How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger or Snake

It's a terrible feeling when you flush the toilet and the contents in the bowl stop disappearing halfway through the flushing process. The only feeling that's possibly worse is realizing that you don't have a plunger or snake handy to force the clog down the drain. Common household items from your kitchen or closet will work well to dislodge the obstruction. In less than 20 minutes, your toilet can be operating normally and you won't have to spend any money hiring a plumber.

  1. Fill a pot with 1 gallon of water. Place the pot over medium heat on the stove. Choose a pot with side handles for better handling.

  2. Pour a half-cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl while the water is heating. Allow the dish soap to sit for 10 minutes. The soap may be all that's needed to loosen or break up the clog.

  3. Turn off the stove before the water begins to boil. The goal is to have hot, not boiling, water.

  4. Stand firmly in front of the toilet bowl and pour the hot water steadily and quickly into the toilet. The force from the hot water combined with the soap may be enough to dislodge the clog. If the clog doesn't move, leave the toilet alone for 5 minutes to allow time for the hot water to work.

  5. Unravel a wire coat hanger and push one end of the wire into the clogged area. Push the obstruction until it becomes free and flows with the water down the drain.

  6. Things You Will Need

    • Pot with side handles

    • Liquid dish soap

    • Wire clothes hanger


    Remove any mats from around the toilet and put down some newspaper for easy cleanup in case water is spilled.

    If the toilet bowl is close to overflowing, try moving the clog with the end of the wire hanger before pouring in the hot water. Otherwise, you'll have to remove some of the toilet water with a disposable cup.

    For reference, 16 cups is equal to 1 gallon.

    If the water boils, let it cool for 10 minutes before pouring it into the toilet.

    Call a plumber if the clog or water level in the bowl doesn't budge after 30 minutes.


    Don't pour boiling water into the toilet. The scalding water could crack the porcelain.