Toilet Clog? TikTok Hack Offers Salt Solution

Epsom salts may provide a quick, eco-friendly fix for blocked commodes.

Struggling with a clogged toilet without a plunger can be a dreaded household emergency. A viral TikTok video is now circulating, offering a simple and affordable solution using a common pantry item: Epsom salts.

The Epsom Salt Method

TikTok creator Ken Long (@ken.c.long) shared a widely viewed clip demonstrating how to tackle a stubborn clog. His method involves pouring one cup of Epsom salts directly into the toilet bowl. He explains that the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts reacts with water, creating a fizzing action that helps to break down waste and dislodge blockages.

@ken.c.long
🪠 Can’t find your plunger? 🚽 Try this to unclog your toilet 🙌 ➕ Follow for Tips around the House 🏡 #tipsandtricks #Cleantok #bathroom #toilet ♬ original sound – Ken Long | Home DIY Expert

Following the salt, Long advises adding four cups of warm, but not boiling, water. He cautions against boiling water to prevent potential damage to the porcelain. The gentle force and warmth from the water, combined with the Epsom salts’ reaction, are intended to help push the clog through. A subsequent flush, according to Long, should leave the toilet clear.

Cost-Effective and Eco-Conscious

This DIY approach offers significant savings compared to professional plumbing services, which can cost between $180 and $500 per call, according to HomeAdvisor. By avoiding a plumber, homeowners can keep more money in their pockets and potentially avert more serious issues like water overflow or pipe bursts.

Furthermore, this method promotes water conservation. Traditional attempts to clear a clog often involve repeated flushing or manual water removal, consuming large volumes of water. The Epsom salt technique offers a more efficient alternative, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable household.

This hack also helps reduce reliance on harsh chemical drain cleaners. These chemicals can pose risks to the environment long after they have passed through plumbing systems. Simple household solutions like this one, when widely adopted, can have a tangible positive impact on environmental health.

Community Reactions

Online reactions to the hack have been largely positive, with many users reporting success. One satisfied commenter exclaimed, “Thank you so much!!! It worked!!” Another user shared, “[Thank you.] We almost called a plumber.”

Some viewers inquired about the method’s effectiveness on other plumbing blockages, such as sinks or bathtubs. For bathtub clogs, one user suggested a combination of vinegar and baking soda, recommending a washcloth placed over the drain for better results.