It may be the most common reason you call a plumber: a clogged toilet. After all, if your toilet doesn’t work, you can’t really stay in your house for very long. In this post, we’ll discuss the proper way to use a plunger to unclog a toilet. Plunging a Toilet is the first best step. If you use this advice and still can’t get the flush you need…definitely give us a call!
TAKE THE PLUNGE
- Pick the plunger: You may not even realize it, but there is more than one different type of plunger. For unclogging a toilet, be sure to use a flange plunger. The flange is that rubber flap that extends under the bottom of the plunger. Make sure it’s extended before you get started.
- Arrange the area: In case of spills, it’s a good idea to lay a few towels around the toilet area before a plunge job. Make sure anything else on the counters won’t be in your way, and a pair of rubber gloves is a good idea, too.
- Balance the bowl: The toilet bowl should be about half full. This will help with suction while avoiding spills.
- Drive the drain: Place the plunger directly into the drain of the toilet. Then stand it back upright.
- Cover the cup: Make sure the cup on the plunger is completely submerged. This will help with suction.
- Test the tightness: Once the plunger is in place, slowly push down, then pull it back up. The plunger should stay sealed to the drain.
- Hammer the handle: Now for the fun part. Pump the plunger up and down several times. This should be forceful while maintaining control.
- Strip the seal: Break the seal by removing the plunger. You should hear a gurgling sound. If the water drains from the bowl, the clog is probably cleared!
- Echo the effort: If you don’t hear or see any changes, repeat the process.
- Finalize the flush: As a final test, try flushing the toilet and see what happens. If it works as it should, problem solved!
WORTH THE CALL
If you try the steps above a few times, and they don’t seem to be working, it’s definitely time to call the plumber. Don’t use so much force that you risk damage to your bathroom or yourself. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can help find the source of the clog, then get it cleared. To make an appointment, call us today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.