Have you experienced that heart-in-your-throat moment where the water in your toilet rises, rather than flows away? It can be a moment of panic, especially when you don’t want to be dealing with a toilet water mess all over your floor!
Rest assured, if you have a toilet plunger and know how to plunge a toilet, you can clear the clog and carry on with your day! Are you not sure how to use a plunger? Keep reading for a convenient step-by-step guide.
How Does a Plunger Work?
How do you use a toilet plunger? It all starts with understanding how a plunger works. A plunger is a simple-looking but effective tool for clearing minor and stubborn clogs. A plunger has a rubber suction cup and a long handle for easy grip. You place the rubber suction cup over your drain and push down and pull up. As the pressure in the suction cup builds, the clog starts to break up and pull out of the drain.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before you grab your toilet plunger and get to work, you first need to assess the situation so you can plunge your toilet safely and with minimal mess. Start by turning off the water supply at the local shut-off valve or main valve outside to stop your toilet from overflowing. You can also prevent overflow by closing the toilet flapper under the tank lid.
Next, place sheets of newspaper around the toilet to catch any splashes. If you see any obstructions, wear gloves and try to remove them by hand. If you smell gas, your sewer may be causing the problem, so call a trusted plumber rather than attempting to use a toilet bowl plunger.
Step 2: Get the Right Plunger
When you’re learning how to plunge toilets, you’ll soon realize that not all plungers are designed for the task. While all plungers will create a vacuum to clear clogs from drains, the shape of their head determines the appliance or fixture with which they work best. So, what type of plunger is best for toilets? There are two main plunger types:
Flange Plunger
A flange plunger is a toilet plunger with a flat, wide flange at the end. The head design allows for a good seal around a toilet drain. They are an excellent option for general unclogging and are easy to use. However, they aren’t typically as effective as accordion plungers for stubborn clogs.
Accordion Plunger
An accordion plunger is, as the name describes, a plunger with an accordion-like, cup-shaped head. This plunger creates a powerful suction, making it a desirable option for people experiencing stubborn toilet clogs.
Step 3: Start Plunging!
With your work site set up and the right plunger chosen, it’s time to clear your toilet clog! Ensure enough water in the toilet bowl to submerge the whole plunger head. Run the plunger head under hot water to help it form a better seal. You can then put the plunger over the toilet hole.
Push the plunger up and down quickly while ensuring adequate water is above the plunger. Only lift the plunger an inch or so each time you plunge it upwards.
Plunge your toilet drain multiple times and then flush it to see if the clog has cleared. If it hasn’t, repeat the process.
How Do You Fix a Clogged Toilet Without a Plunger?
Do you still have a blocked toilet? Plunger not working? The good news is that you’re not without options! Here are some other ways to unclog a toilet when your toilet plunger hasn’t worked:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are everyday ingredients that could prove helpful for clearing your tough toilet clog!
- Ensure the toilet bowl is half full of water. If it’s too low, add hot water.
- Pour one cup of baking soda into your toilet.
- Slowly pour in one cup of vinegar – avoid pouring it in too quickly or it can react with the baking soda and overflow out of your toilet bowl!
- Let the mixture fizz in your toilet bowl for 20 minutes.
- Look for bubbles or lowered water levels – both signs often indicate the clog has broken up. If you notice these signs, flush the toilet. Be prepared to turn off the shut-off valve if the clog hasn’t cleared.
- If the clog still hasn’t cleared, repeat the steps.
Toilet Snake
A toilet auger, also known as a toilet snake, is a standard tool in a plumber’s toolbox. They are flexible coils you insert into drains to pull out clogs without damaging your plumbing.
If you don’t have a toilet plunger or it hasn’t cleared your clog, obtain a drain snake and follow these easy steps:
- Insert the end of the drain snake into the toilet.
- Turn the handle clockwise and push the auger down until you reach the clog.
- Pull out the auger with the clog attached.
- Flush your toilet to see if it has solved the issue.
Dealing with a Blocked Toilet? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing®
If you don’t own a plunger or haven’t had any luck with one of the other methods mentioned above, it’s time to call a trusted plumber! Reach out to the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for all your toilet-unclogging needs! We are here to take your call 24/7 for a blocked toilet or other plumbing emergency.
