Clogged Toilet Boiling Water

The "Boiling Water Trick" is a plumbing folktale that contains a grain of truth but carries unnecessary risk. The heat is the solution for grease clogs, but the part is the danger.

Bring a large pot of water to a full, rolling boil. clogged toilet boiling water

Let the hot water sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives it time to soften and break up the clog. The "Boiling Water Trick" is a plumbing folktale

Can Boiling Water Fix a Clogged Toilet? What You Need to Know Let the hot water sit for 5–10 minutes

There is a time-honored tradition in the world of DIY plumbing. It usually happens at 11:00 PM on a Sunday. The toilet bowl is rising ominously, the plunger is nowhere to be found, and panic sets in. You turn to the internet, or perhaps muscle memory, and you recall the oldest trick in the book: Boiling water.

Heat a gallon of water on the stove, but stop well before it boils . Aim for the temperature of a very hot cup of tea (roughly 120°F–140°F).

Never pour boiling water down a toilet. Stick to hot tap water and a trusty plunger to keep your plumbing—and your wallet—safe.