How to Plunge a Toilet the Right Way

Your toilet won’t drain all the way? A clog may be the problem! Plunging your toilet the right away should fix the issue. At Kenco Home Inspections, we want to offer you the advice and resources you need to keep your home in top shape, including the right way to plunge a toilet.

Hopefully you do not have to deal with this particular problem very often. Should it come up, it is important to know how to plunge a toilet. Here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide. 

Step 1 - Gather Your Supplies

You might need:

-       Plunger with flange 

-       Old rags or towels

-       Rubber gloves

-       Bucket

-       Petroleum jelly

A plunger with an extended flange is best since it gets better suction. A standard plunger without the flange does not snugly fit into the drain hole. Thus, it is much harder to get a tight seal without the flange.

Step 2 - Minimize the Mess

To make the clean up quicker and easier, put old rags or towels around the base of the toilet. They can catch spills and splashes to minimize the mess. If the toilet bowl is filled more than half way remove some fluid first.

Put on your gloves to protect your hands. Then use the bucket to remove fluids until the toilet is no more than half full. That will help with splashing and overflowing. However, you should leave enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the plunger.

Step 3 - Create a Tight Seal

Make sure the plunger fits into the drain hole correctly to form a tight seal. Without that seal your work will be a lot harder. To improve the suction of the plunger, apply petroleum jelly to the rim of the flange.

To increase the effectiveness of your plunging you can also plug other drains. Those drains can include sink or shower drains in the bathroom. Simply plug them while you plunge your toilet.

Hold the plunger vertically with the handle straight up. Do not tilt the handle. The flange should fit into the drain hole with the rubber around the opening. This will create the best seal.

Step 4 - Plunge the Toilet

The first plunge should not be very forceful. When you get started, the bell of the plunger is full of air. If you push too hard right away, the air will escape too forcefully and spray water everywhere.

After that, move the plunger vigorously up and down for 10 to 20 seconds. Be sure to maintain the seal while doing so. If the clog is not cleared, repeat as necessary. 

If the clog does not clear after this, you may need to call a plumber. You could also try using a toilet snake to clear the clogged pipes. Read up on how to use one first.

Plunge Your Toilet the Right Way

Hopefully this will eliminate your problem. It is always a good idea to have a plunger in the bathroom or somewhere nearby. 

Do not use chemicals to get rid of clogs. They may not work and can be dangerous when you use the plunger afterwards.

Are you getting ready to buy or sell a house? We are here for you! Call Kenco Home Inspections today for an estimate or to schedule a home inspection.