I Might Ditch My Regular Toilet Plunger for Good Because of This Surprising Find

When it comes to dreaded cleaning chores, cleaning the toilet probably tops the list. But there’s one thing I dread even more: plunging it. Between the fact that there’s already a mess in the toilet and that there’s a risk of splashing that mess around (not to mention dealing with the dirty plunger afterward) — it all grosses me out. I’d accepted plungers as necessary, until recently, when I found out about the Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger, which might just replace my regular toilet plunger all together.

The Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger is a 12-ounce bottle of bleach-free liquid that claims to clear clogs without plunging. To use it, you pour the entire bottle into the toilet, wait at least 30 minutes (overnight if you can), and then flush. The label says it’s septic- and pipe-safe. 

When I got the opportunity to test this liquid toilet plunger, I was excited. If it worked, that would mean I could finally get rid of my plungers. After pouring in the liquid and letting it sit for about an hour, I flushed the toilet, and everything went down smoothly. No splashing, no dirty plunger to clean. I was thrilled with how well it worked.

Before stocking up for every bathroom in the house, I wanted a professional opinion on whether chemical products, like this one, are safe to use and could actually replace a toilet plunger. I reached out to Danny Reddick, president of Reddick & Sons, a plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company, who’s been in the plumbing industry for over 20 years. Here’s what he shared.

Reddick says Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger can be effective for minor clogs, particularly those caused by organic material or paper-based blockages. The biggest perk, he adds, is that it’s easy to use and less physically demanding than plunging or using a snake. 

“On the downside, chemical plungers like this often take longer to work than mechanical methods, and repeated use can be harsh on plumbing if overused,” Reddick says. “It’s also ineffective for more serious or stubborn clogs, like those caused by foreign objects or large amounts of paper.”

Reddick advises not leaving the product in the toilet longer than the directions specify. “Overuse beyond the instructions won’t necessarily clear the clog faster and can increase the risk of damaging the toilet or pipes,” Reddick says.

The main concern, he explains, is chemical damage. “Potent chemical agents can erode seals in the toilet or damage older pipes, particularly if the product is left sitting too long or used repeatedly.” He also points out the importance of handling it carefully: “It can also be dangerous to the skin and eyes, so gloves and caution are advised.”

For minor, occasional clogs, Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger is a low-mess alternative to a traditional plumber. It’s bleach-free and non-corrosive too. It’s safe for household pipes and plumbing, when used as directed. 

But if you have older or brittle pipes, be cautious when using chemical plungers. “Avoid using chemical plungers on older galvanized pipes, PVC that may be brittle, or if you suspect the toilet has any cracks,” Reddick says. He also notes that liquid plungers “are not recommended for clogs caused by non-degradable items like toys, wipes, or sanitary products — these typically require mechanical removal. For stubborn or unusual clogs, it’s safer to call a plumber to avoid permanent damage to the plumbing system.”

Buy: Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger, $7.97