a clogged toilet in the first place:

1. Never toss garbage and items like gums, stickers, condoms, toys, and other items into the toilet.

2. Comb hair only after a shower to avoid hair getting trapped in the toilet. 

3. Do not toss too much toilet paper or tissues down the toilet. If possible, place a trash can in the bathroom and toss the paper into the trash can. 

Final Thoughts

These are the 5 hacks to unclog a toilet without a plunger. All of the items mentioned in the methods are simple households you have at hand. If you tried the hacks and still have a clogged toilet, do not hesitate to call a plumber.