Add Dish Soap: Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl. The soap acts as a lubricant to help break down the clog.
Pour Hot Water: Slowly pour hot water (not boiling, as extreme heat can crack porcelain) into the bowl from waist height. The force of the water combined with the soap can help dislodge the blockage.
Let It Sit: Give it 10–15 minutes to work. If the water drains, flush the toilet to test. If not, repeat the process.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar 🍋🧂
This classic DIY duo creates a fizzing reaction that can break down organic material causing the clog.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup baking soda
2 cups white vinegar
Optional: Hot water
Steps:
Add Baking Soda: Pour the baking soda directly into the toilet bowl.
Add Vinegar: Slowly pour the vinegar into the bowl. The mixture will fizz and bubble, which helps break up the clog.
Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
Flush or Add Hot Water: If the clog persists, pour hot water into the bowl to help clear it.
3. Epsom Salt or Table Salt 🧂
Salt can act as an abrasive agent to break down debris in the pipes.
What You’ll Need:
1–2 cups of Epsom salt or table salt
Hot water
Steps:
Add Salt: Pour the salt into the toilet bowl.
Add Hot Water: Follow with hot water to help dissolve the salt and push it through the pipes.
Let It Sit: Wait 15–20 minutes before flushing to see if the clog clears.
4. Wire Hanger or Drain Snake 🪝
For more stubborn clogs, a DIY tool can help physically remove the blockage.
What You’ll Need:
A wire coat hanger or a homemade drain snake
Steps:
Straighten the Hanger: Unwind a wire coat hanger, leaving a small hook at one end.
Insert into the Drain: Carefully feed the hooked end into the toilet drain and wiggle it around to break up or pull out the clog.
Flush: Once the obstruction is removed, flush the toilet to check if it’s working properly.
5. Wet/Dry Vacuum (Shop Vac) 🧹
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, it can act as a makeshift plunger.
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