We've covered three different types of plungers. It's not a bad idea to have one of each in your home. If you'd prefer to have just one, the flange plunger gets our vote for the best all-around home plunger. It's easy to use and the most versatile plunger out of the three.
It is actually a simple process, and everyone should know how to do this because they're likely to encounter at least a few clogged toilets in their life. All that you need is a plunger and some elbow grease with the proper technique, and you'll be able to unclog pretty much any toilet in a matter of minutes.
Toilet Plunger With Flap
With the flap folded inside the cup, this plunger can also create a seal on a sink or tub drain. A toilet plunger is perhaps the best option for all-around home use because the fold-out flap provides flexibility to fit just about any drain.
You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.
Taze plungers have a steel rod that connects to a snake that goes down your drain. These tools are best reserved for professionals, so make sure a qualified plumber is helping you with this. Plumbers may also use a snake or drain auger to clear nasty clogs.
One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.
A common plumbing tool for clogs is known as a plumber's snake. This tool is capable of reaching farther down into the curves of a drain. It is often used to sneak down the toilet and break apart or push down the obstruction.
In an effort to dislodge whatever is clogging the toilet, many homeowners get overzealous and thrust too hard downward into the toilet with their plunger. 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.
Push the plunger slowly and precisely, up and down. If you plunge too fast, you may push some of the matter that's blocking the drain too far down. Take your time when plunging. It's understandable that you want to unblock the drain quickly, but plunging too fast can make matters worse.
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The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.
Plumbers Say You Should Never Use Drano. Drain cleaners are a popular solution when homeowners notice a clogged drain. But it's also one of the most commonly misused products out there. Any plumber will advise against its use.
Sometimes you have to wonder what they were thinking. Put boiling water or vinegar down the drain – While it is probably ok to run some hot water down your drain if you notice the start of a clog, avoid pouring boiling water or vinegar down your drain.
You need water in the bowl to plunge effectively, so if the bowl is empty, allow the toilet to fill the bowl before you start. Seat the plunger around the drain to create a seal. Using both hands, give the plunger several forceful thrusts. You may need to repeat this process several times to clear the clog.
Bicarbonate of soda (or baking powder) and white vinegar
All you need to do is pop a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole and chase it with a cup of white vinegar. Leave it for about five minutes and then try flushing the blockage with the hot kettle water.
After plunging for thirty seconds, quickly break the seal and remove the plunger. Listen for a gurgling sound from the drain (a good sign) and check the water level in the toilet bowl. If nearly all the water drained from the bowl, then you've probably cleared the clog.
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. If the water does not go down, open the tank again and make sure the flapper is closed, so the water does not overflow.