Heat a gallon of water on the stove over low to medium heat. Use a pot with two side handles for easy pouring later on in the unclogging process.

Squirt about a half cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet. You don't have to be precise but aim close to this amount. Allow the soap to sit for about 10 minutes. The soap alone may dislodge the clog.

Remove the pot of water from the stove before it begins to boil. You'll notice bubbles starting to form on the bottom of the pot indicating the water is hot and close to boiling.

Pour the water quickly into the toilet. Be careful not to splash yourself with hot water, so hold the side handles for more control. If the toilet is close to overflowing, first try using a plunger after the dish soap has been allowed to sit for 10 minutes to allow for some of the bowl water to go down.

Plunge the toilet a few more times after pouring in the hot water if the clog doesn't automatically disappear down the drain. Seal the plunger over the drain hole and push down and pull up on the plunger a few times while retaining a seal. Repeat the process once more with the liquid dish soap and hot water if the clog still remains.

Tip

Call a plumber if after 30 minutes the clog problem hasn't been resolved and the water level has remained the same in the toilet bowl.

When warming the water, note that 16 cups make up 1 gallon.

If you're concerned about more water entering a nearly overflowing toilet when you try to flush, turn off the water valve that's located behind the toilet and near the floor.