How to unclog a toilet with hot water and dish soap?

 
Preparation and Safety
 

• Gather materials: dish soap, a large bucket, a kettle or pot for heating water, gloves, and old towels.
• Wear gloves and eye protection as a precaution because toilet clogs can sometimes cause splashes.
• Ensure the area around the toilet is clear of items that could be damaged by water.

 
Assessing the Clog
 

• Determine the severity of the clog by checking if the water level is too close to the rim or if there is continuous bubbling.
• If there’s a risk of overflow, be cautious when adding water and proceed slowly.

 
Applying Dish Soap
 

• Sufficient dish soap can act as a lubricant to help dislodge the clog.
• Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dish soap directly into the toilet bowl.
• Allow the soap to sit for approximately 10-15 minutes to work its way into the clog and break down greasy residues.

 
Preparing the Hot Water
 

• Heat a large bucket of water using a kettle, pot, or any safe heating device.
• Make sure the water is hot but not boiling; boiling water can damage the porcelain or its seal.
• Opt for a temperature that is effective yet safe, typically around 120°F to 140°F.

 
Pouring the Hot Water
 

• Stand a safe distance away from the toilet.
• Slowly and steadily pour the hot water into the bowl from waist height to create enough force that can push the clog downward without splashing excessively.
• The combination of the force from the water and the dish soap’s lubricating properties can help to break up the clog.

 
Allowing Time for the Clog to Lessen
 

• Wait for 10-20 minutes after pouring the water. This allows the soap and the hot water mixture to soften the blockage.
• If the water starts to recede slowly, the clog may be loosening, so give it a little more time.

 
Testing the Flush
 

• After waiting, attempt to flush the toilet.
• If the water drains normally and the toilet flushes without overflowing, the clog has been successfully cleared.
• If the clog persists, consider repeating the dish soap and hot water process.

 
Additional Tips and Considerations
 

• Do not use this method immediately after applying a commercial chemical drain cleaner. Mixing chemicals and hot water can be dangerous.
• If multiple attempts with dish soap and hot water fail to clear the clog, a plunger or a toilet auger might be necessary.
• In persistent cases, whether you’re located in St. Louis or Nashville, it may be time to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage to the plumbing system.