Here's How to Correctly Plunge Your Toilet

A person using a plunger to plunge a toilet

Toilet clogs are the worst! They are always so annoying to deal with and they always seem to happen at the worst times. A clogged toilet is one of the most inconvenient things that can happen in a home. Not only does it cause an unpleasant smell, but it can also be a health hazard. If water starts to back up into the sink or tub basin, your plumbing could be in jeopardy. In addition, a clogged toilet can make it difficult to use the bathroom.

Are you one of those people who avoid plunging the toilet because it seems like such a huge chore? Or maybe you plunge it every time, but it never really seems to work and you can’t get the toilet to flush properly. It can be frustrating to have to wait until a professional plumber can come over to help unclog a toilet, but you may feel you have no other choice if you’re not making progress removing the clog on your own.

A clogged toilet drain is a huge hassle for most homeowners, rendering a bathroom almost unusable. Though it seems easy enough, there’s actually a right way to plunge a toilet, but not everyone is aware of how to unclog a toilet correctly. When you do not properly plunge the drain opening, you won’t make much progress moving the clog out of the toilet’s drain hole.

Mr. Plumber is here to teach you how to plunge your toilet correctly, using the right plunger and proper technique. Follow along and learn how to unclog a toilet without any hassle!

Types of Plungers

There are a few different types of plungers that are available at home improvement stores. The most common type of plunger is the cup plunger. This type of plunger has a rubber cup on the end that is inserted into the toilet. Another type of plunger is the flange plunger. This type of plunger has a rubber flange on the end that is inserted into the toilet. The flange creates a better seal and allows for more suction when plunging. Accordion plungers are another type of tool that is used as a toilet plunger.

Flange Plunger

Most toilet plungers are conical in shape and have a rubber cup at the bottom that is used to create suction. With a cup like that of sink plunger, this one also has an inner soft rubber flap to fit over your curved toilet drain. The flange can be tucked into the device for extra suction when you need it!

The cup fits over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl, and the flange fits down within the drain hole. The plunger is then pushed up and down to create suction. This action forces water up through the plumbing and can help to dislodge any obstructions that are causing a blockage.

Toilet plungers are an essential tool for clearing blocked toilets and restoring proper function to toilet and sink fixtures. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to use a toilet plunger effectively.

Accordion Plunger

Accordion plungers have a unique design that allows them to work effectively to unclog toilets. The plastic plunger is attached to a long handle, which gives the user leverage to press down on the plunger. The accordion-style bellows on the plunger create a tight seal around the toilet’s drain, which helps to create suction and dislodge the clog.

Sink Plunger / Cup Plunger

If you’ve ever had a clog in your sink, you know how frustrating it can be. Water backs up, and nothing seems to fix the problem. That’s where a sink plunger comes in. Sink plungers are specifically designed to unclog sinks, and they’re relatively easy to use. Just place the plunger over the drain and press down firmly. Then, release and repeat. The suction from the plunger will help to break up the clog so that water can flow freely again. As an added bonus, sink plungers can also be used on humidifiers in winter to help prevent them from getting clogged with mineral deposits. So, next time your sink is giving you trouble, reach for a plunger and give it a try. You might be surprised at how well it works.

Pick the Right Plunger for the Job

First, be sure to use the right plunger. Toilet plungers come in two basic types: flanged and accordion. The flanged type is designed specifically for toilets, while the accordion type can be used for toilets as well. Cup plungers should never be used on toilets, as they just don’t fit properly around the toilet’s drain opening. Second, apply firm, steady pressure to the plunger. Short, sharp strokes will not be as effective.

The Right Way to Plunge a Toilet

To clear a clogged toilet, you should plunge it correctly and in time. This will not only get rid of the problem quickly but also prevent any damage from occurring to your plumbing system!

The Tools You Need

Most people don’t think about their toilets until something goes wrong. Then, it becomes all too clear how important this humble fixture is. If you find yourself faced with a clogged toilet, the first thing you’ll need is a plunger. This simple tool uses suction to create pressure and break up the blockage. You’ll also want to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria. With these two items, you should be able to clear most common toilet clogs. Of course, if the blockage is severe, you may need to call a plumber. But for minor issues, a plunger should do the trick.

Troubleshoot First

Clogged toilets are a pain, but there’s no need to call a plumber every time it happens. Before you start plunging away, there’s a simple step you can try that may just do the trick. First, remove the toilet tank lid and pull up on the flapper valve a little bit to let a cup or two of water flow into the toilet bowl. If the water goes down, great! If not, you may need to give it a little more force. But before you start plunging away, make sure you have towels ready because flushing a clogged toilet may flood your floor! With this simple trick, you may be able to save yourself a call to the plumber next time your toilet gets clogged.

Start Plunging

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with a clogged toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, there’s an easy way to fix the problem: plunging. Plunging is a simple process that anyone can do, and it only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Start by removing any excess water from the bowl. You can do this by scooping it out with a cup or emptying it with a wet/dry vacuum. Leave enough water to cover the plunger’s cup completely.
  2. Next, placed the plunger over the drain hole and make sure that there is a tight seal.
  3. Now it’s time to start plunging. Push and pull the plunger up and down, using as much force as you can. You should see the water level start to go down.
  4. Once the water is gone, flush the toilet to make sure that everything is working properly.

And that’s it! Plunging is a quick and easy way to fix a clogged toilet. So next time your toilet is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

When you first start to plunge a toilet, it’s important to be gentle. The plunger cup is still holding air at this point, and a vigorous plunge could send water spilling from the toilet bowl. Instead, start with a few light pumps to get the water moving. Once the water starts to drain, you can increase the intensity of your plunging. Remember to keep a firm grip on the plunger so that it doesn’t slip out of your hands. With a little practice, you’ll be a plunging pro in no time!

Once you have a good seal, start plunging with medium to heavy force. Plunge the toilet 15 to 20 times, then reassess the clog. If it appears to be loosened, continue plunging until the clog is completely cleared.

Help with Toilet Clogs

Plunging a toilet correctly is an easy skill everyone can benefit from knowing. If you’re not sure how to do it or if your plunger isn’t working the way it should, don’t worry. Our team of plumbers are here to help. Give us a call and we can set up an appointment for you so that your plumbing issues can be taken care of as quickly as possible.

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