What type of plunger should I use for a toilet?

Use a toilet plunger with a fold-out flange. The flange fits into the toilet trap and creates a strong seal, which makes it more effective at clearing toilet clogs.

Why won’t my plunger work on my sink or tub?

A toilet plunger may not seal properly on a flat surface. A flat-bottomed sink plunger creates the suction needed to clear clogs in sinks, tubs, and some floor drains.

How do plungers actually clear clogs?

Plungers create pressure and suction. Pressing down builds pressure against the blockage. Pulling up forms a vacuum. Together, these forces loosen debris so it can move through the drain.

When should I call a plumber instead of plunging?

Call a plumber if the clog does not clear after repeated plunging or if water backs up into more than one drain. These can be signs of a deeper blockage in the main line.

How do plungers work, and which type should you use for different clogs?

February 8, 2012

Plungers are simple tools, but they work extremely well for clearing clogged drains. With the right technique, a plunger can often fix a slow sink or a stubborn toilet clog before you need a plumber. Here’s how plungers work and how to choose the best one for your home.

TL;DR

Plungers clear clogs by creating pressure that loosens debris inside the drain.
Use a sink plunger on flat surfaces like sinks, tubs, and some floor drains.
Use a toilet plunger with a flange to seal tightly inside the toilet trap.
Test the drain slowly after plunging—never with a full flush right away.
If plunging doesn’t help, schedule clogged drain service.

How plungers work

All plungers operate in the same basic way. When you push down, the plunger creates pressure against the blockage. When you pull up, it creates suction. The combination helps loosen debris so water can flow again. Plunging is a safe first step for most clogs, but if the drain still won’t clear, a Boston plumber may need to take over.

Sink plunger

A sink plunger has a flat rubber cup and a straight handle. Because the cup sits flat, it works well on sinks and tubs where it can form a tight seal.

Tips for using a sink plunger:

Cover the overflow opening to help build pressure.
Keep a little water in the sink or tub to strengthen the force.
Plunge up and down for a few minutes until the drain begins to clear.

Toilet plunger

A toilet plunger looks similar to a sink plunger, but it has a fold-out flange that fits into the toilet trap. This flange creates a stronger seal, which makes it more effective for toilet clogs.

How to use a toilet plunger:

Pull out the flange before placing the plunger in the bowl.
Keep the bowl about half full of water.
Fit the flange into the drain opening to form a seal.
Plunge several times, then remove the plunger to check progress.

How to test whether the clog is cleared

Do not flush the toilet fully until you are sure the clog is gone. Instead, test slowly:

Pour water into the bowl from a bucket, or
Lift the toilet tank flapper slightly so only a small amount of water enters the bowl.

If the water drains easily, the clog is gone. If not, repeat the plunging process a few more times. When the clog still won’t clear, a professional may need to remove it.

Categories: Drain Cleaning