After use, it is important to properly store your toilet plunger. To make sure your plunger stays clean and you don’t have to worry about it being in the way, it is best to store it in a discreet place away from the toilet.
The most ideal spot is a small closet, utility or mudroom, or a storage area where it can be placed out of sight and out of mind until it’s needed again. Some people opt to hang the plunger on the back of the toilet itself, but this can be a bit messy and is usually not recommended.
This can also be a bit unsightly and distracting if visitors are in your bathroom. If you feel you must hang your plunger, consider using a small hook in your bathroom that is away from the toilet and out of plain sight.
How do you clean and store a toilet plunger?
To clean and store a toilet plunger, start by filling the sink or a bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Put the plunger in the container, and use a brush to scrub away any dirt build-up.
Rinse the plunger with cold water and let it air-dry. After the plunger is completely dry, spray it with an antibacterial cleaner and wipe the area with a cloth to remove moisture. Once the plunger is clean, store it in an open and well-ventilated area.
Cover the plunger if you’re not using it for any length of time to make sure it stays clean.
Where should a plunger be kept?
A plunger should be kept in a location that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Ideally, a plunger should be stored near the toilet or in a bathroom cabinet. This way, it is readily available and within easy reach when needed.
Additionally, a plunger should always be stored upright when not in use and never left resting on the floor where it could become a trip hazard. Finally, after each use, it is important to wipe down the plunger head and handle to prevent any dirt or debris from transferring to the surrounding area.
Do you need to plunge a toilet every day?
No, you do not need to plunge a toilet every day; however, it can be beneficial to do so. Plunging a toilet is a common method used to solve clogged or slow-draining toilets, so it can be helpful to take preventative measures to avoid clogs by plunging the toilet periodically, especially if you have a tendency to flush things that could potentially cause a clog.
Additionally, plunging the toilet every now and then can help clean the drain trap of debris, allowing water to flow more freely.
If you decide to plunge the toilet, it is important to use the right tool for the job. Using a plunger with a cup-shaped end (also known as a flange plunger) is most efficient when used to unclog a toilet, as the cup portion of the plunger helps to create a seal in the hole of the toilet for creating suction.
Ensure the plunger is flexed down the sides of the bowl for maximum effect. It may take a few tries to clear the drain. Additionally, keep a professional-grade chemical drain opener on hand for more stubborn clogs.
In most cases, weekly or bi-weekly plunging is sufficient to keep your toilet unclogged, but if you have frequent clogs then you may need to do it more often.
Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?
Yes, using a plunger to try and clear a toilet clog can sometimes make the problem worse. When using a plunger, you have to be careful not to use too much force, as this can push the clog further down the pipes, creating an even more difficult clog to remove.
Additionally, if you use a plunger on a toilet with a minor clog, you risk creating suction that causes water to be sucked out of the bowl and down the drain, which can cause the plumbing pipes to dry out and create a worse clog.
It is generally recommended to use a plunger only when a toilet is completely clogged and not flushing, as most minor clogs can be cleared out with an auger or a similar tool.
Why is my toilet still clogged even after I use the plunger?
A plunger is a great tool for removing blockages, but it will not always be successful in resolving every clog.
One possible cause is that the blockage is too far down the drain pipe for the plunger to reach. Similarly, there may simply be too much debris stuck in the pipe for the plunger to loosen and remove.
In this case, it would be best to use a plumbing snake tool.
Another possibility is that the plunger wasn’t used correctly. When using a plunger, you’ll need to make sure it is firmly attached to the toilet bowl before you begin plunging, and that you’re using enough force to create an effective seal.
Make sure that the plunger isn’t leaking, and be sure to pull out quickly after each push.
Finally, if none of these solutions are successful, then it may be that there is a larger issue within the plumbing system, such as a broken pipe or damaged seal. These problems require the assistance of a professional plumber to repair.
How often should you change plunger?
Plungers should be replaced once a year, or more frequently if they begin to show signs of wear and tear. Over time, plungers may start to lose their effectiveness from repeated use, and should be replaced with a new product – this is especially important for plungers used to remove clogs in sinks or other plumbing fixtures.
In addition, if the plunger has been used to unclog human or animal waste, it should be immediately discarded and replaced with a new plunger to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.
Is it OK to leave a toilet clogged overnight?
No, it is not a good idea to leave a toilet clogged overnight. Plunging the toilet and/or using a plumbing snake and/or a chemical clog remover can help, but if that fails it’s best to call a plumber.
If a toilet is left clogged, the amount of water in it increases and can back up into other plumbing fixtures, like the bathtub or the sink, and can cause a lot of damage. Additionally, the water pressure can increase to the point that the water in the bowl and tank can reach a dangerous level, and even overflow.
In addition to potential property damage, clogged toilets can also lead to health hazards as the wastewater can soak through the bathroom floor and travel into other rooms of the home, causing serious contamination.
Can you plunge a toilet too much?
Yes, it is possible to plunge a toilet too much. When plunging, the goal is to increase the water pressure in the drain and push the clog out. Plunging aggressively or too often can actually create more pressure in the pipes than necessary and lead to breaks or other structural issues.
An over-enthusiastic plunge could also cause water to come shooting out of a loose seal around the base of the toilet, or shoot up and out of the tank or toilet bowl due to weakened seals or other parts.
Additionally, if the clog isn’t completely dislodged, long-term and excessive plunging can increase the pressure needed to eventually remove the clog, making it increasingly more difficult to remove.
Do you push or pull with a plunger?
When using a plunger, you will generally push down on the plunger to create suction. This suction helps to dislodge the clog in whatever item you are unclogging, such as a sink, toilet, or pipe. Make sure to use enough pressure when pushing and that the plunger is firmly seated on the drain or pipe to prevent any messy spills.
Once the plunger has pulled the clog out, you can pull the plunger off the drain or pipe and discard the clog.
How many plunges does it take to unclog a toilet?
The number of plunges it takes to unclog a toilet will depend on the type, size, and severity of the clog. Generally, most basic clogs can be cleared with two to three strong plunges. If the clog is more severe, you may need to reposition the plunger and use several more plunges before the water starts to drain properly.
If the plunges don’t work, you may need to use a plunger with a flange (known as a closet auger or toilet auger) to remove the clog. A closet auger or toilet auger is designed to reach further into the toilet drain than a standard plunger.
Depending on where and how the clog is lodged, plunging with a closet auger may take several minutes before the water begins to flow.
What happens if you leave a toilet unclogged?
If you leave a toilet unclogged, the most immediate consequence is that it will eventually become clogged and overflow. This not only means that water and other toilet contents will spill out onto the floor, but it can also lead to other problems like damage to walls, flooring, and furniture.
Plus, it can create a mess that will take a lot of time and energy to clean up.
Beyond the mess it causes, leaving a toilet unclogged can also cause other problems. For example, it can lead to the spread of bacteria and forms of contamination like E. coli in your bathroom and throughout the rest of your home.
In addition, clogs can sometimes create a backup of raw sewage in your sewer pipes, which can lead to health risks or expensive damages.
In short, it’s always best to deal with a clogging issue immediately, rather than trying to leave it alone and deal with consequences later. A clogs can get worse over time and can lead to serious damages and health risks if not properly taken care of.
Where do people keep their plungers?
Most people store their plungers near their toilets or in a nearby closet or cupboard. Plungers are typically stored in a bathroom, although if you don’t have a lot of space or are looking to keep your plunger out of sight, you may choose to store it in a different area.
If you do not possess a storage space near your toilet, a great alternative is to hang it on the wall with a hook or find a plunger caddy. Most plunger caddies are designed to fit neatly on the floor against a wall and help to keep the plunger off the ground and away from dust and debris.
What can I do with a bathroom plunger?
A bathroom plunger can come in handy for many different tasks. It is most commonly used for unclogging toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. To do this, you will need to create a tight seal over the source of the obstruction, then use repeated and forceful plunging motions to break it up and clear it away.
Plungers can also be used to clear clogged drains or to remove any items that may have been dropped down the drain, such as jewelry. Place the plunger over the drain and use the same plunging motion to see if the blockage breaks up.
Lastly, a plunger can also be used to remove paper or other objects that may become stuck in your toilet or bathtub. In this case, you will need to be extra careful not to cause any damage to the surface of either.
Should you keep a plunger in guest bathroom?
Yes, keeping a plunger in the guest bathroom is a good idea. Plungers are an essential tool for assisting with unclogging toilets and drains, so having one on hand helps ensure that potential issues can be resolved quickly if they arise.
Even if the toilet doesn’t become clogged during a guest’s stay, having a plunger in the bathroom shows that you are prepared and can help to make visitors feel welcome. Additionally, having a plunger in the bathroom lets visitors know that you take maintenance and cleanliness seriously, and that you care about their comfort and experience.