Home
Blog
Toilet
Roto-rooter Com Shares Tips On The How To Effectively Use A Plunger

Tips on How to Plunge a Toilet

Clogged toilets are a common and aggravating plumbing problem that almost everyone faces at one time or another. Knowing how to plunge a toilet like a professional plumber is a valuable life skill that can save you time and money.

At Roto-Rooter, we know everything there is to know about how to unclog a toilet with a plunger. Join us as we explain proper plunger use, which type of plunger is best suited for toilets, how to prevent future clogs, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

How to Plunge a Toilet

Here’s how to use a plunger to fix a clogged toilet:

Remove the tank lid and lift the ball float or fill valve to stop the tank from refilling.
Stop water from flowing into the tank from the bowl by removing the water line from the overflow tube or pushing down on the flapper valve.
Turn off the water shut-off valve behind the toilet to prevent water from entering the tank.
Check that you have a plunger with a flange at the bottom to seal around the toilet drain. You need water in the bowl to plunge effectively, so if the bowl is empty, allow the toilet to fill the bowl before you start.
Seat the plunger around the drain to create a seal.
Using both hands, give the plunger several forceful thrusts. You may need to repeat this process several times to clear the clog. Use firm pressure on the upward and downward motions.
Check if the clog has cleared after 15 to 20 seconds of plunging.
Once the clog is cleared, reposition the toilet’s overflow tube and reopen the water supply tap.

If you cannot clear the clog, call Roto-Rooter. Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to help with all your plumbing needs.

Effective Plunging Tips

Wear gloves while plunging to protect your skin from backlash.
Plunger flanges can curl up into the plunger cup. Be sure the flange is out of the cup before plunging.
Drape a towel over and around the toilet bowl and place paper towels or newspaper on the floor to catch spilled water.
Keep a tight seal over the drain as you plunge.
If the plunger flange seems stiff, pour hot water over it to soften the rubber before plunging.
Start with a gentle push to get the air out of the cup. Air trapped in the cup compresses and reduces plunger effectiveness.
Keep the plunger vertical when you plunge. Plunging with the handle at an angle reduces how much force you can leverage.
Don't use chemicals and a plunger at the same time. Clog-busting chemicals could splash out of the water and onto your skin.
For stubborn clogs, pour several cups of hot (not boiling) water from waist level into the toilet bowl. Add two or three full squirts of dishwashing liquid to the bowl. This combination often helps lubricate and break up the source of the clog while making it easier to get a good plunge.

If you can't access a plunger, Check out How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger.

Types of Plungers

Flange-type plungers are the best tools for unclogging a toilet. Standard shallow cup plungers are better suited for sinks, tubs, and showers. Roto-Rooter recommends using separate plungers for the toilet and sinks to prevent contamination. How to Pick the Right Plunger offers more advice on selecting high-quality plungers.

Preventing Future Toilet Clogs

Knowing how to use a plunger is an important life skill, but knowing how to prevent future clogs is also important. Here are a few tips to keep your flushes flowing:

Use less toilet paper. If you need more paper than usual, flush several times rather than all at once.
Only flush water, toilet paper, and human waste. Hair, cotton balls, Q-tips, tampons, and supposedly “flushable” baby wipes should go in the trash.
Close the lid when not in use. Toys and foreign objects can accidentally fall in, get flushed, and cause serious clogs.
Clean the toilet using enzyme-based cleaners that help break down waste and prevent buildup inside drainpipes. Check that the product is safe for use if you have a septic tank.
Avoid the old “brick in the tank” trick. A popular way to conserve water is adding a brick to limit tank volume; bricks can result in insufficient water volume with each flush, increasing the risk of clogs. Most modern toilets use less water anyway.

Clogs deep in the drain or sewer line require more powerful solutions than plungers. Roto-Rooter cleans drains from end to end, clearing out tree roots, grease, and other foreign objects for long-lasting drain flow.

FAQs When Plunging a Toilet

How to unclog a toilet that's full of water?

Slow, careful plunges are the best way to unclog a toilet full of water. Sometimes, waiting a little to see if the water level drops can help.

Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

Check to ensure the plunger flange has a tight seal and that there is no air in the cup. Foreign objects or clogs in sewer lines typically require professional drain cleaning.

Is it better to plunge a toilet fast or slowly?

Start plunging with slow, gentle thrusts to allow air to escape the plunger cup and prevent water from spilling out of the bowl. Once you have a strong seal, you can use firmer, faster pumps.

Do you flush the toilet when using a plunger?

Plungers use water pressure to clear clogs. After 15 to 20 seconds of plunging, remove the plunger and flush. If the water does not go down, try plunging a second time.

Not every household clog responds to plunging. If plunging proves ineffective, you can try using a drain snake, but if used improperly they will scratch a toilet’s porcelain surface. If snaking the drain does not work, you may have a stubborn clog that requires professional plumbing equipment. Roto-Rooter professionals are available 24 hours a day to handle any bathroom plumbing emergency.