Unclog a Toilet With Dish Soap and Hot Water, No Plunger

A blocked toilet can be cleared without a plunger, according to a short demonstration from the DIYForKnuckleheads channel, which uses regular dish washing detergent and hot water. The presenter calls it the "secret sauce" and says the waiting time is about 20 minutes.

When the method applies

The presenter describes the method as suited to an everyday common blockage. He adds a disclaimer: toilets block for a number of different reasons, and there are several ways to tackle the problem. A more stubborn blockage, one deeper down inside the pipe work, may require a plunger or a toilet auger, or even the assistance of a plumber.

What you need

• Regular dish washing detergent
• Hot water
• A bucket of water
• Towels

The steps

• Put towels down around the toilet in case it overflows. The presenter warns it could get messy.
• Give the detergent a generous squirt inside the bowl. He says not to be shy with it.
• Slowly pour hot water into the bowl.
• Wait. The presenter says the detergent needs about 20 minutes to take full effect.
• After the wait, the water level has gone down a little. Do not flush. Instead, pour another bucket of water into the bowl with a little bit of force.
• Give it a minute or two. In the demonstration the blockage clears.

Why it works

According to the presenter, the hot water helps the detergent penetrate the clog and lubricate the pipes, which makes the clog slippery.

Why not flush

The presenter says that flushing after the wait might make the water come up too high and go over the edge of the bowl. A bucket of water is poured in instead, and he hopes this will clear the blockage.

The demonstration is Video 8 of a 10-part series titled "My Top 10 DIY Tips", nominated by viewers.