How To Unclog A Toilet If You Don’t Have A Plunger

Unfortunately, we’ve all been there: The toilet gets clogged. While this video makes the disclaimer than it doesn’t work for every clog, this plunger-free method is definitely worth a try if you cringe and shudder at the mere thought of picking up a plunger like I do.

Using some common household dish soap and a bucket of hot water, our handy friends from Build.com were able to unclog a wad of paper towels from the toilet shown.

But how? What happens is that the soap (which is heavier than the water in the toilet bowl) seeps into the clog and lubricates the trapway. The hot water helps loosen the clog and flush it away.

RELATED: How To Keep Your Bathroom Sparkling Clean: 8 Easy Tips

Many reviews claim it’s worked by itself, some say laundry detergent works better. For stubborn clogs, one reviewer had to use the additional assistance of a plunger (bummer). Will you try this?

Watch this toddler giver her dad the cutest scolding ever about leaving the toilet seat up.