Let’s face it; no one wants to have to use a plunger. After all, plungers are only needed when you have an unfortunate clog. Clogged toilets can be the worst type of clogs. If you’ve ever been hunched over a toilet, plunging away and not getting the results you were hoping for quickly enough, you may want to know the tricks to perfect plunging.
First things first, there are two types of plungers that are commonly used in toilets. The most effective toilet plunger can be purchased for about $10.00. An effective toilet plunger has a bell shape that is enclosed with a flange that will fit nicely into the drain hole or opening in the bottom of the toilet.
To get the most bang for your buck so to speak, when plunging start by filling the plunger with water while centering the mouth or flange of the plunger on the opening at the bottom of the toilet. Once you have the plunger securely placed, take a few quick up and down pushing and pulling strokes. Making these short up and down movements helps to set the suction. When the plunger gets proper suction, it will feel as though it’s stuck to the toilet and you will feel pressure as you pull up on the plunger handle.
Good suction from your plunger will help break up and remove a clog. Pushing and pulling with fast, short strokes while maintaining suction usually dismantles the clog. To break the suction pull up with some force, which will help draw the clog up the drain rather than forcing the clog further down the pipes. Forcing a clog down before it is properly broken can worsen the clog and make it more difficult to clear. If at first you don’t succeed, try plunging again by resetting the suction.
Once a clog is broken, you can flush. It is important to make sure that the water level in your toilet is at the proper height, so you don’t create a flood when flushing. If your clog will not break and water won’t flush, you may have a more serious plumbing dilemma. It’s best to contact a licensed plumber if you can’t clear a clogged toilet, even with perfect plunging!
