It’s probably not often that you will find yourself with a clogged toilet and no plunger in sight. However, when it does, that’s certainly going to ruin your day and require a trip to the store. But maybe not if you have some Saran Wrap.

Use Saran Wrap to unclog the toilet; wrap the top of your toilet thoroughly to create a durable seal. Make sure your toilet has a decent water level in it. Now, apply pressure to the Saran Wrap release and repeat until the clog clears and the toilet flushes.

Why Does This Work

When you use Saran Wrap to create a seal on the top of the toilet, you are essentially making a plunger. You then press up and release rapidly, creating and removing the pressure to plunge your toilet.

How to Unclog

This method is not too difficult; it is probably easier than using an auger. However, Saran Wrap is somewhat messier and more complicated than using a plunger. Still, when you need to unclog a toilet, it can be a lifesaver. Here is how to do it.

  1. Prepare your toilet bowl. Make sure it is clean and dry enough to apply the Saran Wrap and get a good seal.
  2. Cover your Toilet Bowl. Do not allow the Saran Wrap to bunch up; otherwise, it may not get a good seal. Make sure to use several layers so that it can withstand the pressure of pushing without breaking.
  3. Press the sides. Make sure it is covering over the sides, if not apply more. Press it down firmly on the sides as well.
  4. Inspect the water level. If it is too low, flush to add more. However, be careful not to add too much, or it may overflow making it hard to get a seal and messy as well
  5. Press down firmly. If it does not immediately release the clog, repeat. Do this until the water flushes. This may take several times.
  6. Did it work? Carefully listen while you press. Is it releasing air? If so, do not be afraid to add more Saran Wrap and try again.

Alternatives To Plungers

Saran Wrap is probably the neatest and easiest makeshift plunger you have around your house.  However, if you do not have it, there are many alternatives to plungers. 

Many items can be made into plungers in your home. Even your mop or toilet brush can be a makeshift plunger in an emergency, and here is how.

  1. Cover your mop or toilet brush head in a plastic shopping bag. This is to protect your mop head from the toilet water and help form a seal.
  2. Use it as a plunger. Just make steady up-down motions like you would with a plunger.
  3. Remove the bag. With any luck, your tool is as clean as when you started.

Will a Toilet Eventually Unclog Itself?

Yes, a toilet can sometimes unclog itself. But it really depends on the size and type of clog. If the clog consists of degradable material, it may eventually unclog. However, if the clog is huge, it may not unplug itself even if it is degradable.

Assuming the clog is not too large and is degradable, you need to let the clog sit at least half an hour. However, the longer you let it sit, the better.

Dealing with the clog would likely be a better idea. The toilet may temporarily unclog, but it will probably clog again soon, maybe a worse clog. So, you might want to try another method.

How Do You Unclog a Toilet Naturally?

There are several ways to unclog a toilet naturally, and here are some examples.

Baking soda and vinegar: Put about ½ cup of baking soda in the toilet. Then, add about ½ cup of vinegar. After a few minutes, add a bucket of hot water to the toilet.

Hot water: Add a few cups of hot water to the toilet, not boiling water. Then, wait a few minutes and try flushing the toilet again.

Dish soap and hot water: Add about ½ cup of dish soap to the toilet. Let this sit for about a half-hour. Then, pour some hot water in the toilet and flush.

You may need to repeat the steps when using these methods. Also, if the above methods don’t work after several tries. You may need to try another approach or call a plumber.

How Do You Unclog A Toilet with Salt?

Salt can be a great way to clean and unclog your toilet drain. This helps to break down grease, and its abrasive which helps to scrape the sides of your drain clean. It also, can stop tree roots from growing into and clogging your drainpipe.

Salt can be safely mixed with other natural cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda. This can be a good idea to help break down clogs and enhance its effectiveness. Here is how to use salt for unclogging.

  1. Check what kinds of salt you have. Depending on whether it is table salt or rock salt, you will need to use it differently. If it is table salt, you will need to add baking soda.
  2. Mix in hot water. For rock salt, which is the plumber recommended method, mix 1 cup of rock salt into 2 gallons of hot water. For table salt,  mix 1/2 cup table salt with 1/2 cup baking soda; do not mix in hot water yet.
  3. Pour the solution into the toilet. The rock saltwater mixture is ready to pour in with no modification. However, the table salt and baking soda mixture are poured in, followed by 6 cups of hot water. Stir this mixture in the toilet bowl.
  4. Wait overnight. If you are in a hurry, wait 8 hours to give the mixture a chance to break up the clog.
  5. Flush. If you have a plunger, you use it now and then flush. The mixture can help to break it down even if the clog is too much for it alone. This allows the plunger to finish the job.

How Do You Unclog a Toilet When a Plunger Doesn’t Work?

There are many ways to unclog a toilet when a plunger fails. These include corrosive toilet clog removers and augers. You will want to consider what you think caused the clog to help you decide what method to use.

Is It OK to Pour Bleach Down the Toilet?

You should not pour bleach down the toilet. Although bleach works well for cleaning and disinfecting, there are more effective methods of unclogging drains. Bleach can also damage pipes and fittings. Also, you should never use bleach in the toilet if you have a septic system.

Can I Pour Vinegar Down the Toilet?

Yes, you can pour vinegar in your toilet. It will clean the toilet and kill some germs.  However, bleach is a much better disinfectant. Also, if you want to use vinegar to unclog your toilet, you should combine it with baking soda.

How Do You Unclog A Toilet When a Plunger Doesn’t Work?

There are many ways to unclog a toilet when a plunger fails. These include corrosive toilet clog removers and augers. You will want to consider what you think caused the clog to help you decide what method to use.