Clogged Toilet? Here's a Tip!

 

Ever had the toilet clog up when there's no plumber to be had?  (Think Thanksgiving Day and your company is almost there. ugh.)  This tip could be a lifesaver!

 

 

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

There's a certain sense of urgency that comes when faced with a clogged toilet, and no feeling is quite like that of the pending doom of toilet water, mere seconds away from spilling out onto the floor you're standing on. Thankfully, plungers are designed to save us from that fate — but what if you reach for one and it's not there?

Whether you're one plunger shy, or coaxing a clog that a plunger just won't work loose, we have good news for you: If you have access to dish soap and very, very hot water, you've got one more shot at it before calling a plumber!

 

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

How To Tackle A Seriously Clogged Toilet With Dish Soap:

• Fill a pot with a gallon of water and set it on the stovetop. You want it very hot, but not quite boiling. (Boiling water could crack the toilet bowl, yikes!)
• Pour at least a half cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl, let it sit until the water is ready on the stovetop.
• Carefully pour the gallon of very hot water into the toilet bowl and watch as the soap helps to unclog the toilet. If you're worried about there being too much water in the toilet bowl once you try to flush, turn the water valve off (located behind the toilet close to the floor).

It might sound crazy, but it actually works!

You may have to wait up to 15 minutes for the clog to work loose. If you don't see any action after that point, you're probably going to need to call a plumber.

This is Why it Works

It's pretty simple — 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.

This handy tip is great should you find yourself in a pinch. But you should still keep a proper plunger on hand.  And your favorite plumber's phone number on the fridge!  (Need a referral?  Call me:  I can put you in touch with a terrific plumber!)