How to Unclog a Toilet with a Plunger

When your toilet is flushing poorly or not flushing at all, you could be dealing with a stubborn clog. Don’t worry—it can be quickly eliminated with the right tools, provided that you know the right technique to handle the clog situation. Clogged toilet solutions from TruFusion can certainly come handy when you are faced with a clog that needs some softening or dissolving before it completely dislodges from your toilet pipes. With the right toilet drain cleaner and the proper plunging techniques, you’ll be able to free your drain in no time. Here are steps to help you power through a stubborn toilet clog with a plunger:

1. Choose the right plunger for your toilet.

Did you know that there are different types of plungers for different plumbing fixtures? The most basic kind of plunger is the cup plunger, which has a dome-shape rubber cup and a flat bottom. Cup plungers are great for sinks and tubs because the flat bottom creates an effective seal around the tub or sink basin. The best plunger to use on a toilet is a flange plunger, which as a taller cup and a sleeve-like the extension (a flange) on the cup bottom. This fits right into the toilet bowl hole, which gives the pump a good seal. The first step to clearing a toilet drain with a plunger is to buy the proper tool for the job.

2. Fill the toilet bowl to the ideal plunging level. 

There must be enough standing water in the toilet bowl—just the right amount so that the head of the plunger is submerged.

3. Position the plunger correctly. 

It is important to make sure that the plunger’s flange is completely out of the cup. Pull the rest of the flange from inside the cup if it isn’t all the way out before you lower it into the bowl. Do this at an angle that allows as much water to fill the cup as possible. Going straight down will trap a lot of air inside the cup—this reduces your plunging force. Once filled, fit the cup over the drain hole, the flange forming a complete seal around the drain.

4. Once in position, work the plunger. 

Gripping the handle with both hands, push down forcefully on the cup and pull back up, careful not to break the plunger’s seal around the drain hole. Repeat this back and forth motion several times before pulling the cup off after your final thrust. Your goal is to introduce rapidly alternating forces of suction and compression in the drain to loosen the clog. Repeat the plunging motion until the bowl empties.

5. Finally, flush the toilet.

See if the toilet flushes normally once done with the plunging. You’ll know the clog is over and done with if the toilet flushes smoothly without overflowing.

If this doesn’t work, try a toilet auger to snake the toilet drain before repeating your plunging motions. If the clog is too stubborn for these DIY hacks and clogged toilet solutions, seek the help of a professional.