How to Unclog a Drain With a Toilet Plunger

Toilet plungers have a downward facing lip designed to fit into toilet drains.

Stopped or slow running drains are common household plumbing problems that a plunger can fix. Plungers are most effective on localized clogs that are relatively close to the drain. Before attempting to plunge your drain, check to see if other fixtures in the room are also draining slowly. If more than one fixture is affected, the clog will probably require a plumbing snake to clear. If your drain has a pop up plug, check it and remove any buildup of hair or other detritus.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Plunger
• Gloves
• Eye protection

Instructions

Clog Removal

1. Examine the drain and locate any overflow vents connected to it. Wet the rag and use it to plug these vents so that the plunger can form an airtight seal with the drain. If the clogged drain is part of a double sink, plug the other drain and any overflow vents connected to it.

2. If the basin around the drain is not full of water, fill the basin until the water level is above the rubber suction cup of the plunger. Place the open face of the plunger on top of the clogged drain so that its handle is directly above the center of the drain.

3. Push the handle of the plunger toward the drain with a slow and steady downward stroke to create a suction seal between the plunger and basin. Using brisk, powerful strokes pull the plunger handle up toward you and then plunge it back down toward the drain. Repeat this process roughly a dozen times before unseating the plunger to check the flow of your drain.

Tips & Warnings

• Toilet plungers have an interior rubber lip that folds down to fit the drain of a toilet. If you are using a toilet plunger on a different type of drain, fold this lip up into the plunger to keep it out of the way.

• If you have already added drain-cleaning chemicals to a completely clogged drain, put on gloves and eye protection before you attempt to plunge the drain. Drain-cleaning chemicals are extremely caustic and can cause chemical burns if they come in contact with your skin or eyes.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Making Simple Repairs: Using a Plunger to Unstop a Toilet; Mary N. Harrison; 2002
• Plumbing Help: How to Unclog Your Bathroom Sink