Easy DIY Toilet Unclogging Hacks Using Household Items
A clogged toilet can cause panic, especially if it happens at the worst possible moment. Fortunately, you don’t always need to call a plumber or rush out to buy expensive drain cleaners. In many cases, you can unclog your toilet using everyday household items.
Whether you're a tenant, homeowner, or working in single family rental property management, these easy DIY toilet unclogging hacks can save time, money, and hassle. Here’s how to fix the problem quickly and safely.
1. Hot Water and Dish Soap
This is one of the simplest and most effective solutions.
How to do it:
Pour about half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to help loosen the clog.
Carefully pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water into the bowl from waist height.
Wait a few minutes and see if the water begins to drain.
This method is gentle and safe for most toilets and is commonly recommended by experienced rental property managers.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: The Fizzing Solution
Take one cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the toilet bowl.
Steps:
Next, slowly pour in two cups of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz, so it’s good to be prepared for a bit of fizzing!
Allow the fizzing to take effect for at least thirty minutes.
To complete the process, flush the toilet and then pour a bucket of hot water into the bowl to clear the leftover residue.
The Plastic Wrap Trick: A Pressure-Packed Hack
3. The Plastic Wrap Trick: A Pressure-Packed Hack
This method is a bit more unconventional and utilizes air pressure to push the clog out of the pipe. It can be an essential go to for emergency plumbers working under Knoxville real estate management for properties.
How to try it:
Lift the toilet seat and cover the entire bowl and rim with several pieces of plastic wrap.
Make sure that the wrap is air-tight and sealed so that no air can escape.
Now you can flush the toilet. At this point, the plastic wrap should puff up.
Gently push down onto the plastic wrap. The pressure that has built up under the bowl can force the clog to dislodge.
4. The Wire Hanger Hack: A Makeshift Plunger
For shallow clogs, a straightened wire hanger can be a useful tool. This is an excellent piece of advice for all East Tennessee property managers who need a quick fix, and it is handy for those without a full toolbox
Instructions:
Try to make a wire hanger as straight as possible.
Wrap a small piece of cloth on the wire’s end and secure it using tape. This prevents the wire from scratching the porcelain.
Gradually insert the wrapped end into the drain and gently nudge it to dislodge the clog.
Be careful to not over exert yourself as it may lead to the toilet bowl or the plumbing system getting damaged.
5. The Wet/Dry Vacuum: A Powerful, Cautious Option
You may remove the clog using a wet/dry shop vacuum because of its suction power. This is a more advanced option, often utilized by Knoxville rental property solutions during urgent maintenance calls
How to use:
Empty the toilet bowl.
Put the hose into the toilet drain and seal as tight as possible.
Start the vacuum, allowing it to remove the water and the clog.
When to Call a Professional
Though these do-it-yourself strategies work for most small blockages, they don't work for all. It is better to reach out to a professional plumber or the property management company of the place you are renting if:
No matter how many times you flush, the toilet continues to overflow.
From other drains in the house, you hear weird gurgling noises coming.
DIY solutions clearly won’t work in this case
In order to prevent damage to the pipes, more expensive plumbing issues, or other serious issues, it is best to always hire a professional. This is especially important for landlords who need to keep the property in excellent condition. A good Knoxville landlord services team will know exactly when to escalate a plumbing issue.
Final Thoughts
While toilet clogs are an annoying issue to deal with, they can be dealt with easily. A few helpful tips can go a long way in solving most plumbing issues without the need to hire expensive plumbers. Tenants can go a long way in maintaining good relations with their landlords by offering assistance. For landlords and property managers, providing a guide like this in your welcome packet is a small step that adds big value—for tenants, empowering them and reducing maintenance calls.
In case you are a homeowner in East Tennessee and looking for a dependable company in managing your rental properties, check out our seamless Knoxville property management services. Aside from managing your investment and making it profitable, we provide tenant screening Knoxville to rent collection services Knoxville and even eviction services Knoxville. To ensure you are investment is protected, we provide proactive property maintenance Knoxville to avoid these kinds of emergencies from arising in the first place.
