Non-Plunger Drain Cleaning Methods to Consider, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the alternative methods available to you for clearing a toilet clog without a plunger. While the plunger is the most common device for these basic needs, there may be situations where you don’t have one on-hand or your plunger isn’t working properly, in which case you need to know some secondary methods.

At My Buddy the Plumber, we’re happy to help with a wide variety of drain cleaning and related needs, including for tougher clogs or more significant issues like main sewer line repairs. Today’s part two of our series will go over a few additional options for clearing a toilet clog without a plunger, including a couple areas that make the draining process easier if you’re going this route.

Plastic Bottle and Pressure

If you’re familiar with how a plunger works, you know it operates based on pressure. The cup creates suction when you place it on or around the toilet bowl, pressure that then releases in an effort to help dislodge blockages or items that are creating the clog.

If you don’t have a plunger, one alternative is to recreate this pressure theme in a different way. One method here involves removing as much water as you can from the bowl (we have a tip on this below), then filling a large plastic bottle with warm water – you should be wearing gloves for this. Place your thumb on top of the bottle and fit the top end into the outlet at the bottom of the toilet, then remove your thumb and squeeze the bottle so the water shoots down the pipe in a pressurized way. In many cases, this will dislodge the blockage.

Snake Options

Handy home or building owners may already have a snake or auger present, in which case this is an ideal product for clogs where the plunger isn’t doing the job (or where you don’t have one). If you don’t own a snake, you might be able to unravel a wire coat hanger and use it as a makeshift snake – however, we recommend great care here, as too rough a process could damage your pipes. If you’re unsure here, call our plumbers for assistance.

Squirt Gun

We noted above that some cleaning methods might require draining the toilet bowl, and we have a great tip for doing this easily and without too much mess: Use an old squirt gun, which will allow you to suck the water out manually using the filling valve. You can then squirt it into its own bucket easily. With a bigger squirt gun, you might be surprise how quickly this empties the bowl.

Toilet Brush

Finally, a last resort if none of the above options are available or working is simply using your toilet brush to attempt to dislodge the blockage. Hold the handle and insert the brush into the hole, then use a back-and-forth motion.

For more on how to clear a toilet clog without a plunger available, or to learn about any of our plumbing services, speak to the staff at My Buddy the Plumber today.