Equipment / Tools Required:
- Rubber gloves
- Water Dipper/Cup
- Toilet plunger
- Towel/Rug
Using A Plunger In Your Toilet
Step 1: If the toilet bowl is full, scoop out some water.
Plunging the toilet will create waves, and if your toilet is too full, it may overflow. Before you start plunging, use a cup to scoop out about half of the water and drop it into your sink or bathtub.
- To avoid getting your hands too dirty, put on rubber gloves first.
- After you’ve finished scooping out the water, either disinfect the cup with bleach or use a disposable cup.
- If you’re concerned about overflowing, place a few rags or towels around the toilet before you begin.
- After you’ve poured toilet water into your sink or bathtub, remember to clean it with bleach.
Step 2: Place the plunger’s rubber lip around the opening in the toilet.
A flange plunger, which has an extended piece of rubber jutting out in the centre, is the finest plunger for a toilet. To make an airtight seal, use your plunger and press the rubber opening around the hole in your toilet.
- The most crucial step is to locate your plunger. Your plunger won’t be able to remove the clog until you create a seal.
- It’s alright if you have a regular or standard plunger. However, you may need to use a little more energy in your plunging motion.
Step 3: Make sure the plunger handle is straight up and not angled.
While it may appear to be easier to hold your plunger at an angle, this can cause the airtight seal to break. As you place the plunger, keep the wooden handle pointed straight up toward the ceiling.
- This will protect the plunger’s flange, or long rubber center, from going straight down into the toilet hole.
Step 4: For about 20 seconds, move the plunger handle up and down.
Place both hands on the wooden handle and push it in firmly, then raise it again. As you press back and forth, be careful not to disrupt the airtight seal. To clear the blockage in your toilet, repeat this process for 10 to 20 seconds.
- The plunger is also known as “burping.”
- Don’t be soft as you take the plunge! The plunger will work better if you apply more force to it.
- It’s fine if you unintentionally breach the airtight seal. Simply reposition the plunger over the toilet’s hole and begin the process again.
Step 5: Raise the plunger to allow the water in the basin to drain.
The plunger should have broken up the obstruction sufficiently for the water to drain after about 20 seconds. You may now flush your toilet to empty the bowl!
- You can try the plunger again if the toilet is still clogged. If your toilet is still stuck after several efforts, use dish soap and hot water or baking soda and vinegar to break up a stubborn clog.
Unclogging Tub, Sink, or Shower
Step 1: Use a towel or rag to cover the drainage hole in a bathroom sink.
Your sink’s drainage hole is normally located directly below the faucet or on the lip of the sink. Plug the drainage hole with a rag or a towel so that no air escapes while you plunge.
- If the drainage hole isn’t clogged, the plunger won’t work since it won’t be able to form an airtight seal.
- Drainage holes are common in bathroom sinks. Showers and kitchen sinks, on the other hand, most likely do not.
Step 2: Remove any extra water with a scoop.
If your sink or shower is already full, dump some of it out using a cup to make plunging easier. Use gloves to protect your hands if the water is brown or muddy.
- Put a few towels or rags around the sink or tub if you’re worried about water overflow.
Step 3: Place the plunger’s cup over the drain.
Cover the drain with a regular plunger (one without an additional flange on the end). To create an airtight seal, hold the handle vertically, not at an angle.
- Because holding the plunger at an angle may cause the seal to break, make sure the wooden handle is facing straight up at the ceiling.
Step 4: For 10 to 20 seconds, push and pull the plunger.
Plunge the plunger down, then up, then down again, firmly gripping it with both hands. Continue doing so for around 20 seconds to clear the clog from the drain.
- If you lift the rubber component of the plunger off the drain, the airtight seal will be broken. If this happens, simply place it over the drain and plunge again.
Step 5: Pull up on the plunger to allow the water to drain.
The drain should be clear of obstructions after about 20 seconds. Remove the plunger from the drain and observe the water dissipate.
- If you’ve previously used your plunger on a toilet, sanitize your sink or shower with bleach afterward.
- If the drain is still clogged, a snake may be required to clear the obstruction.
Final Thoughts on Plunger Techniques
The simplest and cheapest way to unclog toilets and sinks is to use a plunger. To get things done, all you need is proper preparation and a lot of patience. Despite the fact that plungers are one of the most cost-effective household equipment, living without at least one can be inconvenient. As a result, it is critical to properly care for your plungers so that they remain in good working order and can serve you for a long period.
