How to unclog a toilet with a wire hanger in minutes.
Time 30 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 to $10
Introduction
When disaster strikes and your plunger is nowhere to be found, this project on how to unclog a toilet with a hanger can save the day.
Do you have any wire hangers left over from your last trip to the dry cleaners? Before you throw them away, consider that they can be surprisingly helpful when used to unclog a toilet or other drains. You can try this method if you do not have a plunger or an auger on hand and want to dislodge a clog as soon as possible. However, remember that metal hangers can scratch the porcelain of your toilet. To prevent this, I used some shrink tubing that I had at home to cover the metal hanger before attempting this method.
How does this method work? The wire coat hanger can be shaped to function like an auger, a tool used to clear blockages. To use this method, you should first remove any plastic coating or cardboard from the hanger. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean. Another tip, keep a trash bin nearby so you can quickly toss the hanger out once you are finished.
If this method doesn’t work, you can try other options like a plunger or an auger. If those methods fail, it may be time to contact a plumber for assistance.
Tools Required
- Heat gun
- Pliers
Materials Required
- Rubber gloves
- Shrink tube
- Wire coat hanger
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Straighten out a wire coat hanger
Straighten out the wire coat hanger by hand or using pliers. If you are removing some stuck toilet paper, you can try bending a hook at the end of the hanger so you can pull it out or push it through.
Step 2
Add shrink tube at the end of the hanger
To prevent scratching the porcelain toilet, apply heat shrink tubing to the straightened hanger with a heat gun on the end of the hanger that will be inserted through the toilet drain.
Step 3
Prod the clog
Put on rubber gloves and carefully insert the end of the wire with the shrink tube into the clogged area. Carefully shift the debris until it loosens and drains away. Then, attempt to flush the toilet. While a drain auger is a more effective tool for this task, a wire hanger can be used in a pinch.
Step 4
FAQ
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
A plumbing auger, also known as a snake, is an effective tool for unclogging a toilet.
How to unclog a toilet when the water is high?
Use a toilet plunger or auger to unclog the toilet. Start by carefully inserting the plunger into the toilet bowl, ensuring it fills with water. Then, plunge gently until the clog is dislodged and the water drains away. If you are using an auger, place the end into the toilet bowl so that it points down the drain. Turn the handle clockwise to extend the auger cable down the drain toward the clog and remove it.
