When the water won’t go down in your toilet, the first thing you’ll probably do is reach for the plunger. But do you know how to use a plunger properly? You may be surprised at how few people know the right way to do it. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to use a plunger so that your bathroom woes can be fixed in no time.
Preparation
For any clog, there are a few things you will want to do to prepare. First, clear the surrounding area of any tools, clothing, or other objects that could be in the way. You do not want these items to get dirty/wet when you are dealing with the clog. You’ll also want to gather your supplies. Make sure you have the right plunger, gloves, and any other items before starting.
How to use a plunger in a toilet
If you are looking to unclog your toilet, you are going to want to choose the right plunger. For most homeowners, the best plunger to use is a flange plunger. A flange plunger is designed specifically for toilets. It has an extended rubber flange that forms a seal around the toilet drain. This type of plunger will provide the most power to clear the clog.
Step 1: Make sure there isn’t too much or too little water in your toilet
If your toilet bowl is completely empty, you will not be able to use a plunger. This is because there needs to be some water in the bowl in order for the plunger to form a seal. If your toilet is completely dry, you can try flushing it. Wait for the water level to rise before proceeding to Step 2.
You also cannot use a plunger on a toilet that is filled to the brim with water. This is because when you start moving the plunger up and down over the drain, water will start to splash out. This can lead to water damage on your floor and will make your bathroom much more unsanitary. If you are looking to unclog a toilet that is not full of water, you may proceed to Step 2.
If your toilet is full, you’ll need to remove some of the water before using the plunger. This can be done in two ways. The first way is by waiting for the water level to drop on its own. If your toilet is not draining because of a clog, it will eventually stop filling up and the water level will lower. This could take some time, so be patient. If after 10 minutes the water is at the same level, you will need to try the second method.
The second method is to remove the water from the toilet. The easiest way to do this is with a cup or a pot. Simply scoop out some of the water and pour it into the sink or another container. Make sure you are wearing waterproof gloves since the water may be dirty.
You will also want to close the valve on the water supply hose connected to your toilet. A water supply hose is a flexible pipe that delivers water to the toilet tank. It is usually located on the wall behind the toilet. By closing the valve, you will prevent more water from flowing into the toilet.
If water is still going into your toilet bowl, you may want to take inspect your flapper valve. A flapper valve is a rubber or silicone seal that covers the drain hole at the bottom of your toilet tank. If this valve is not sealing properly, water will continue to flow into the toilet bowl. This will happen even when the valve is turned off.
Step 2: Place the plunger over the drain hole
Once you have removed some of the water from the toilet, it is time to put the plunger in place. Make sure that the rubber cup of the plunger is covering the entire drain hole. If it is not, then the plunger will not be able to create a seal. Creating a vacuum seal is crucial since this is what will allow you to push and pull on the clog.
Step 3: Start plunging
Now that the plunger is in place, it is time to start moving it up and down. Be sure to use a steady rhythm and apply enough pressure so that the plunger can create a seal. Do not use too much pressure, as this can cause damage to your toilet. The ideal plunger technique is to push down slowly and pull up quickly.
Step 4: Inspect your work
After every few minutes, be sure to break the seal of the plunger at an angle to see if the clog still exists. If the clog is not there anymore, you should see the water in the toilet bowl starts to drain. If the water is still not draining, then you may need to repeat steps 2-4. You can also try pouring hot water down the drain to see if that will help loosen the clog.
Step 5: Prevent future clogs
Once the clog is removed, it is important to take measures so that it does not happen again in the future. A few ways of preventing a clog from occurring is by not flushing certain things down the toilet. This includes items such as wipes, diapers, or feminine hygiene products. You should also have a regular cleaning routine for your bathroom. This will help to remove any buildup of dirt and grime that could potentially clog your toilet.
How to use a plunger in a sink, shower, or tub
If you are looking to unclog a sink, shower, or tub, the plunger process is similar to unclogging a toilet. The main difference is that you will need to use a different type of plunger. For these types of drains, you will need to use a cup plunger. This type of plunger has a smaller rubber cup that is designed to fit into smaller drain openings.
Step 1: Make sure there isn’t too much or too little water in your toilet
You will want to make sure there is enough water in the sink, shower, or tub so that the plunger can create a seal. If there is too much water, then you can scoop some out with a cup. If there is too little water, then you can turn on the faucet to add more.
Step 2: Cover the overflow drain with a wet towel
An overflow drain is a small drain located near the top of your sink, shower, or tub. This drain is designed to allow water to escape if the main drain becomes clogged.
To prevent water from escaping through the overflow drain, you will need to cover it with a wet towel. A wet towel is great because it will create a temporary seal. This seal will allow you to use the plunger without reducing the amount of suction from the plunger.
Step 3: Place the plunger over the drain hole and start plunging
After the overflow drain is covered, place the plunger over the main drain hole and begin plunging. Be sure to use a steady rhythm and apply enough pressure so that the plunger can create a seal.
As you are plunging, be sure to pay attention to the water level in your sink, shower, or tub. If the water starts to decrease significantly, then you may need to remove the plunger and add more water.
Step 4: Inspect your work and repeat as necessary
After every few minutes, be sure to break the seal of the plunger at an angle to see if the clog still exists. If the clog is not there anymore, you should see the water in the sink, shower, or tub starts to drain. If the water is still not draining, then you may need to repeat steps 3-4.
What do you do if your plunger did not get rid of the clog?
There are a few other methods you can try if you were unsuccessful with the plunger. One way is to use a closet auger or a toilet auger. This is a tool that is inserted into the toilet and used to release the clog. Another way is to use a drain snake. This is a long, flexible piece of metal that can be inserted into the drain to reach the clog. A third method is using a chemical drain cleaner. This is a liquid solution that is poured into the drain to dissolve the clog. Be sure to use caution when using this method, as the chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly.
If you have tried all these methods and the clog is still not removed, you may need to call a professional plumber. This is because the clog could be located further down the drainpipe and a plunger may not be able to reach it. A plumber will be able to use a power auger to clear the clog. An auger is a long metal rod with a spiral end that can forcefully remove blockages. Plumbers also have access to other powerful tools that can unclog toilets.