How to Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog Your Toilet or Other Clogged Drain

by | Jul 11, 2019 | Plumbing

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If you’ve ever flushed your toilet only to have its contents swirl around the bowl without going anywhere, you’ve understood the importance of a plunger. While the plunger is a simple tool that’s easy to take for granted, it’s important to know how to properly utilize a plunger to help you quickly unclog drains in your toilet and elsewhere in your home. With a few simple steps, you can be a plunger master and make clogged drains a thing of the past.

Seal it Up

To allow your plunger to be most effective, it’s important to create a tight seal between the plunger and the drain. If you’re plunging a sink, cover the overflow drain with a wet towel to ensure that the air pressure produced by the plunger isn’t able to escape, reducing its impact. For a toilet, plug the drains of your tub and sink before plunging, as this will prevent air from coming back through the pipes, resulting in the same problems as an overflow drain.

Align the Plunger

After applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger cup, submerge the cup into the toilet or sink and press it onto the clogged drain. Be sure to cover the entire drain with the plunger cup, as this is the only way it will work properly. Start with one push on the plunger to force air out of the drain between the plunger and the clog. Follow this push with several quick pushes in succession, allowing the plunger cup to return to its original position after every push.

Finish the Job

After the clog has broken free, it’s important to ensure the clog is washed well down the line by flushing your toilet several times or allowing the sink to run for a few minutes. This will help ensure that you avoid future plumbing in Atlanta, Georgia, issues that could occur if you don’t get the clog well away from your home. Another good way to protect your plumbing in Atlanta, Georgia, is to drop one or two enzyme sticks that will help prevent future clogs by breaking down the materials that flow through your drain.

If you’ve got plumbing problems, you can’t fix yourself, enlist the help of the experts of Rooter PLUS for more information.

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