While a plunger won’t always fix a draining issue, it’s the first thing you should grab to clear the clog. Plunging properly will minimize mess and maximize effectiveness. Learning to do so the right way can save you a major expense by avoiding calling a plumber.
Below, we explain how to use a plunger properly to unclog toilets and other drains, provide examples of which type of plunger you may need, and offer advice for what you should do if plunging doesn’t work.
Types of Plungers
Believe it or not, there’s more than one type of plunger. Different types of plungers are suited for different jobs. The main types include cup plungers, flange plungers, and a modern design called an accordion plunger.
Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides, and more!
Cup Plunger
Cup plungers are the classic plunger style consisting of a straight handle leading to a rubber cup. While this is the most popular plunger design, it’s not very effective for plunging a toilet. The flat rim of the cup plunger is better suited for flat drains like those in sinks, showers, tubs, floors, and other flat surfaces.
Flange Plunger
To plunge a toilet, you should reach instead for a flange plunger. Many flange plungers look similar to a cup plunger, but a tapered flange is attached to the rim of the cup. This flange reaches into the drain of a toilet, creating a tighter seal than that of a standard cup plunger.
However, the flange makes it difficult to use on flat drains. This is why many flange plungers are designed so you can fold the flange back to use them on flat drains for multipurpose use.
Accordion Plunger
An accordion plunger is nothing more than a flange plunger with an accordion shape rather than a cup. The flexing shape and slim flange make them easy to use and very effective for toilet clogs, but useless for other drains, as the flange flap doesn’t fold up. Some accordion plungers are made of harder plastic, which compromises their ability to seal against the toilet drain opening.
How to Plunge a Toilet
If you flush your toilet and the water rises but the bowl doesn’t drain, don’t try to flush it again in hopes that it will clear; this is a surefire way to flood your bathroom floor. Instead, reach for a flange plunger to clear the clog. Here’s how to do it.
Warning
Refrain from using chemical drain cleaners and plungers together. Plunging a drain is guaranteed to slosh water, so you risk splashing yourself with harsh cleaning products.
- Wait a few minutes. Even though your toilet is clogged, the water level still may slowly drop. If the water level is close to full, give the toilet a minute to drain.
- Manually remove some water. If waiting doesn’t work, you’ll have to manually remove some water. Wearing gloves, use a cup to remove water until the toilet is around halfway full.
- Add water if necessary. If the water level is below half full, you may need to add some water, as water is necessary to help the plunger form a tight seal.
- Plunge the toilet. With the flange fully extended, insert the flange plunger into the toilet and the drain opening. Press the plunger firmly to create a seal, then begin thrusting the plunger. Do so with enough force to break the clog, but gently enough to maintain the plunger’s seal. It may take 30 seconds to a full minute of plunging to break the clog.
- Try a closet snake. If the plunger didn’t cut it, a drain snake may be necessary. A closet snake is a specific type of drain snake intended for use in a toilet. It’s more effective than other drain snakes and won’t scratch the porcelain.
How to Plunge a Drain
While toilets are prone to clogging, they aren’t the only drains that back up. Sink, shower, tub, and floor drains may also benefit from plunging occasionally. To clear drain clogs, swap the flange plunger for a cup plunger and follow these steps:
- Cover any overflow drains. If the drain in question is attached to an overflow drain, such as a sink or tub, cover it up with a drain cover (you can DIY one with a plastic bag filled with water). This will help the plunger maintain an airtight seal and prevent air from escaping during the plunging process.
- Manually remove some water. Plunging can make a mess, especially if there’s too much water. If necessary, remove some water manually before beginning.
- Plunge the drain. Place the cup plunger on the drain firmly to create an airtight seal. Push the plunger down and begin thrusting it to plunge the drain. In the same manner as plunging a toilet, you should strike a balance in the force used to clear the clog while maintaining the plunger’s seal.
- Lift the plunger. Unlike a toilet, you may not know you’ve cleared the drain clog until you lift the plunger. Every 30 seconds or so, lift the plunger to see if the water recedes.
What If Plunging Doesn’t Work?
While plungers can be incredibly effective, they aren’t always fit to clear severe clogs. Here are some things to try if plunging doesn’t work.
Drain Snake
For a severe clog, a drain snake might be your best bet. Drain snakes physically enter the drain and clear the clog. Many snakes are fitted with ends that twist and grab the material causing the clog, allowing you to pull it out of the drain rather than send it further down the line. This is handy for a shower or sink drain that might be stopped with loose hair.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
Heat a pot of water on the stove and remove it just before it boils. While it’s heating, squeeze some dish soap into the toilet bowl. Carefully pour the hot water into the toilet and allow it to work on the clog for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary, manually removing the water as it gets too full.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
That’s right—add “unclogging a drain” to the long list of things you can achieve with baking soda and vinegar. To do this, pour a 1:2 ratio of baking soda and vinegar into the toilet and let the bubbling reaction break up the clog for half an hour. Manually remove some liquid if necessary, then flush the toilet to see if it worked. Repeat as necessary.
Call a Professional
If all else fails, it may be time to call a plumber. A clog that won’t clear could be a sign that something is wrong with the toilet, the pipes, or other plumbing components. Additionally, plumbers have tools and know-how that can remedy the problem when you’ve exhausted your resources.