How to Fix a Clogged Toilet Using Dish Soap: A Simple and Gentle Method

Fixing a clogged toilet can be a frustrating experience, but there is a simple and gentle method you can try first - using dish soap and hot water. This method can help clear minor clogs without the need for aggressive tools or harsh chemicals. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed

1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap A gallon of hot (but not boiling) water A bucket or large container

Steps

Add Dish Soap

Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to lubricate the clog and begin to break it down.

Heat Water

While the dish soap is sitting, heat a gallon of water on the stove or in a kettle. Ensure that the water is hot but not boiling, as boiling water can damage the porcelain.

Pour Hot Water

Slowly pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from waist height. This helps to create pressure and can help break up the clog. The warmth of the water will help to soften and move the debris.

Wait

Allow the mixture of soap and hot water to sit for another 10-15 minutes. The dish soap will help to break down the clog and the hot water will aid in moving it along.

Flush

After waiting, try flushing the toilet to see if the clog has cleared. If it flushes normally, the problem is resolved.

Repeat if Necessary

If the toilet is still clogged, you can repeat the process once or twice.

Additional Tips

Chemical Drain Cleaners: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage toilet components and plumbing. Instead, try a gentle method first. Plungers and Augers: If the clog persists after multiple attempts, you may need to use a plunger or a toilet auger for more stubborn blockages.

Understanding the Chemistry

Using dish soap for a clogged toilet works because the dish soap contains surfactants. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of water, allowing the dish soap to penetrate and break down the clog. This makes the water more slick, which helps the clog slide down the toilet and pipes more easily.

Success Stories

While there are many techniques and methods to get a clogged toilet to work again, one method that has been effective is using a large volume of dish soap and hot water. For example, one plumber, after multiple failed attempts with more aggressive methods, eventually used 1 gallon of dish soap to clear a particularly stubborn clog, although it is worth noting that plumbers may have professional equipment and training that can aid in clearing more severe clogs.

For the average homeowner, using dish soap and hot water is often a simple and effective first choice before reaching for more drastic measures. It is a gentle method that can help clear minor clogs without damaging your toilet or plumbing system.