How to Plunge a Toilet
Shop for the correct plunger., Learn how your toilet works., Shut off the water immediately after you establish your toilet is clogged., Grab a bowl from the kitchen or an empty wastebasket., Add a few drops of dish washing detergent to the bowl...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Shop for the correct plunger.
Do not buy the cheapest plunger you find at the store.
These plungers often have flimsy rubber that does not make an adequate seal to do the job.
You will end up needing to buy another, better plunger soon enough.
Buy a plunger with a funnel cup.
This rubber plunger has a flange, or smaller piece of rubber in the center, below the cup.
This locks with the toilet, creating more suction.
It can cost slightly more, but should last a long time.
Expect to spend at least $10 on a good plunger. -
Step 2: Learn how your toilet works.
Your ability to address a clogged toilet properly requires you to understand where you shut off the water to the toilet.
Your toilet should have a small metal knob near the floor that allows you to manually shut off the water.
Turn the metal knob to ensure it stops the water flow to avoid messy overflow.
Remove the lid on the back of the toilet, and shut the flapper.
If you cannot find the water valve, then you can stop water flow by closing the flapper, a plastic or rubber piece that lifts to allow more water into the bowl.
It is attached by a chain, so you can simply push it down manually. , Do not use the toilet or leave it, even if you are at another person's house.
Leaving a clogged toilet will put the responsibility on someone else, but it is more likely to result in costly damage and an embarrassing situation. , Run hot water from the tap.
Pour 1 liter (4 cups) of hot water into the toilet.
Do not flush the toilet.
The warm water will work to loosen the clog. , It will also help to break up fats inside the clog.
Use shampoo if you cannot reach dish washing detergent. , Occasionally this will break up the clog before plunging. , Let it sit under the hot water for 30 seconds to warm up the rubber. , Attempt to seal it to the center of the toilet bowl on all sides.
The angle will depend upon the toilet bowl you have; however, most plunging needs to be done in a downward motion, so you will need to stand right above the toilet bowl. , Lift up sharply to create suction.
Do this 4 or 5 times. , The suction should cause the clog to dislodge and the water to drain. ,,, If the level of water in your toilet did not go down after plunging, the clog is still there.
Do not flush a toilet that has too much water in the bowl.
It is likely to overflow. , It is sometimes called a snake. ,, You have reached the clog. , The auger may also break up the clog when it hits. ,, If the water level goes down in the toilet bowl, flush the toilet a final time. , -
Step 3: Shut off the water immediately after you establish your toilet is clogged.
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Step 4: Grab a bowl from the kitchen or an empty wastebasket.
-
Step 5: Add a few drops of dish washing detergent to the bowl.
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Step 6: Let the hot water and detergent sit for 5 minutes.
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Step 7: Warm up your plunger under the warm water in the bathroom tap.
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Step 8: Place the plunger inside the bowl.
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Step 9: Push down sharply on the plunger is quick strokes.
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Step 10: Lift the plunger up quickly on the last stroke.
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Step 11: Repeat the process a few times if the water does not drain.
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Step 12: Turn the water valve back on
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Step 13: when you think your clog is removed.
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Step 14: Flush the toilet to ensure it runs smoothly.
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Step 15: Buy a plumbing auger at the hardware store
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Step 16: if plunging your toilet has not worked.
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Step 17: Insert the cable inside the toilet exit hole.
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Step 18: Turn your crank until the tape will go no further.
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Step 19: Turn the crank backward to try to pull up the clog.
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Step 20: Discard the clog when you pull it up.
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Step 21: Use several strokes of the plunger to break up additional clogs.
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Step 22: Call a plumber if the clog remains.
Detailed Guide
Do not buy the cheapest plunger you find at the store.
These plungers often have flimsy rubber that does not make an adequate seal to do the job.
You will end up needing to buy another, better plunger soon enough.
Buy a plunger with a funnel cup.
This rubber plunger has a flange, or smaller piece of rubber in the center, below the cup.
This locks with the toilet, creating more suction.
It can cost slightly more, but should last a long time.
Expect to spend at least $10 on a good plunger.
Your ability to address a clogged toilet properly requires you to understand where you shut off the water to the toilet.
Your toilet should have a small metal knob near the floor that allows you to manually shut off the water.
Turn the metal knob to ensure it stops the water flow to avoid messy overflow.
Remove the lid on the back of the toilet, and shut the flapper.
If you cannot find the water valve, then you can stop water flow by closing the flapper, a plastic or rubber piece that lifts to allow more water into the bowl.
It is attached by a chain, so you can simply push it down manually. , Do not use the toilet or leave it, even if you are at another person's house.
Leaving a clogged toilet will put the responsibility on someone else, but it is more likely to result in costly damage and an embarrassing situation. , Run hot water from the tap.
Pour 1 liter (4 cups) of hot water into the toilet.
Do not flush the toilet.
The warm water will work to loosen the clog. , It will also help to break up fats inside the clog.
Use shampoo if you cannot reach dish washing detergent. , Occasionally this will break up the clog before plunging. , Let it sit under the hot water for 30 seconds to warm up the rubber. , Attempt to seal it to the center of the toilet bowl on all sides.
The angle will depend upon the toilet bowl you have; however, most plunging needs to be done in a downward motion, so you will need to stand right above the toilet bowl. , Lift up sharply to create suction.
Do this 4 or 5 times. , The suction should cause the clog to dislodge and the water to drain. ,,, If the level of water in your toilet did not go down after plunging, the clog is still there.
Do not flush a toilet that has too much water in the bowl.
It is likely to overflow. , It is sometimes called a snake. ,, You have reached the clog. , The auger may also break up the clog when it hits. ,, If the water level goes down in the toilet bowl, flush the toilet a final time. ,
About the Author
Eric Turner
A seasoned expert in education and learning, Eric Turner combines 5 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Eric's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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