Plunging a Toilet: A Guide to Plungers and More

The water level rises along with the panic in your chest… Toilet clogs are an inevitable part of life, but they don’t have to be scary. Plungers are the gold standard for unclogging drains (there’s a reason they’re called a plumber’s best friend!), but did you know there are other tools and tricks you can use?

Whether you have a minor or a major clog, this article will teach you everything you need to know about getting your toilet in working order again. Let’s get things moving!

All About Plungers

A plunger’s suction helps loosen and break up blockages, allowing water to drain and flush normally. Pushing the plunger cup down creates positive pressure while pulling the cup back creates negative pressure. This alternating pressure loosens a clog by jostling it back and forth. Plungers get the job done—it’s estimated that they work to unclog a toilet anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of the time—so they should be your first line of defense against toilet clogs.

They can even be used to clear blockages from other plumbing fixtures like sinks and bathtubs. And luckily, they are extremely cost-effective and can be found in all hardware stores.

The 3 Types of Plungers

There are three different types of plungers—which one you need will depend on your specific situation. Let’s talk about when to use each type.

Sink or Cup Plunger

Sink or cup plungers are most people’s idea of the quintessential plunger—but did you know they’re not the best option for unclogging your toilet? These plungers only work on flat surfaces, making them the ideal choice for showers, bathtubs, and sinks—but not the most suitable for your curved toilet bowl.

Toilet or Flange Plunger

You guessed it—this is the plunger for your toilet problem! Toilet or flange plungers feature a rubber flap called a flange that fits neatly over your toilet drain to deliver optimal suction. The flange can also fold into the cup, making these plungers a great choice for almost any drain! But be sure to purchase two of them if you plan on plunging your toilet and sink or bathtub—using the same plunger for both is unhygienic and can increase the risk of illness.

Accordion or Bellows Plunger

Although this type of plunger can have a learning curve, it works very well in clearing tough clogs. Its small cup fits tightly over the toilet drain, giving it an airtight seal and a strong suction to get rid of your blockage. Unlike cup and toilet plungers, which usually consist of a wooden or plastic stick and a rubber cup, the accordion plunger is made of rigid plastic—take care when using it to avoid scratching your toilet bowl. This type of plunger can only be used on toilets.

Plunger Maintenance, Tips, & Tricks

A plunger is a household must-have—a good quality option can last you years with proper maintenance, so give the pricier models a thought while making your choice.

To keep your plunger in tip-top shape, clean and dry it after each use. When your plunger shows signs of wear and tear, it may not create a tight enough seal. If you have a cup or toilet plunger, you can fix this issue temporarily by tying an old cloth around the edge of the cup to block any leaks that would hamper suction—but this is only a quick fix, so add a new plunger to your shopping list.

Before using a plunger, try running it under hot water to soften the plastic and allow for a more secure seal. If you’ve recently used chemical drain cleaners, do not plunge your toilet. These are often corrosive and can cause serious harm to you or your bathroom if they splash out while plunging (which is likely to happen).

How To Plunge a Toilet

Now that you’ve chosen your plunger, let’s learn how to use it. This step-by-step guide will help you efficiently plunge any toilet with a flange or accordion plunger. Just remember the four P’s, and you’ll be a plunging pro pronto!

Items you’ll need:

• Flange or accordion plunger
• Gloves
• Towels
• Disinfectant
• Cup
• Bucket
• Old clothes (optional)

Step 1: The Preparation

Vigorous plunging can drench you and your surroundings, so we recommend wearing old clothes while you work. Set your towels next to the toilet to clean up any overflows, and put on your gloves to keep your hands clean. Next, check the water level—you want it to be high enough to cover your plunger’s cup but not so high that it splashes out or overflows while you plunge. Use your cup to add or remove water as needed. You can put any water you remove into your bucket.

Step 2: The Positioning

Let’s get ready to plunge. Whether you’re using a flange or accordion plunger, keep two things in mind: First, plenty of water and the absence of air are what create the suction to push out a clog, so it’s important to make sure your plunger’s cup is full of water before pumping. Second, remember to keep your plunger’s handle straight down at a vertical angle rather than at a slant to create a better seal.

For Flange Plungers: Make sure the flange is fully extended, and place it into the toilet bowl. Allow the cup to fill with water, and ensure the cup is fully submerged. Place the flange so that it completely covers the drain hole to ensure a proper suction.

For Accordion Plungers: Fill the plunger with water before placing it in the toilet to ensure no air is inside—this helps create a more forceful plunge. Place the plunger into the toilet bowl and submerge it, then position the cup tightly over the drain.

Step 3: The Performance

Now that preparation and positioning are out of the way, it’s time to start the real work! Before you start working at the clog, lightly pump a few times to push out any air bubbles that may be stuck inside the cup. Use forceful but steady motions while you plunge, and be sure not to pull back so far that you release the suction.

For Flange Plungers: Push down on the plunger fully, and then pull it back up. Repeat this motion 15 to 20 times.

For Accordion Plungers: Pump the plunger so the bellows (ridges) compress and expand completely. Repeat for 10 to 15 pumps.

If you notice the toilet’s water starting to drain, continue pumping a few more times to ensure the clog clears completely; then remove the plunger from the toilet. Most blockages will be cleared with this method—later on, we’ll talk about what to do if plunging doesn’t resolve your problem.

Step 4: The Perusal

Once you are satisfied that the clog has been removed, it’s time for the ultimate test: flushing the toilet to see if it drains properly. If it does, congratulations—you’re done! If not, you can repeat Step 3 once more. If your toilet still does not flush normally, keep reading for what to do next.

Plunging Didn’t Work—Now What?

If plunging didn’t clear your toilet blockage, you may have a more serious problem on your hands, but don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with some safe and effective solutions to your toilet woes. Move through these steps in order until your clog is no more.

Step 1: Dish Soap

It’s not just for the kitchen—dish soap can be used to lubricate stubborn clogs, allowing you to plunge them away. Pour ¼ cup to ½ cup dish soap directly into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for half an hour. Then, use your plunger as instructed in the section above.

Step 2: Hot Water

Let’s get back to basics: Simple hot water can help break up your bothersome blockage. Pour hot water (make sure it’s not boiling—this could crack your toilet!) directly into the toilet drain, and let it stand for several minutes. Give your plunger another try.

Step 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Take a trip back to elementary science class with this tip. First, add or remove toilet water with your cup until the bowl is halfway full. Then, pour in 1 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of vinegar (add the vinegar slowly to avoid overflows). Let the baking soda and vinegar mix fizz and break up the clog for half an hour, then flush. If your toilet flushes, you’re done! If not, try your plunger again.

Step 4: Toilet Auger or Snake

If none of the tips above work, it’s time to break out the big guns. A toilet auger (also known as a toilet snake) is a tool made up of a long metal cable with a coiled end and a handle or crank for turning the cable. Its purpose is to break up difficult clogs by moving through a toilet’s bends and curves—just like a snake! Let’s apply the four P’s to safely snake your toilet:

Items you’ll need: 

• Toilet auger or snake
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Towels
• Disinfectant

1. The Preparation: You’ve probably already completed this step before plunging. Make sure you’re wearing your gloves and have towels and a bucket close by.
2. The Positioning: Put the coiled end of the toilet snake into the toilet bowl, taking care not to scratch the porcelain. Guide it into the toilet drain.
3. The Performance: Turn the handle of the toilet snake to the right to feed the cable into the bends of the toilet. When you feel resistance, you’ll know you hit your clog. Crank the handle a few more times and move the snake back and forth to ensure you’ve hooked or broken up the clog. Note that you don’t need to hook the entire clog; you only need to break it up enough so it can be flushed. Turn the handle to the left to bring the cable back out of the toilet. Dump any debris into your bucket and use your towels to clean up any drips or spills.
4. The Perusal: Now for the moment of truth—time to flush your toilet. With any luck, you’ve broken up the clog enough so that it can be flushed down. If your toilet still isn’t flushing properly, repeat the previous step to break up the clog further and then flush again. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the toilet snake after use.

Step 5: Enzyme Drain Cleaners

Unlike corrosive chemical cleaners that are dangerous for you and your plumbing, enzyme drain cleaners are a safe option to help clear drain blockages. The beneficial bacteria they contain break down clogs and colonize your pipes, helping to prevent future blockages. If the steps above fail, you can try an enzyme drain cleaner. Follow all directions on the packaging to apply the cleaner, let it sit, and flush or rinse. Repeat as instructed.

Step 6: Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried these steps and you’re still stuck with a clog, it’s time to call your friendly neighborhood plumber. They can give you the professional help you need to get things moving again.

Note: No plunger? You can try the tips above without one. We recommend keeping a plunger or two on hand, though—so pick one up next time you visit the hardware store or supermarket.

Final Plunging Thoughts

Unclogging your toilet doesn’t have to be a scary undertaking. With the tips and tricks in this guide, you’ll be filled with confidence instead of fear next time you face a toilet clog. Remember the four P’s—they’ll help you resolve almost any clog with a plunger. If your plunger has met its match with a blockage, though, give the other methods in this article a try.

If all else fails, a plumber can get you out of your sticky (or hairy!) situation.

We hope these tips help resolve all of your plunging questions and concerns. Good luck and happy plunging!