How to Plunge a Toilet Correctly

Plungers make unclogging toilets easy.

If you notice that your toilet isn't draining properly and is quickly filling with water, you'll need to turn the water off before you can plunge the toilet and remove the clog. While using a plunger may seem like a no-brainer, the truth is that there is a technique you can use to get the best out of the tool. Using the plunger correctly will allow you to get rid of the clog in a reasonable amount of time.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Plunger

1. Turn the water to the toilet tank off by twisting the metal knob on the wall behind the toilet clockwise. If there is no metal knob behind your toilet, lift off the cover of the toilet tank and close the flush valve's moving piece, also known as the flapper.

2. Hold the head of your plunger under hot running water for three minutes. This will allow the rubber in the plunger to warm up and become more pliable, offering better de-clogging action.

3. Lower the plunger into the toilet bowl and move the rubber head directly over the hole at the bottom of the bowl.

4. Press straight down so that the rubber plunger seals itself over the opening in the toilet bowl.

5. Pump the plunger handle solidly a few times, making sure that the rubber part of the plunger stays firmly attached to the toilet.

6. Plunge until you hear the clog loosen. Lift the plunger out of the toilet.

7. Turn the water back on if you turned it off, by twisting the metal knob counterclockwise. If you didn't have a metal knob, replace the cover on the toilet tank.

8. Flush the toilet to get rid of the old water.

References

• USA Plumbing: How to Unclog a Toilet Using a Plunger or Auger
• Ashville Plumber: How to Unclog a Toilet Like a Plumber