When do you plunge a toilet

Another cleanliness-oriented tip: Before plunging a toilet whose bowl is completely filled with water, don gloves and use buckets to bail out half of the fluid. An easy method of improving plunger suction is to rub petroleum jelly on the rim of the flange—the part that goes into the drain hole. Meanwhile, the rubber lip of the plunger should sit around that drain opening.

Hold the tool in a vertical position, so the handle is pointing straight up. Though it may feel more comfortable to hold the plunger at an angle, doing so will compromise the seal between the plunger and the drain. Now move the plunger forcefully up and down for about 10 or 20 seconds.

If that chemical finds its way out of the toilet, it can harm your skin or even corrode materials on the toilet or elsewhere in the bathroom. Good luck! Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. This article has been viewed , times. One of the easiest ways to remove a clog is by using a plunger to force it out from your pipes. After that, you can use your plunger to get rid of the blockage. Then, put the plunger inside the toilet bowl so it seals the hole. Next, push down and pull up sharply for several strokes.

When you lift up on the last stroke, check to see if the water is draining. You can then continue plunging until the water drains properly. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article.

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Turn off the water to the toilet to prevent any overflow.

Look for a metal or plastic valve on the wall behind your toilet that controls the water supply. Push the flapper down inside the toilet tank to stop the bowl from filling.

The best toilet plungers have a flange, or protrusion, that forms a tight seal with the clogged toilet drain. Traditional, flat plungers are actually designed for unclogging sinks and showers. Of course, in a pinch, whatever plunger you have handy will do the trick. If your toilet clogs frequently, you may have a more serious issue. Most toilet clogs are innocent accidents.