How To Use A Plunger?

A plunger is a must-have tool for every home, often forgotten until a clogged drain makes it a lifesaver. This simple device can quickly and effectively clear blockages in sinks, toilets, and tubs, saving you from expensive plumbing bills. In this article, we’ll show you how to use a plunger properly, so you can handle common clogs with ease and confidence. Whether it’s a small blockage or a stubborn one, our easy steps will help you get your drains working smoothly again.

Types of Plungers

Plungers are helpful tools for unclogging drains in your home. Let’s look at the different types and how they work:

Cup Plunger

• Design: This is the plunger most people know. It has a rubber cup at the end.
• Use: It’s best for sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains. The rubber cup creates a seal around the drain, helping to clear clogs.
• Tips: Make sure there’s enough water in the sink or tub to cover the cup for the best suction.

Flange Plunger

• Design: This plunger looks like a cup plunger but has an extra rubber piece called a flange.
• Use: It’s perfect for toilets. The flange fits into the toilet drain, making a strong seal for better suction.
• Tips: You can fold the flange back into the cup to use it as a regular cup plunger if needed.

Accordion Plunger

• Design: This plunger has an accordion shape, which allows for more force and suction.
• Use: It’s great for toilets, especially tough clogs.
• Tips: Practice using this plunger to get the right amount of pressure. Be careful, as the hard plastic can scratch toilet bowls.

Simple Tips for Using a Plunger

Using a Flange Plunger for Toilets

1. Place the Plunger: Put the flange plunger over the toilet drain hole. Make sure it fits tightly.
2. Pump Up and Down: Hold the handle straight and pump it up and down for 10–20 seconds. This helps break up the clog.
3. Check the Toilet: Flush the toilet to see if the clog is gone. If not, repeat the steps until it drains properly.

Unclogging Sinks and Showers

1. Block Overflow Holes: Use rags to plug any overflow holes in the sink or shower. This helps with the suction.
2. Use a Cup Plunger: Place the cup plunger over the drain hole and pump the handle up and down for about 30 seconds. This loosens the clog.
3. Check the Drain: Run water to see if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the process.

Other Ways to Unclog Drains

• Hot Soapy Water: Pour hot, soapy water down the drain to help dissolve the clog.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Mix 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda with 2 cups (470 ml) of vinegar. Pour this mixture down the drain. Wait 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This can help break up the blockage.

How To Use Toilet Plunger Correctly

Step 1: Shut Off Water and Reduce Water Level

1. Turn Off the Water: If your toilet is overflowing or very full, turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet by turning it clockwise.
2. Remove Some Water: Use a bucket to take out some water from the toilet bowl until it’s about half-full. This helps prevent splashing.
3. Prepare the Area: Wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean. Place old towels around the toilet and remove any rugs to keep them dry.

Step 2: Place the Plunger Correctly

1. Prepare the Plunger: Dip the end of the flange plunger into the toilet bowl to fill it slightly with water. This helps create a good seal.
2. Position the Plunger: Put the rubber lip of the flange plunger over the drain hole, making sure it fits tightly against the bowl.

Step 3: Keep the Plunger Vertical

1. Hold It Straight: Keep the plunger handle straight up, pointing towards the ceiling. This ensures you keep a tight seal.

Step 4: Plunge the Toilet

1. Create Suction: Push the plunger handle down and pull it up without breaking the seal. Repeat this up-and-down motion for about 20 seconds.
2. Break Up the Clog: The repeated plunging creates suction and pressure to help loosen the clog.

Step 5: Check Your Work

1. Lift the Plunger: After 20 seconds, lift the plunger to break the seal and let the water drain.
2. Flush the Toilet: Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to see if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the plunging process a few more times.

Aftercare

• Clean the Plunger: Spray the plunger with disinfectant or dip it in a bleach solution in the toilet bowl to sanitize it.

How To Use Different Types Of Plungers Correctly

How to Use a Flange Plunger

Here’s how to use a flange plunger to unclog toilets:

• Prepare the Area: Wear gloves to keep clean. Remove any excess water if the toilet is full.
• Position the Plunger: Put the plunger head into the toilet bowl, making sure the flange fits into the drain hole. The rubber cup should be covered with water to create a good seal.
• Create Suction: Push the plunger down gently to get rid of air, then pull up sharply without breaking the seal. Repeat this push-pull action several times to create suction and clear the clog.
• Check the Drain: See if the water starts to drain. If not, repeat the process until the clog is gone.

How to Use an Accordion Plunger

The accordion plunger’s unique design makes it effective but takes some practice. Here’s how to use it:

• Prepare the Area: Wear gloves and clear any excess water to avoid spills.
• Position the Plunger: Place the accordion plunger into the toilet bowl, ensuring the flange fits into the drain hole.
• Build Up Pressure: Push the plunger down firmly and pull up sharply, repeating several times to create strong suction. The bellows design helps push water with force, clearing tough clogs.
• Check the Drain: See if the water starts to drain. If not, repeat the process.

How to Use a Cup Plunger

Cup plungers are great for clearing sink clogs. Here’s how to use them:

• Prepare the Area: Ensure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger cup. Remove any stoppers or plugs from the drain.
• Position the Plunger: Place the rubber cup over the drain to create a seal.
• Create Suction: Push the plunger down and pull up vigorously, repeating several times to clear the clog.
• Check the Drain: See if the water starts to drain. If not, repeat the process.

Recommendation

Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner In 2025

Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?

How To Install A New Toilet?

Best Toilets Of 2025: Things To Consider Before Buying Toilet

Why Japanese Toilets Are the Best: The Evolution of Japanese Toilets

The Importance and Versatility of Toilet Paper Holders

How to Install a Toilet Paper Holder

Flush Valve Seal Replacement: A Simple Guide to Fixing a Running Toilet

How to Replace a Toilet Flapper: A Simple Guide to Fixing Leaks and Saving Water

How To Unclog A Toilet?

Japanese Bidet Toilets: The Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Hygiene

Conclusion

In conclusion, a plunger is a simple yet essential tool for every home, especially when dealing with clogged drains. Whether it’s a sink, toilet, or bathtub, knowing how to use a plunger correctly can save you time and money on plumbing bills. By understanding the different types of plungers, such as the cup, flange, and accordion plungers, you can choose the right one for the job. Following the easy steps outlined in this article will help you clear blockages with confidence. With a little practice, you’ll be able to handle common clogs quickly and keep your drains flowing smoothly.

FAQs

Q: Do you flush while plunging?

A: A plunger works by using the force of water to clear the clog, not air. Once you’ve got a tight seal with the plunger, press it down and pull it up several times without breaking the seal. After that, flush the toilet. If the water still doesn’t go down, open the tank and check that the flapper is closed to stop the water from overflowing.

Q: Why won’t my toilet unclog with a plunger?

A: Make sure the plunger covers the whole drain opening in the toilet. This creates a strong seal, which is important to build up enough pressure to clear the clog. The plunger needs to be submerged in water to work properly, as it’s the water pressure, not air, that helps loosen the clog. If there’s not enough water in the toilet bowl, add more until the plunger is fully covered.

Q: How do I know if I’m plunging correctly?

A: After plunging for about thirty seconds, quickly remove the plunger from the drain. Listen for a gurgling sound coming from the drain, which is a positive sign. Check the water level in the toilet bowl. If most of the water has drained out, it’s likely that the clog has been cleared.

Q: Is it okay to leave a clogged toilet overnight?

A: If you leave a clogged toilet for too long, it can lead to bigger problems. Besides the chance of overflow and water damage, the clog might cause toilet water to back up into other parts of your plumbing. This can affect your sinks, showers, and even the main sewer line of your home.