How to Effectively Use a Plunger
A poor flush or flow of water could indicate a partial or complete toilet clogs, clogged sink and tub drains, kitchen or floor drains. When the toilet bowl fills to the brim with flush water or the kitchen sink fills, wait for about 10 minutes for the water level to drop or use a scoop or bucket to remove the water, then grab a plunger to address the problem. Remember that plunging an over-full sink or toilet will result in more spilled water and mess in the kitchen or bathroom.
Effective Plunging Techniques
While it seems very easy to use a plunger, there are some technicalities involved to get the best results. The first step for effective plunging is getting the right plunger for the task at hand. A flange plunger is most appropriate for toilet clogs because of the extended rubber boot that makes it fit easily into a toilet while the traditional plunger or cup plunger is best for sink and tub clogs for effective plunging.
7 Tips on How to Effectively Use a Plunger:
1. Inspect and make sure that the rubber portion of the plunger does not have cracks or tears, as they would make the plunger impossible or difficult to work with.
2. If the rubber portion of your plunger is stiff, pour hot water over it to soften.
3. Before you start plunging, burp out the air in the plunger and ensure it is filled with water.
4. Form a tight seal around the base of the plunger for best results the entire time you are plunging. Apply petroleum jelly on the rim of the rubber cup to keep it pliable.
5. Block nearby drains to prevent backflow from the plunging process.
6. Do not plunge the kitchen sink or toilet in which you just applied chemicals. The chemicals could splash on your cloth and skin.
7. Start plunging gently and keep the plunger upright or vertical for increasing force and effect. Let the plunger cup refill after every plunge. Do not stop plunging until the clog is released.
Plunging the Toilet
The most appropriate plunger to unclog a toilet is the flange plunger. It has a funnel on the end of the cup that can be put into the bottom of the bowl and helps to keep a tight seal.
Related Article: Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs
Plunging a Sink and Tub
A cup plunger is best to unclog the sink and tub drains. Before you start plunging, follow these steps:
Use a cup plunger without flange or fold the flange into the plunger.
Prevent air from escaping from the pipes by putting a wet rag into the overflow opening.
Remove the pop-up assembly.
Plunging a Shower or Floor Drain
To plunge a shower or floor drain, keep a tight seal against the floor and use a cup plunger or fold the flange into the plunger.
Plunging a Kitchen Sink
Use the same techniques as the bathroom sink. However, the kitchen sink does not have an overflowing opening but if your sink is a divided type with a drain in each section, block the openings in the section you are not plunging.
To plunge a shower or floor drain, keep a tight seal against the floor and use a cup plunger or fold the flange into the plunger.
About Draintony
We are a locally owned and operated plumbing company, providing residential and commercial owner plumbing services. We specialize in Drain Repair, Drain Cleaning, Basement Waterproofing, Sump Pump Installation, Clogged Toilets and more. Our team at Draintony is dedicated to providing you premier plumbing quality and premier plumbing services.
