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How to unclog toilets without chemicals?

Mar 11, 2025

Mike Harrison

 Close-up of a toilet being unclogged using a plunger, no chemicals involved.
 Close-up of a toilet being unclogged using a plunger, no chemicals involved.
 Close-up of a toilet being unclogged using a plunger, no chemicals involved.

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How to unclog toilets without chemicals?

How to Unclog Toilets Without Chemicals?

Clogged toilet? No need to reach for harsh chemicals. Here are simple, eco-friendly solutions you can try before calling a plumber.

1. Use a Plunger (the Right Way)

Make sure you’re using a flange plunger, designed for toilets. Place it firmly over the drain and push with strong, even pressure. It might take 10–15 plunges to break the clog.

2. Hot Water + Dish Soap

Pour a few squirts of dish soap into the bowl, followed by a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes. This can soften the blockage and help it move.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 1 cup of baking soda, then 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. Let it fizz and sit for 30 minutes, then flush. It's a safe, natural reaction that can break down minor clogs.

4. Toilet Auger (Plumbing Snake)

If the clog persists, use a toilet auger to manually dislodge it. Insert it slowly, rotate to hook the blockage, then pull it out or push it through.

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