You have a plunger in your house, right? Most homeowners do. Heck, I have three – one in each bathroom and a spare in reserve. The thing about plungers is that they are basic technology. There are no electronics or moving parts. And yet, it is possible to use a plunger incorrectly and subsequently not get the desired result.
Comfort Solutions is a Utah plumbing and HVAC contractor serving Sandy and West Haven. Their technicians frequently get called out to plumbing jobs that homeowners could solve if they knew how to use a plunger. They are certainly happy to do the work, but why pay for professional plumbing service if a properly deployed plunger will solve your problem?
Below is a step-by-step guide explaining how to use a plunger the right way. If a plunger is deployed correctly and the problem persists, then it is time to call Comfort Solutions.
1. Choose the Right Plunger
A plunger is a simple but effective tool for addressing plumbing clogs. They work well for toilets, sinks, and other sorts of drains. But there is a caveat: you need the right plunger for the job. Most plungers are one of two types:
- Cup Plunger – A cup plunger has a flat bottom. It’s best for sinks, tubs, and showers. The flat bottom allows for a tight seal with the surface underneath, thereby facilitating airtight plunging.
- Flange Plunger – A flange plunger looks similar to its cup counterpart with one exception: it has an extra rubber flap designed to fit into the drain hole of a toilet. This extra piece of rubber creates a better seal over the drain.
It is possible to use a flange plunger on a sink or shower by simply tucking the flange up into the unit. However, you might not get a tight seal anyway. Cup plungers are still a better option for those types of drains.
2. Prepare for the Job
The second step is to prepare the area for the job. If you’re looking at standing water, remove all of it except a couple of inches. You need at least a little bit in order to form a seal with the plunger. And if you are plunging a sink with an overflow hole, temporarily seal the hole with a wet towel or rag.
3. Create a Good Seal
Once you have removed standing water and are ready to plunge, place the plunger over the drain and gently push to create a good seal. Make sure you cover the entire drain with the plunger’s flat surface. A gentle push and release should force any air out to create a seal.
4. Plunge Away
Finally, you are ready to clear the clog by plunging. Start with a few gentle pushes to remove any remaining air. Once you are sure the seal is tight and there is no more air in the cup, plunge vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
Be sure to plunge in a straight up-and-down motion so as to not break the seal. You may have to lean into it a bit in order to get enough force to clear the clog, especially if you are working on a toilet.
Most clogs will respond with 10-20 plunges. Be sure not to break the seal between plunges, as it could allow debris in the drain to resettle.
Once you have cleared the clog, flush the drain with warm water for a minute or two. The water should flow freely. If not, you may have to repeat the process. Two or three failed attempts suggest maybe a plumber should pay a visit.