From time to time, the toilet gets clogged and it’s not fun. If you find yourself in this situation, and for whatever reason, your plunger is missing, worry not. There are other steps you can take to clear the mess.

Get Prepared

Before you get started on this less-than-pleasant task, put on gloves, mask and even protective eyewear. If the toilet is close to overflowing, you may need to bail out some of the water using a disposable plastic cup. Have some old towels ready to clean up any spillage, and turn on the bathroom fan to suck up odors.

Hot Water

If the clog is draining slowly, close the toilet lid and let it continue to drain for 30 minutes or so. Then fill a large bucket up with very hot, but not boiling, water and pour it into the toilet bowl. If you’re lucky, the hot water will cut through the mess and clear the clog.

Wire Hanger

Another method to try: Straighten out a wire clothes hanger and carefully feed it down through the clog. Try to avoid scraping the toilet bowl itself, as it might scratch the porcelain.

Dish Soap

Consider using liquid dish soap. Squirt a few tablespoons of soap into the toilet bowl. Pour hot water into the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then try flushing to see if things have loosened up.

Photography: Amazon

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This tried-and-true cleaning solution often works for clogged toilets. Pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl, and then add a cup of vinegar. The fizzing action may help to loosen the clog.

Photography: Irene via Pinterest

Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you have a shop vac that works in wet situations, consider hauling it out. Put it on the wet setting. Place the nozzle over the toilet drain and turn on the vacuum. With luck it will suck out the clog. You’ll then, of course, need to thoroughly clean the vacuum.

Photography: Amazon

Prevent Future Clogs

Be sure to remind family members about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet. Toilet paper and human waste is about the limit of what should be flushed. Don’t flush paper towels, facial tissue, baby wipes, period products, cotton balls or anything non-biodegradable.