Plunging an odd shaped toilet can be a bit more difficult than plunging a regular one, but it is still a relatively straightforward and simple task. The first step is to ensure that the plunger is the right size for the toilet.
You don’t want to run the risk of the plunger being too large or too small and unable to move the clog effectively. You should also make sure that the toilet is clear of any obstructions, such as a rug or other items in the bathroom that may be causing the clog.
Next, make sure you have a good seal between the plunger and the bottom of the bowl. This is especially important if the shape of your toilet is irregular. Use a wet rag to press the flange of the plunger against the bottom of the toilet and create a good seal.
Once the seal is created, the next step is to simply start plunging. Carefully and slowly push the plunger up, and then quickly pull it back down. You will want to repeat this action multiple times in order to create enough suction to push the clog through.
Do not overdo it as this could damage the toilet, but you also want to be sure that you are providing enough force to get the clog to move.
After a few plunges, you should be able to tell if the clog is beginning to move or if it is still in place. If it is still stuck, you may need to take the next step and try using a snake or auger to break up the clog.
Once the clog has been broken up, you should be able to flush the toilet and the water will be able to flow normally again.
What do you do if your plunger doesn’t fit the toilet?
If your plunger does not fit the toilet, the first step is to assess the situation and determine if the toilet is clogged or if the plunger is simply the wrong size. If the clog is small, then you may be able to reach in with an auger or plumber’s snake.
However, if the plunger is not the right size for the toilet, then you may need to purchase a new one. Plungers come in various sizes and shapes, so it is important to purchase one that is designed for the type of toilet you have.
Additionally, consider purchasing a general-purpose plunger that has a flanged or bell-shaped rubber cup, which is designed to fit a variety of toilet designs. Finally, to ensure a good fit, apply a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to the toilet’s drainage opening before pushing the plunger against it.
What do plumbers use to unclog toilets?
Plumbers typically use a plunger to unclog toilets. If a plunger isn’t sufficient, they may need to use a drain auger or “snake” to clear a clog. The snake is a long cable that is fed into the drain and can break up a clog in the pipes.
Plumbers may also use chemicals such as caustic soda, bleaches, or drain cleaners that contain enzymes to help clear the pipe. Chemicals should only be used if other methods have failed and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
If the clog is still not cleared, the plumber may need to dismantle the toilet or use a camera to investigate the issue.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
A plunger is probably the strongest thing to use in order to unclog a toilet. Plungers create pressure when they are used to suck the clog up and out of the toilet. Different types of plungers can be used more effectively in different situations, such as a cup plunger for a blocked sink or a bellows plunger for a blocked toilet.
To use the plunger, immerse it completely in the toilet water and then press down firmly about 4-5 times to create a vacuum that will suck the clog out. If the plunger does not work, you may need to use a plumbing snake – which is essentially a curved metal rod that is able to push and pull the clog out of the toilet.
Will a clogged toilet eventually drain?
Yes, a clogged toilet will eventually drain, although it may take some time. If the clog is minor, the water level in the bowl will eventually drop as the clog slowly works its way through the pipes.
If the clog is more serious, the toilet may need to be plunged, or a plumbing snake, or a sewer auger might need to be used to clear the blockage. If the problem persists, a professional plumber may need to be called in order to solve the issue.
Do they make plungers for elongated toilets?
Yes, they do make plungers for elongated toilets. These plungers are specially designed to be able to provide a better seal around the bowl of the elongated toilet. This seal helps to ensure that maximum suction is created when using the plunger, allowing it to remove clogs with ease.
Elongated plungeres are typically made with a wider cup and longer handle than standard plungeres, to provide the proper fit to the elongated toilet pan. The materials used to make a plunger for an elongated toilet will vary, but many models come with rubber or silicone cups that have an adjusted shape for a better seal.
What kind of plunger works on an elongated toilet?
When it comes to plungers that work on elongated toilets, the best option is an elongated-bowl plunger. This type of plunger features a flange which is longer and narrower than traditional plungers, allowing it to fit into the extra space inside an elongated toilet bowl.
It is also designed to create a better seal, so that it can generate more suction power to tackle clogs that traditional plungers may not be able to handle. When purchasing an elongated-bowl plunger, make sure to get one that is made from durable rubber with a strong, firm handle for a good grip.
Additionally, make sure to use some petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger to ensure an airtight seal for maximum suction.
Are there different shaped plungers?
Yes, there are different shaped plungers. Traditional plungers are bell-shaped with a rubber cup and handle. These are typically meant for toilets and are used to generate a suction that clears out clogged drains.
There are also flange plungers, which have a wide cup and a narrower handle, and have an extension on the cup. These are usually used on toilets, bathtubs, and showers as they can form a tighter seal than traditional plungers.
Other types of plungers include cup plungers, accordion plungers, sink plungers, and inspection plungers. Cup plungers can have several handles and cups and have broad and round cups that are used on a variety of fixtures.
Accordion plungers are foldable and can fit into tight spaces and are used for clogged sinks or drains. Sink plungers are used for sinks that have a flat stopper built in that has to be moved or pressed before the plunger will work.
Lastly, inspection plungers are used to check pipes and traps from the outside. They can also be used to determine if a pipe is blocked or to see if there is a problem beyond the trap.
Can I use a toilet brush instead of a plunger?
No, using a toilet brush instead of a plunger is not advised. While a toilet brush is a useful cleaning tool, it is not designed to unclog a toilet. A plunger, on the other hand, is specifically designed to force air and water down the pipe in order to unblock the obstruction.
The plunger forms a seal around the drain and this helps to create a pressure build up, which is effective in dislodging and moving blockages. Toilet brushes are not designed to seal the drain in this way, meaning they are not as effective in clearing blockages when compared to a plunger.
What works better than a plunger?
Rather than relying on a plunger to unclog a drain, there are a few other options that may be more effective and require less effort. Chemical drain cleaners are one great option as they quickly breakdown organic materials like hair, grease, and soap scum.
If you prefer a more environmentally-friendly solution, you can create a mixture of baking soda or vinegar (or both!) mixed with hot water and pour it directly into the clogged drain. You may need to let the mixture sit in the drain for a few minutes or continue to add hot water to ensure the clog is removed.
Furthermore, if you are still having difficulty, you can either use a plumber’s snake or an auger. Plummer’s snakes are thin pieces of metal covered in a plastic sheath that you insert into the drain and into the clog.
An auger is a motorized corkscrew tool that you insert into the drain and onto the clog. Either of these tools can be quite effective in breaking up and removing the clog.
Why do some plungers not work?
One of the most common reasons is that the plunger is too small for the drain opening. The plunger might not form an adequate seal to create the necessary pressure and suction to break the blockage, particularly when dealing with larger drains.
Another common cause of plungers not working is that the plunger cup does not fit flush against the surface of the drain opening. If the cup has too much space in between the drain surface and itself, it won’t be able to create enough pressure to break the blockage.
It’s also possible that the handle of the plunger is too short to reach the bottom of the drain.
It’s also possible that the plunger material itself is at fault. Some plungers are made of materials that are not thick enough to withstand the pressure and suction needed to break the blockage. Even when a plunger cup is made of strong material such as rubber, the material can become brittle or hardened over time, resulting in a weakened seal.
Using a plunger with the wrong type of material for the job can also cause it to be less effective.
Finally, using a plunger on the wrong type of drain can cause it to not work. Plungers are designed specifically for toilets, so using one on a sink or floor drain may not be effective.
Overall, there are a number of reasons why a plunger may not work. To ensure the best possible results, it’s important to use the right size plunger for the job, ensure that the cup forms an adequate seal on the drain surface, use the right type of plunger material and check that the plunger is appropriate for the type of drain.
Whats the difference between a cup plunger and a flange plunger?
A cup plunger typically has a rubber cup-shaped base with a handle attached at the end. It is used mainly to unclog a clogged up sink. The rubber cup creates a vacuum seal when it’s pressed against the drain that enables the plunger to dislodge the clog and clear the sink.
A flange plunger is similar in design to a cup plunger as it also has a rubber cup-shaped base, but with an additional flange around the outside edge of the cup. It is used to clear toilets and other drains that contain a flat surface, such as showers and bath drains.
The flange helps to create a better seal in flat-bottomed drains, rather than the pressure from simply using a cup plunger. Along with the flanged rim, the cup plunger usually has an additional piece of rubber attached to the end of the handle which also helps to ensure a better seal.
Are plungers universal?
Yes, plungers generally work the same way regardless of design, so they can be considered “universal” in their function. Plungers work by creating a seal around the drain opening that can form a suction to dislodge clogs.
Depending on the plunger design and the severity of the clog, you may need to pump the plunger several times in order to effectively dislodge the clog. However, different plungers have slight variations in their design, such as the cup size and shape, which can affect its performance.
For instance, a larger cup may create more suction, while a one-piece plunger may not create as much suction but may be more effective when dealing with curved or sloping pipes. Additionally, plungers can differ in terms of the materials used to construct them and the handle length.
So, while the functionality of plungers is typically universal, certain features may appeal more to certain people depending on the job they are attempting to complete.
Are all toilet plungers the same?
No, all toilet plungers are not the same. There are different types of toilet plungers designed for a variety of applications. The most common type of plunger is a regular toilet plunger, which is designed to create suction and expel air from your toilet bowl to unclog it.
There are also specialty plungers designed for sinks, tubs, and showers which use different shapes and sizes to create the most effective suction. Additionally, some plungers are designed with an anti-clog bellows system which makes them effective in breaking up the clog and dislodging it from the bowl.
Finally, some plungers may be designed with a more ergonomic handle for better comfort and ease of use.
Do plumbers use plungers?
Yes, plumbers use plungers quite often. Plungers are used to unclog drains and toilets. The tool works by using high suction power to dislodge blockages like hair and dirt that can clog sinks and toilets.
Other tools like snakes and augers can also be used to unclog drains. However, plungers are often the first tool of choice for many plumbers as they are cheaper and less labor-intensive than other tools.
Plungers work best with toilets as the handle can reach further down the pipes. In addition, the handle of the plunger allows the user to have more control over the suction power making it easier to dislodge tougher blockages.