He didn't own a plunger. In his three years of living alone, he had never needed one. He considered running to the hardware store, but he was still in his slippers, and the nearest shop was twenty minutes away. He turned to the internet.

The reaction was immediate. A violent hissing sound erupted from the bowl. White foam bubbled up aggressively, rising faster than he expected. It was a chemical fury, a miniature eruption of carbon dioxide bubbles expanding and pushing against the blockage.

Mark stood over the empty bowl, the steam rising to greet his face. He flushed the handle. The tank filled, the water rushed out, and the bowl filled to its proper level, clear and clean.

The next time your toilet threatens to overflow, put down the Arm & Hammer. Pick up the plunger. Save the baking soda and vinegar for your school volcano, your cleaning paste, or your drain deodorizer. Just don’t confuse a chemical party trick with a plumbing solution.