How to use a plunger

Clogged drains are a common household nuisance that can disrupt our daily lives. When it happens, we often reach for a trusty tool called a plunger. With its simple design and easy-to-use mechanism, this humble device can save us from costly plumbing bills and inconveniences.

This guide will guide you through the step-by-step process of using a plunger effectively. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a novice in plumbing matters, you'll soon be equipped with the knowledge to tackle those stubborn blockages from your drains.

Types of Plungers

All plungers aren't the same, with some best suited for showers and sinks, while others are best for use on toilets. Determining the best option for your work is necessary to ensure that you remove the clogs quickly. Here are the varying types of plungers.

Cup plungers

Cup plungers, or sink plungers, are the most common type of plunger typically used for clearing clogs in kitchen sinks, bath tubs, and shower drains. They are characterised by their rubber cup attached to a wooden or plastic handle.

The cup is flat and shaped like a dome, which makes it easy to create suction over flat surfaces. Cup plungers work by creating a vacuum that dislodges the clog when the plunger is pushed and pulled up and down.

The suction the plunger creates helps move the clog, allowing water to flow freely again through the drain. They are typically used for minor blockages and, if used correctly, can clear the clog in a matter of seconds.

Flange plungers

Flange plungers, also known as toilet plungers, are explicitly designed for unclogging toilets. They are characterised by their large, soft rubber cup that has a fold-out flap or flange that fits securely over the toilet drain.

Flange plungers work similarly to cup plungers, but they are designed to create more suction and pressure, making them more effective for clearing clogs in toilets. The flange helps to create a better seal around the drain, allowing for more force to be applied when plunging.

Due to their larger size and more specialised design, flange plungers are typically more expensive than cup plungers. However, if you are dealing with a stubborn clog in your toilet, investing in a flange plunger is often worth the cost.

Beehive plunger

A beehive plunger features metal, wooden or plastic rods and a rubber cup. The rubber part has a beehive shape hence its name. Its shape makes it possible to go deeper into your drain when unclogging. The rod can also feature an upper horizontal handle you can hold when applying more pressure when using it.

Accordion plunger

Accordion plungers feature a gripping rod and a unique rubber part. It starts with a narrow portion and becomes wider at the base again. When you put more pressure, the ridges come together like they would while playing the accordion.

Accordion plungers are helpful when unblocking drains because of the ability to flush everything due to the tightness and the higher volume of water and air you can push through. The problem with the accordion plunger is that you must apply more effort, and the gaps between the ridges can get dirty quickly.

Automatic plunger

Automatic plungers are more common because of their ease of use. You only need to hold it in place instead of ramming it up and down as you do with other plungers.

Hybrid plunger

These are the modified versions of the standard plungers. They integrate various types of plungers to make the unclogging process more efficient.

Using a plunger to unblock a sink or drain

If you have a clogged sink or drain, a plunger can be a quick and easy solution. Here's how to use a plunger to unblock your sink or drain:

Clear the area around the sink or drain: Before you start, ensure enough room to use the plunger. Remove any items around the sink or drain that may get in the way or become damaged during the plunging process.
Fill the sink or basin with water: To create a better seal between the plunger and the sink or drain, it's essential to have some water in the sink or basin. Fill the sink or basin with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger cup.
Position the plunger over the sink or drain: Place the plunger over the sink or drain so that the cup completely covers the drain opening. Make sure that the plunger is in an upright position, with the handle pointing straight up.
Create suction: Press down on the plunger handle firmly and slowly to create suction. This will force water out of the cup and create a vacuum. Continue to press down until you feel resistance.
Plunge vigorously: Once you have created suction, vigorously plunge up and down with the plunger. Keep the plunger cup wholly submerged in water to maintain the suction. Plunge for about 20-30 seconds or until you feel the clog start to break up.
Test the sink or drain: After plunging, remove the plunger and run some water down the sink or drain to see if the clog has been cleared. If the water drains properly, the clog has been successfully removed. If not, repeat the plunging process a few more times.

Using a plunger to unblock a toilet

A clogged toilet is often a frustrating and embarrassing problem. Using a plunger is often the first line of defence to clear a toilet clog. Here's how to use a toilet plunger to clear a clogged toilet:

Choose the right plunger: For a toilet clog, you will need a toilet plunger with a flange or sleeve on the bottom to create a seal in the toilet bowl. A standard plunger, without the flange, will not work effectively in a toilet.
Prepare the area: Before you start plunging, remove any items from around the toilet that may fall into the toilet or become damaged during the plunging process. Put on latex rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Position the plunger: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl and ensure that the flange creates a tight seal around the opening at the bottom of the bowl.
Add water: If there isn't enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the plunger, add enough water to create a seal around the plunger.
Create suction: Press down on the plunger handle to create suction. The suction will help to loosen and remove the clog.
Plunge vigorously: Once you have created suction, start plunging vigorously up and down. Keep the plunger wholly submerged in water to maintain the suction. Plunge for about 20-30 seconds or until the water in the bowl drains.
Check for success: If the water in the toilet bowl drains completely, the clog has been successfully cleared. If not, repeat the plunging process a few more times.
Clean up: Once the clog has been successfully cleared, flush the toilet numerous times to ensure everything is flowing correctly. Clean up the plunger and the surrounding area with disinfectant.

Effective Measures to Prevent Clogs

While plungers can be effective tools for clearing clogs, they should not be relied on as the only solution. To prevent clogs from occurring initially, there are a few straightforward preventative measures you can take.

Use a drain cover: One of the easiest ways to prevent clogs is by using a drain cover over your sink, tub, or shower drain. Drain covers catch hair, soap, and other debris before they can go down the drain and cause a clog. They are inexpensive and easy to install and could save you from dealing with a messy and frustrating clog in the future.
Be mindful of what you put down the drain: Another way to prevent clogs is by being aware of what you put down the drain. Certain items, such as food scraps, grease, and non-flushable items like wipes, should never be put down the drain as they can easily cause a clog. Instead, dispose of these non-flushable items in the trash or compost bin.
Regularly clean your drains: Regularly cleaning your drains can also help prevent clogs from happening. A combination of bicarb (baking soda) and vinegar can be poured down the drain to help break down any build-up and prevent clogs. Additionally, using a plumbing snake or drain auger can help remove any stubborn clogs that may have formed.
Flush your toilet properly: Properly flushing your toilet could also help prevent clogs. Avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet, such as wipes or feminine hygiene products. Additionally, try flushing twice if necessary to ensure everything goes down the drain properly.
Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance can also prevent clogs from forming. Have your pipes and plumbing inspected regularly by a professional plumber to ensure everything is in good working order. This can help identify any potential issues before they turn into significant clogs.

Hire an Expert Plumber for Further Assistance

A plunger is a valuable tool that can save you money, time, and frustration when dealing with blocked drains. By adhering to the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently tackle most minor blockages independently. However, it's important to remember that more complex or persistent clogs may require professional assistance.

If you need clarification about the severity of the issue or if your efforts with a plunger have yet to be successful, it's always wise to seek advice from a qualified plumber. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve more challenging plumbing problems, including leak detection and plumbing maintenance.

Jack

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