If you’ve wondered how to effectively used a plunger, we’ll show you just how to.
Tools are designed for specific uses to better serve your use purposes. While this is true, not knowing how to use these tools effectively renders them quite useless. Without proper use, the problem persists and may likely worsen.
This article will be focusing on one of such important tools; the toilet plunger.
The toilet plunger looks simple in design, yet performs an important function. This function is seen in the clearance of blockages in pipes and drains.
About Toilet Plungers
Before we get into the specifics relating to the use, let’s discuss a bit about the toilet plunger.
The toilet plunger basically has a simple design. It consists of a rubber suction cup that is attached to a shaft or stick. The shaft could be made of plastic or wood.
The rubber end of the toilet plunger is placed over the clogged drain while the other end (the shaft) serves as the handle. Apart from a toilet plunge, there are several other types.
These include the common sink plunger, cup plungers, and tiered plungers.
Among the different types of plungers, specific types are better at unclogging toilets. These include flange plungers, beehive plungers, and accordion plungers.
These are the most commonly used and should be considered if you wish to perform a thorough job.
Using A Toilet Plunger Correctly
As stated earlier, it isn’t enough to get the right toilet plunger. However effective it is, little to nothing can be achieved if you have no useful knowledge.
Thankfully we’ve got your back! In this section, you’ll learn all that needs to be learned in using a toilet plunger. It’s not difficult at all!
-
Tools Needed for the Job
The quality of a job is mostly determined by the use of the right tools.
For an unclogging job to be successful, the right set of tools needs to be provided or used. Apart from the toilet plunger, other basic tools include a bucket, as well as a pair of hand gloves.
You’ll also need a small container to reduce water from the toilet bowl into a bucket. This is usually needed when water is beyond the halfway mark.
-
Plunging the Toilet
You might want to brace up for this task as it can be quite gross.
Before you commence, you’ll need to inspect your toilet. In other words, you need to determine if the overflow of the toilet is due to a clog. When it seems like the toilet is blocked, continuous flushing won’t solve the problem.
This is where your plunger comes in handy. You’ll need to wait out a bit for the overflowing water in the toilet to drop. This shouldn’t take much time. About 10 minutes of wait should be okay.
Once the water level drops, find the water supply hose behind the toilet and turn it off.
The next step involves closely examining the water level. It should be just enough to start plunging.
Does this raise a question; how much is enough water? The water should be sufficient enough to cover the bowl halfway. The halfway mark is ideal for you to commence this unclogging task.
You’ll need to add some more water if it’s below the halfway mark or moves excess water into a bucket if it’s beyond. The reason for doing this is simply to improve suction when using your toilet plunger. This in turn helps you get rid of clogs more effectively and faster.
What type of toilet plunger should be used? We’ve earlier mentioned different types of toilet plungers. All of these would serve. However, we consider the flange-style plunger as the most ideal for this job.
That is because of its suction efficiency when it comes to unblocking a toilet.
Get a plunger with an extended flange and swing to work. Now, submerge the plunger until the bell top is covered with water. Guide the rubber ring into position to ensure it is directly inserted into the drain opening.
A successive push and pull action are needed on the handle.
This pushes and pulls action should be done in quick succession to build up sufficient suction power. It must be sustained for about 20 seconds without pulling the plunger out completely from the drain.
When you do pull out the plunger from the drain before the desired suction power is achieved, it won’t get the results you seek. You’ll need to repeat the process.
Does A Toilet Plunger Always Get the Job Done?
Although toilet plungers are effective tools for removing clogs, they aren’t always foolproof. In other words, certain clogs may not get resolved by simply using a toilet plunger.
Such situations will require adopting alternative approaches. Luckily, such alternatives aren’t difficult to find.
-
What Other Options Are Available?
Toilet clogs can be resolved through the use of other equally effective options.
Usually, it’s good to have alternatives to turn to when a plunger doesn’t get the job done.
You may want to try using a drain snake for difficult clogs or simply call a plumber to get the job done. If you’ve taken the stress to clear your toilet clogs yourself, then you shouldn’t have difficulties using a drain snake.
-
How to Use a Drain Snake
This isn’t the focus of our discussion, but since we’ve shown you how to correctly use a toilet plunger, no harm will be done in knowing how to use a drain snake.
Before you begin, get basic tools such as a bucket, rags, rubber gloves, and a 20 or 25-foot toilet snake.
Your bucket and rags must be placed under the toilet to cover any spills that may occur. Insert the drain snake slowly down the toilet hole. Once it’s in by about 8 to 12 inches, begin to spin or rotate the handle at a steady pace in a clockwise manner.
This action eventually leads or guides you to the obstacle.
Caution must be exercised not to go too hard to avoid damage. Once you come in contact with a suspected clog, rotate and wiggle your tool by pushing it through such clog to release or break it up.
Once completed, run water through the system to ensure it flushes as normal.
Our discussion has been centered on how to use a toilet plunger correctly. Apart from the information provided, we’ve also added other options in case a plunge doesn’t give the desired results.
Now, you can tackle all your toilet clog issues more efficiently.
