How to Use a Plunger
How to Use a Plunger To Unclog Drains and Toilets
Using a plunger correctly can help you effectively unclog a toilet or drain. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a plunger properly:
- Choose the right plunger: There are two main plungers: cup and flange. Cup plungers work best for unclogging sinks and bathtubs, while flange plungers are designed for toilets.
- Prepare the area: Ensure enough water in the toilet or sink to cover the plunger’s cup. If there isn’t enough water, add more until the cup is submerged. If the water level is too high and there’s a risk of overflow, remove some water with a bucket or cup.
- Position the plunger: Place the plunger over the drain opening, ensuring the cup fully covers the hole. Ensure the plunger handle is straight and vertical.
- Create a seal: Press the plunger to create an airtight seal between the cup and the drain opening. This helps maximize the plunging force.
- Plunge with a proper technique: Using a gentle yet firm motion, push the plunger down and then pull it back up, maintaining the seal throughout. This creates a back-and-forth pressure in the drain, helping to dislodge the clog. Repeat this process 15-20 times or until the clog is cleared.
- Test the drain: After a series of plunges, remove the plunger and see if the water drains properly. If the clog remains, repeat the plunging process.
- Clean up: Once the clog is cleared, flush the toilet or run water down the drain to ensure everything flows smoothly. Rinse the plunger and store it in a suitable location.
- Prevent future clogs: To minimize the risk, avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet and use a filter in sinks and bathtubs to catch hair and debris. Regularly clean your drains with hot water and natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar.
Remember to exercise caution when using a plunger, as vigorous or improper use can damage your plumbing. If the clog persists or you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to consult a professional plumber.
Using a plunger is very convenient and can help if you’re having trouble with your drain. But before you go out and buy one, it’s essential to know how to use it properly. There are a few basic rules you should keep in mind.
Sizes of plunger cups
There are several different sizes of plunger cups. Regardless of the size of your sink, you’ll need to find one that fits your sink’s opening. Plunger cups are usually a two-piece design with the inner portion fitting inside the outer cylinder. These cups are great for extracting thick and sticky ingredients.
Plungers are designed to fit different drains, so choosing the right size is essential. Usually, the plunger cup’s diameter should be slightly larger than the diameter of the drain. In addition, you’ll want to choose a plunger cup with a flange instead of a standard cup design. The flanged plungers tend to be more effective for plunging toilets.
A plunger is a valuable tool for unclogging a drain. It was invented by John Hawley in 1874 and came in many different styles. The bottom of the rubber cup seals the opening, creating a vacuum that dislodges the clog. However, a toilet bowl isn’t flat so the cup won’t fit perfectly. As a result, water splashes out of the clogged area.
Vertical up-and-down action
First, place the plunger cup over the drain. Make sure that the seal is tight. Now, you can start using it. Push and pull it vertically for about 20 seconds. You must apply more pressure or plunges if this doesn’t clear the blockage.
Avoiding using a plunger when using drain-clearing chemicals
Using a plunger to clear a clogged drain is a great idea, but it can be dangerous. It can pull up the drain’s contents, causing a hazardous chemical spill. Also, you should not mix drain-clearing chemicals with other substances. If you combine an acid cleaner with an alkali cleaner, the result could be an explosive mixture.
When using a plunger to unclog drains, it is essential to ensure that it forms a tight seal over the pipe. Once you do this, pump the Plunger 15 to 20 times. If you use a plunger successfully, you will push the clog through the pipe, and the water will drain quickly. Otherwise, you may have to repeat the process a few times or try other methods.
It is also important to remember that drain-clearing chemicals are very harsh on plumbing pipes. If you pour liquid clog removers down the drain, they will damage the pipes and make them weaker. You’ll also have to use more drain-clearing chemicals in the future, which is never good. In addition, drain-clearing chemicals can also be harmful to the environment.
Cleaning a plunger
Cleaning a plunger is a relatively simple task with basic cleaning supplies at home. You can use organic substances combined with water to scrub away the germs and grime that build up inside the Plunger. In addition to conventional cleaning supplies, you can also use disinfectant sprays. Before cleaning a plunger, move trash cans and toiletry items away.
Another common way to clean a plunger is by using bleach and water. The answer should be about 5 percent acidic and diluted with water before use. The Plunger should then be allowed to air dry.
About Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC
Exclusively Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
Michael Muccia is a Master Plumber and the owner and operator of Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is a full-service Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service company based in and serving Bergen County, NJ, since 1978. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team of trained and certified service technicians offers various services, including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for residential and commercial clients.
Whatever your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation needs are, it’s easier with Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. We treat our customers, large and small, with the best service in the industry. We know you have a choice when considering an HVAC company, and no matter what we do for you, we treat it as the most important job in our history. Our experience proves that we know how to work efficiently, which keeps costs low, uses only the best components within budget, and stands behind the work we do.
Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC has locations in the following areas:
Hackensack | Hillside | Ramsey | Waldwick | Maywood | Tenafly
