How to Unclog a Toilet with a Plunger
You expect your toilet to flush after every use without any problems. However, sometimes your toilet can become clogged, and trying to flush it only creates a bigger mess.
If you’re a new homeowner, you might not have much practice unclogging a toilet with a plunger. It’s time to explore how to unclog a toilet with a plunger and the best way to plunge a toilet.
Types of Plungers
You might be thinking that a plunger is just a plunger. However, when you buy a plunger, there are specialized plungers for the toilet, the sink, and more. Before figuring out how to unclog a toilet with a plunger, you need to know the types of plungers.
There are three main types of toilet plungers: flange, accordion, and beehive. The design of these plungers determines how deep they go into the drain and the suction force. A flange plunger is fine for a normal clog, while a beehive plunger goes deeper into the drain and provides more suction.
Toilet Bowl Water Level
The water level in your toilet bowl can tell you much about the clog and how to plunge the toilet. After you flush the toilet, the water rises much higher than it should when there’s a clog, but if you leave for a few minutes or half an hour, what does that do to the water level? If the water level lowers, it’s a sign that some water is getting through and the drain isn’t completely closed off.
Plunger Placement and Positioning
When using a plunger, the placement and positioning can determine your success or failure. Here’s a look at the correct steps:
- Place the tip of the plunger into the bottom drain of the toilet.
- Make sure there’s a seal.
- Push down firmly.
- Ensure the handle remains straight up and down as you plunge.
With the placement and positioning correct, you need to know how much force to use.
Plunging Motion and Force
When you’re ready to use the plunger, the best way to plunge a toilet is to firmly push the plunger down and quickly pull it back to create a suction effect. You want the motion and force used to push the block through the pipes and out of your home.
Repetitive Plunging and Unclogging Techniques
When using a plunger, the goal is to break up the clog enough for it to flow out or force it out with pressure. You do this with repetitive plunging. You must establish a consistent up-and-down motion with a firm force behind it. You can pour hot water with dish soap down the drain to add lubrication.
Potential Causes of Toilet Clogs
As you’re deciding on the best way to unclog a toilet, you might wonder what is clogging it. There can be many culprits behind the clog. Some of the most common clogs include:
- Baby wipes
- “Flushable” toilet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Excess toilet paper
- Toys
- Hair
- Blocked vents
- Hard water mineral deposits
You need to keep a close eye on what you try to flush down your toilet, even items that say they can be flushed.
When to Call a Plumber if Plunging Fails
There are clogs that won’t budge, and knowing how to use a plunger doesn’t work. If you’re unable to get the clog to budge with a plumber, it’s time to call a professional. At Herrmann Services, we can bust up any clog and get your toilet flowing again. Contact us now.
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