Here's How to Correctly Use a Toilet Plunger

If your toilet is clogged, the last thing you want to do is plunge it incorrectly and make the problem worse. If you don’t know how to use a plunger or the right plunger for the job, it is very difficult to properly plunge and completely unclog a toilet.

In this blog post, the professional plumber team at Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing teaches you how to plunge the toilet correctly so that you can unclog a toilet quickly and easily. We’ll also show you which plunger to use for the best results.

Types of Plungers

There are many types of plungers available on the market. The most common plunger is the cup plunger. This plunger has a rubber cup on the end that creates a seal when inserted into the drain. Another type of plunger is the flange plunger. This plunger has a rubber flange on the end that creates a seal when inserted into the drain. The flange plunger is often used to unclog toilets because it creates a more powerful seal than the cup plunger. Another type of plunger is the accordion plunger. This type has an accordion-like shape that allows it to fit easily into round bowls.

Flange Plunger

Toilet plungers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have the same basic design. The plunger head is attached to a long, narrow shaft, and the whole thing is usually made of durable rubber or plastic. This plunger looks like it has the cup of a sink plunger, but it also has an extra flap that folds out from the cup, which is the flange – the reason this plunger is also called a flange plunger. You can fold this flange up so you don’t have anything sticking out while using as just regular cup plunger, too.

Toilet plungers are used to clear clogs from toilets. To use one, you simply place the plunger head over the toilet bowl drain and push and pull the plunger up and down. The soft rubber piece fits over your toilet drain opening nicely and provides enough suction power to unclog any toilets in need! The suction created by the plunger will help to loosen the clog so that it can be flushed away.

Plunging with a toilet plunger is relatively easy, but it does take a bit of practice to get it right. The key is to create a seal around the drain so that you can generate enough suction to break through the clog. With a little patience and persistence, you should be able to clear even the toughest clogs in no time!

Accordion Plunger

The accordion plunger has a bellows-like design which helps it suck up water and channel it back into the toilet’s drain hole. This allows you to remove even the toughest toilet clogs, saving you from having to get a licensed plumber out. The easy-to-use flange is a bit smaller than the flange on a flange plunger but will easily fit into your toilet drain, allowing you the space to move it around in the drain.

While these plungers are great for your home toilet, they do take some time getting used to. It can be difficult building up enough pressure when putting them on and taking them off as well as creating an effective vacuum seal. Because these plastic plungers are so hard, they can also scratch (and potentially damage) surfaces like your porcelain toilet bowl.

Sink Plunger / Cup Plunger

Sink plungers are great for clearing clogs in your sink, and they’re easy to use! Just place the plunger over the drain and push and pull the handle up and down. The suction from the plunger will help to break up the clog so that water can flow freely again. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the clog completely cleared. Plungers come in different sizes, so make sure you get one that’s the right size for your sink. You can usually find them at your local hardware store. And remember, if you’re using a plunger in your sink, you’ll need to remove any plugs or stoppers first.

Picking the Best Plunger for the Job

There are two main types of plunger – the flanged plunger and the accordion plunger. The flanged plunger has a rubber cup with a flange or lip that fits snugly over the toilet bowl opening. The accordion plunger has a plastic cup with an accordion-style pleated skirt that also fits snugly over the toilet bowl opening.

Which one you use is really a matter of personal preference. However, it’s important to note that you should never use a cup plunger to unclog a toilet. The cup plunger doesn’t create enough suction to effectively clear a toilet clog. So, if you find yourself faced with a clogged toilet, reach for either a flanged or accordion plunger. With a little elbow grease, you should be able to get your toilet flowing freely again in no time!

How to Correctly Plunge a Toilet

When your toilet is clogged, the best way to clear it is by plunging correctly. It’s important that you do this in a timely manner so as not cause any convenience to your household or damage to your plumbing.

Tools for the Job

If you’ve ever had a toilet that won’t flush, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there is a tool that can help – the plunger. Plungers are designed to create suction and break up clogs so that your toilet can return to normal operation. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process.

Troubleshooting Your Toilet Problems

Clogged toilets are no fun for anyone, but luckily there is a simple trick you can do to try to fix the problem before plunging or calling a plumber. First, remove the tank lid and check to see if the water level is high enough to cover the outlet valve at the bottom of the tank. If it isn’t, try adding a little more water until it reaches that level. Next, lift the flapper valve a little bit so a cup or two of water enters into the toilet bowl.

If the water goes down, you’re in luck! If not, try again with a little more water. Keep in mind that flushing a clogged toilet may cause it to flood, so have towels ready just in case. With any luck, this simple fix will take care of the problem and save you a call to the plumber or the effort of plunging.

How to Plunge a Toilet

Most of us take toilets for granted – until they get clogged, that is. When a toilet backs up, it can be a problem. Fortunately, there is a relatively simple way to clear a clog, known as “plunging.” Plunging involves using a plunger to create suction and break up the blockage. Here are the steps for plunging a toilet:

  1. Fill the toilet bowl with water if needed. You will need enough water to cover the entire cup of the plunger.
  2. Place the plunger over the hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Make sure that the hole is completely covered.
  3. Push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously. The suction from the plunger will help to break up the clog.
  4. Flush the toilet. This will help to clear away any debris that has been loosened by the plunging action.
  5. Repeat as necessary until the clog is cleared.

If your toilet is clogged, you may be tempted to just start plunging away aggressively. However, this can actually do more harm than good. When you first start to plunge a toilet, the plunger cup is still full of air. A harsh motion can shoot water out of the toilet bowl and cause a mess. Instead, start with a few gentle plunges to get the air out of the plunger cup. Once the cup is full of water, you can then apply more force. With a little patience and care, you should be able to clear the clog without making a mess.

It is important to form a tight seal between the plunger and the drain hole. Once you have done this, begin plunging up and down with medium to heavy force. Continue for 15 to 20 strokes, then reassess the situation. If the clog is still present, repeat the process until it is cleared. With a little practice, you will be an expert at unclogging toilets in no time!

Help for Troubling Toilet Clogs

Plunging a toilet is an essential life skill. Hopefully, by following our tips, you now feel confident in your ability to plunge a toilet like a pro. If you find yourself in need of assistance unclogging a toilet, don’t hesitate to give our plumbers a call – we’re here to help!

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