Lift the toilet seat and lid and rest them back against the front of the toilet's tank. This will give you a larger opening in which to pour the water.

Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water from the bathtub or from a water jug.

Dump the gallon of water into the toilet's bowl in one thrust. Pouring the water in slowly will only fill the bowl, while heaving the water in is unnecessary and will create a mess. The goal is to provide as much force as an ordinary flush.

Repeat dumping in another gallon of water if necessary to clean the bowl of any residue. Wipe any water that has splashed onto the toilet's rim or floor with a paper towel.

Tip

After water service is cut off, you'll have one normal flush left with your toilet if water is still in the tank.

When filling the bucket, 16 cups is equal to 1 gallon.