If your toilet is clogged, you want to remedy that as soon as possible. What if you don't have a plunger or it’s not working? How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Stop!

The first thing you should do is stop and assess the situation. How bad is the clog? If your toilet is clogging up and a simple plunge doesn’t solve it, there may be a deeper issue that requires a professional plumber. If you don’t have a good plunger, go buy one. If the plunger doesn’t work, read on.

What NOT To Do

Don’t use a chemical drain cleaner.

It may seem a good idea to use a liquid drain cleaner. But these products actually contain chemicals that can break down the porcelain and other materials in your toilet, causing an even worse issue. Never use drain cleaner or unclogger in your toilet.

Don’t stick foreign objects down your toilet.

Using the wrong tools can damage the lining and plumbing in your toilet, which can cause major issues that will likely cost more to repair than the original issue.

Don’t act without proper knowledge.

If you aren’t trained on properly unclogging the toilet, save yourself some grief by refraining from attempting things that may make it worse.

Things You Can Try:

If a good plunger didn’t work, there are a few other things you can try before contacting a plumber.

Water

Occasionally, dumping a gallon of water into the toilet bowl may cause the toilet to flush and unclog. If it makes things worse, you need a plumber.

Try a hand auger

Something may have accidentally gotten placed into the toilet, especially if you have kids. Toys, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels, and tampons are some of the most common culprits. A hand auger may help pull these out. You can purchase one of these online or at your local hardware, plumbing, or major indoor lumber retailer. If this doesn’t unclog the toilet, you need a plumber.

Signs Your Toilet Clog Needs a Plumber

If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, you will save yourself time and money by contacting a plumber.

• A simple plunge or use of the auger doesn’t do the trick
• You think your child (or a clumsy adult) may have flushed a foreign object
• The water isn’t draining properly
• There’s a leak
• There’s a crack in the bowl or tank
• The bowl is wobbling or loose
• The flushing action seems weak
  
  

There are certain things you might think are quick that can actually cost you money when it comes to plumbing. Avoid the following quick fixes and call your plumber now before it costs you more later on.

Incorrectly using glue on your sink's p-trap - This is a huge no-no! P-traps need to be changed out at certain intervals and using glue in the wrong section can actually be very bad, as well as toxic. Remember that your water flows through these pipes. Therefore, they should be installed according to the proper city code. If you don't know what that is and don't know how to do it, it's always best to use a local licensed plumber. Otherwise, you could be risking your health and causing a huge cost down the road.

Using duct tape on leaks - While this might seem like a great way to solve an annoying leak, it can actually make it worse. Leaving the water running with an incorrect seal may cause further damage. If you have a leak, cut off the water source immediately and contact a plumber.

Using the wrong caulk or sealant for the project - This might be unhealthy, ineffective, and also a code violation. Please make sure to use the correct sealant or caulk for the project at hand. If you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be doing the job. Remember, some jobs also require a permit and a  licensed plumber who has been trained in the code.

Gluing or sealing areas that aren't normally glued or sealed - Certain areas of piping and other plumbing materials should be fit together but not necessarily sealed with glue or other sealants. For instance, as mentioned above, certain sections of the p-trap should be twisted together and never glued for multiple reasons. If there are holes, leaks, or other reasons for a sealant in an unusual place, the plumbing is likely not installed correctly and a licensed plumber should be contacted.

Using the wrong type of pipe for the project - Certain pipes are used for certain projects for a reason. There are specific pipes dedicated to carrying water, gas, and other materials. Not following the correct guidelines can actually be unsafe and against the city's code. Ask your local licensed plumber to get the job done correctly or you could be spending the money more than once if it's done wrong the first time. Also again, certain jobs require a permit and a properly licensed plumber.