How to unclog a toilet without a plunger

The solution is already in your kitchen. - by Livia Gamble

A clogged toilet sans plunger isn’t ideal. Before calling a plumber, there’s one more thing you can try and it’s probably already under your kitchen sink.

All you will need is some dishwashing liquid and hot water.

According to Apartment Therapy, the first step is to pour at least half a cup of dishwashing liquid to the toilet bowl. Let that sit for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat four litres of water on the stove (you want this to be hot, not boiling).

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

Finally, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl with the dishwashing liquid and wait for the clog to loosen.

"Just like they do on food particles that are stuck to your dishes in the sink, the combination of hot water and dish soap help to dissolve and break up whatever it may be that is lodged in the toilet causing a clog," the publication reports.

While this method is a great backup plan, it's probably a good idea to keep a plunger handy.

Livia Gamble

Based in Sydney, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.