Plunge a Toilet Properly

There are few plumbing tools more useful than the simple, humble plunger. Even though a plunger consists of nothing more than rubber and wooden or plastic handle, it is capable of clearing up nearly all but the most stubborn clogs. The toilet plunger, in particular, excels at busting up nasty clogs inside your toilet.

However, a toilet plunger must be used properly to work well. In fact, a misused toilet plunger can cause all kinds of problems for homeowners, including making clogs worse or even causing leaks. With that in mind, learn more about toilet plungers, including how to use one correctly:

Identifying a Toilet Plunger

There are a couple of types of plungers, and each can be identified through its cup’s unique shape and design factor. First, the sink plunger consists of a flat-bottomed bell made from soft rubber. This plunger is designed for eliminating drain clogs, since it forms a tight seal against flat-bottomed sink basins and tubs.

On the other hand, the toilet plunger also has a rubber bell/cup; however, the bell on a toilet plunger is equipped with a flange that encircles the bottom of the plunger. In addition, toilet plungers are made from harder rubber that can withstand vigorous use.

How to Use a Toilet Plunger

When using a toilet plunger, the first step is to insert the bottom of the plunger into the trap of the toilet. Be sure the end of the plunger is well-seated inside the trap before proceeding. If there isn’t a sufficient amount of water to cover the plunger, pour some from sink or shower faucets into the toilet until the rubber bell is submerged.

Next, slowly push the plunger down into the toilet; be careful to avoid forceful shoving of the plunger, as this can cause water to be forced past the toilet’s wax ring.

Once the plunger is fully pressed downward, make a sudden yank of the plunger toward you. Don’t pull the plunger up and out of the toilet; instead, keep the tug short. If successful, the motion will clear the clog by pulling it out instead of pushing it further into the line. However, if the initial tug doesn’t work, repeat the process until you have loosened the clog.

For the most blocked clogs, be sure to contact us with any questions you may have or for professional help. We are ready to help serve you, even with 24/7 emergency plumbing if needed!