How to Plunge a Toilet

When you have a clogged toilet, plunging is your first step to clear the clog. Use these steps to ensure that you are plunging as effectively as possible.

Choose the right tool.

There’s more than one type of plunger, so make sure you’re using the one that’s best to plunge your toilet. The plunger needed to plunge a toilet will have an extended flange. The flange is there to fit snugly into the drain hole, ensuring a tight seal.

Maintain the right water level.

The water level should be just deep enough to fully cover the plunger cup. Too much standing water will cause a mess and too little water won’t allow you to get a proper seal around the drain. Before plunging a toilet where the bowl is filled with water, use gloves and buckets to bail out half of the fluid.

Plug up nearby drains.

Plugging up any nearby drains (for example, the sink and shower drains) will allow you to put maximum pressure against the clog.

Seal it up.

Make sure the rim is making contact all the way around the drain and the plunger handle is pointed straight up. Smearing a little petroleum jelly around the rim of the flange can help maintain a tighter seal.

Plunge away.

Once you have a secure seal, plunge firmly straight up and down for 30 seconds. You can do this a few times, but for very stubborn clogs, you may have to call a professional. Contact us at (817) 453-8028.