We’ve all found ourselves in that cringeworthy situation of a clogged toilet—especially when there’s no plunger around. However, a TikTok creator has come up with an easy and affordable solution using something you might already have in your home: Epsom salts.
This unexpected bathroom trick might help you avoid a messy and, frankly, embarrassing situation.
The scoop
In a TikTok video, creator Ken Long (@ken.c.long) demonstrates how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. He suggests pouring a cup of Epsom salts into the toilet bowl and letting it work for 15 minutes. “These salts contain magnesium sulfate, which, when mixed with water, creates a fizzing effect,” he explains. “This helps break down waste and loosens the clog.”
Long goes on to say, “Next, pour four cups of warm water into the bowl—but avoid boiling water, as it can crack the porcelain. The warm water adds gentle force and some heat to push things through.” After that, he advises flushing the toilet, which should resolve the clog.
How it’s helping
This method not only acts as a quick fix but also saves homeowners money. Plumbing visits can range from $180 to $500 per service call. By handling the issue yourself, you’re keeping your wallet intact and potentially avoiding bigger problems like overflow or burst pipes, especially during colder months.
Additionally, this technique reduces unnecessary water waste. A clogged toilet often leads to repeated flushes or gallons of water being used to clear the bowl. Using Epsom salts helps to limit that waste, making for a cleaner, more efficient household.
Plus, it helps homeowners skip over chemical cleaners, which can harm the environment long after they’ve done their job. Simple hacks like this one can make a significant positive impact on the environment, provided everyone is aware of them.
What everyone’s saying
While some users faced challenges making this hack work, many were impressed. One person commented, “Thank you so much!!! It worked!!” Another added, “We almost called a plumber.”
Viewers also wondered if this method could be used on other clogs, like in sinks or bathtubs. For bathtub clogs, one user recommended a natural solution involving vinegar and baking soda, followed by placing a washcloth in the drain.
