What is the best angle to plunge a toilet?

Author: Tristian Greenholt MD  |  Last update: Saturday, August 5, 2023

Immediately tilt the plunge back up to a 90° angle and start plunging with the water in the bulb is the best technique to get the job done.

Is there a wrong way to plunge a toilet?

Plunging down too hard

A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl. The proper toilet plunging technique: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so that water is covering the lips of the plunger.

Is it better to plunge a toilet fast or slow?

Start slow and add force as needed. Several gentle pumps will usually work better than a couple of hard pushes. If your blockage is going to come out, it should happen in less than 10 minutes.

How long should you plunge a clogged toilet?

Ideally, no more than five or 10 minutes. One plumber told us that if plunging goes on any longer, it's time to try a toilet snake or call an expert.

Do you flush after using a plunger?

The plunger uses the force of the water, not the air, to clear the obstruction. Once the plunger has created a good seal, push down and pull up a few times without breaking the seal. Then, flush.

Toilet Plunging Techniques : Plumbing Tips

Can plunging make a clog worse?

Unfortunately, the pressure from a plunger probably won't break up a shower drain clog. Instead, it will only send the material deeper down the drain pipe completely intact. The clog still exists, but now it's even deeper into your plumbing system, causing your shower to drain slowly or not drain at all.

Can plunging toilet make a clog worse?

Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.

Why is it so hard to plunge a toilet?

You may just be using it incorrectly. Do this: Next time you have a clog, use your plunger like this: Ensure the flange lip is unfolded. Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.)

Why is my toilet slow to flush after plunging?

Baking Soda And Hot Water

Pour about half of a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow up with a pot of boiling water. Let it sit for an hour or two before you try flushing again. It might take several attempts, but this method has been known to work really well in unclogging slow draining toilets.

Is it good to let a clogged toilet sit?

Waiting to deal with your toilet's clog for a few hours can be harmless. But, waiting longer than that can cause some issues that you probably want to avoid, including: Overflows: Some toilets have small leaks that run all of the time.

Why is plunging not working?

Especially as you really get into plunging and start applying force, you may unintentionally start holding the plunger at an angle. This breaks the seal between the plunger head and the drain. Focus on holding the plunger with the handle straight up and down as you work.

Should you turn off water when plunging?

The first thing you need to do is turn off the toilet's water supply. This will stop the toilet from overflowing. If you cannot find the valve, take off the top of the toilet cistern and lift the float cup or ball high enough to keep the water from running.

Can you plunge too much?

Don'ts: Don't use excessive force when plunging a clog. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much pressure because it can damage the drain line connection, which will lead to further problems eventually.

Why you should never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.

How many times should you flush a clogged toilet?

You should never flush a clogged toilet more than once. Instead, take the lid off the back of the toilet and close the flapper. This will prevent any more water from running into the toilet bowl while you're working.

How many times should you unclog a toilet?

Place the plunger over the hole in the toilet. Maintain a seal and plunge up and down rapidly, keeping the plunger under the water level and lifting it only an inch or so on every upstroke. Be patient, as it may take multiple plunge cycles, of a dozen plunges per cycle, to loosen the clog.

How many times do you have to flush a toilet to unclog it?

Then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Continue vigorously pushing and pulling until the water begins to drain. It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs. Be patient.

Why does more water keep coming up even after I plunge my toilet?

If water is rising in the bowl immediately after you've already flushed, that means a clog is blocking the water from moving through the toilet drain. If you flush again, there will be even more water that's unable to make it past the clog, and you'll end up with even more flooding from the toilet bowl.

What is better than a plunger?

DIY Wire Hanger Drain Snake

To do this without a plunger, unravel a wire coat hanger until it's straight. Push one end of the wire into the clogged area. Prod the debris until it becomes free and flows down the drain. A drain auger is a better choice, but the wire hanger will work in a pinch.

Why is my toilet backing up but not clogged?

If your toilet is backing up, it may be due to your tank not having enough water to flush it. Low tank water levels may result from several causes. Damaged water supply lines, broken tank seals, and other issues may prevent tanks from filling completely. Some toilet models may also have low flush strength.

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