How to Use a Plunger

Occasionally, it’s good for us to remember that the world is not full of plumbers and return to the basics. Which is why today, we want to teach you how to use a plunger.  

What is a plunger? 

First, we should get clear on what we mean when we say “plunger”. Although there are a few kinds of plungers, the basic model involves a long handle with a large rubber cup on the end. When the plunger is placed over a drain, it creates suction. If you thrust the handle, it forces air to move the water through the drain, and ideally, through any clogs.  

What is the best plunger? 

The standard plunger – as described above – works best for flat surfaces, like the drain of a shower. They can work on a toilet, but they aren’t the best option. For a toilet, you want to look for a toilet plunger or a flange plunger. It looks largely the same as a standard plunger, but includes a flange that folds from the cup, designed to fit snugly into a toilet drain opening and create a better seal. As long as the flange can be tucked back inside the cup to create a flat surface, these plungers will also work on shower and bath drains, making this a better all-purpose plunger.  

You could also try an accordion plunger for your toilet, but it is not as versatile an option – it won’t create an effective seal on a shower drain, for instance.  

How to use a plunger 

The first thing you should do is prepare your space for a potential mess. Change your clothes, put on gloves, and maybe have some old towels around to clean up excess water. If you are plunging a toilet, you will also want to make sure that the toilet stops filling – check the flapper valve and if necessary, shut off the water supply. If the water is more than halfway up the bowl, use something to scoop the water out of the toilet until it is at a manageable level. If the water level in the bowl is less than half full, add some water – the right level will make the plunge more effective.  

If you are plunging a sink or shower, make sure any flange is tucked inside the cup of the plunger and that the working area is flat. If you have an overflow drain, plug it (a wet, wrung out rag will usually do) to help create better pressure. Place the cup over the drain to create a seal, and then use pressure to thrust straight down. Continue to push and pull for 20-30 seconds and see if the drain is clear. You may need to do this for multiple rounds.  

If you are plunging a toilet with a flange plunger, you want to make sure any flange is sticking out from the cup. Approaching at a 45-degree angle, put the cup over the drain – it should be covered with water and should form a good seal over the drain opening. Once you have suction, you can move the handle to a 90-degree angle (straight up and down) and use even vertical pressure to push and pull for 20-30 seconds. Avoid tipping the plunger and breaking your seal. Check your progress by lifting the plunger out - if the water in the toilet starts to recede, you have cleared the clog. If not, continue to plunge.  

Plungers won’t work on every clog (check out this blog for some other ideas on how to clear a clogged drain), but a plunger is one of the most useful tools in your home plumbing arsenal. Using the right plunger the right way will help you keep your drains flowing freely!