Having a clogged toilet is troublesome, but what’s more troublesome is if you have no budget to fix it. Fret not, however, because we are here to help you solve your problem without spending money. All you need is just the power of salt.
In this article, we’ll show you how to unclog a toilet with salt. The most optimal way is pouring it directly into the toilet and observing its effects.
Table of Contents
Ways to Unclog a Toilet With Salt
You need the right materials to unclog your badly blocked toilet in a natural way. First, you need either Epsom, table, or rock salt, at least one pack of each. Next is baking soda, a good reactive agent. Lastly, prepare a measuring cup and a pot.
1. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has chemical components like magnesium and sulfur. When mixed with water, it causes a chemical reaction that can help dissolve solid materials. For this reason, it has been used in many households as an effective declogging tool.
- Pour a cup of Epsom salt directly into the toilet bowl.
- Usually, the salt will take up to half an hour to work.
- You’ll observe a chemical reaction in the form of a bubbling sound. Don’t panic as this means the process is going well.
2. Table Salt
Using table salt to clear a clogged toilet is among the best and easiest solutions. With baking soda and salt, you have a cheap and accessible solution using items available in your kitchen.
- Prepare baking soda and table salt.
- Measure ½ cup of each component, then blend them together.
- Afterward, heat up some water in a pot (around six cups of it), but turn off the stove before the water reaches boiling point.
- Pour the mixture down the toilet, followed by the hot water.
- Softly swirl the contents.
- Give the solution at least eight hours or overnight to settle down in the toilet.
- It is then to be expected that after doing so, a single flush of the toilet will alleviate the clog.
3. Rock Salt
Plumbers highly value rock salt for plumbing problems because of its efficacy in preserving and clearing drains, especially those intruded by tree roots.
When using rock salt for clogged toilets, follow the steps below
- Step 1: Rock salt will dissolve in liquids, so combine it with hot water until there’s no clump left. Doing so will also lower the risk of the salt itself blocking your toilet drain.
- Step 2: Generally, a ratio of 1 part salt to 32 parts water will work.
- Step 3: Once you’ve got the solution, just let it work in your toilet bowl overnight.
If using salts isn’t effective, you can try other cheap alternatives. Examples are baking soda and vinegar (mixed in a 1:1 ratio), or you can opt for dish soap because it’s a good agent for lubricating clogs.
Why Use Salt for Unclogging a Toilet?
Even without baking soda or without plumper, you can still unclog your toilet with other alternatives like salt. Listed below are some of the benefits of pouring salt down drain:
1. Environmentally-sound
Salt is made naturally and is harmless to the environment, which is why you don’t have to worry about the negative environmental consequences of using this crystal. Do wear gloves while handling it though, especially if you have sensitive skin conditions like eczema.
2. Versatile
Salt is a good substance that combines well with other household products to generate a natural cleanser. This includes products that you might already have at your home like baking soda and vinegar (you can use vinegar and salt in a 1:1 ratio, for example).
3. Affordable and available
Salt is a cheap product, and almost every household has it. It can be easily brought from any store, and you can apply immediate first-aid to your toilet if a clogging issue comes up.
FAQs
What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?
There are certain home remedies you can use to unclog a toilet. With dish soap and hot water, you have yourself two accessible components that can solve your issue. Another recommended product is a commercial cleaner.
Will a toilet eventually unclog itself?
It will, provided that the blockage comes from water-soluble waste or things we’re meant to flush down toilets, like urine and poop. However, if the obstruction is not water-soluble, then the toilet has no chance of being unclogged at all and you need to act upon it.
Related: Best no clog toilet
How to unclog a toilet with poop in it?
Consider using a plunger to clean the toilet of poop. It is the most practical and easily accessible item in most homes.
If said method fails, try Epsom salt, detergent, and baking soda. A solution with all three should dislodge the clog.
How to resolve root intrusion in the toilet?
You can put rock salt down the drain just like we described above. Alternatively, call a professional plumbing company to take care of the problem.
Conclusion
Clogged toilet solutions work at varying rates, considering they use different tools. If you want to unclog a toilet fast, you can use Epsom salt. If you want it slow, you can opt for rock salt, since it calls for more time to work.
Now that you know how to unclog a toilet with salt, you’ll be able to solve your bathroom problem. That said, if the problem still persists, consult a professional.
I’m Paulk Webb, and I work as a writer for Saveourwaterrebates. I’m happy to put in the time and effort to conduct market research to identify the most pressing issues faced by households concerning their plumbing. Feel free to check out our guides to get the most informed recommendations for how to solve your problems.