How to Use a Toilet Plunger the Right Way (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s assume you have planned a small party at your home, and suddenly you notice that your toilet is backing up. You can't leave it as it is.

And all sorts of thoughts start running through your mind - What if your guests need to use your toilet? What if the nasty smell reaches the kitchen?

Well, instead of going through this embarrassing situation, you would prefer to quickly fix it. Right? But do you really know how to do it correctly?

Well, no one wants to deal with a clogged toilet, but it happens to all of us at some point. And when it does, most of us reach for a plunger first. For minor clogs, using a toilet plunger can be a quick and easy DIY fix. But it only works if you use it the right way.

You’ve probably tried plunging before, but did it actually solve the problem, or just make things more frustrating? Relax! In this blog, you’ll learn how to use a toilet plunger correctly and when you should call a professional plumbing team to fix it.

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How to Correctly Plunge a Toilet?

1. Use the Right Plunger

Most people often use the wrong plunger, and that’s often why it doesn’t work.

To clear a toilet clog properly, you need a flange plunger. It has a rubber flap at the bottom that fits into the drain hole and helps create a strong seal. If that rubber is hard, soak it in hot water for a few minutes to soften the material.

2. What To Do Before Plunging the Toilet

• If the water is still rising, quickly take off the tank lid and push the flapper down to close it. This stops more water from entering the bowl.
• Lay down old towels or newspapers around the toilet base. Splashback can happen, and it’s better to protect your floor.
• Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. If it’s too low, add some water. If it’s too full, remove a little to prevent spills.

3. Position the Plunger at the Correct Angle

Most people push the plunger straight down, but that’s not the right way to do it.

You need to insert the plunger at a slight angle of about 45 degrees. This helps the cup fill with water instead of trapping air. A water-filled plunger creates stronger pressure, so your effort goes straight into clearing the clog, without causing a splashback.

4. How to Use a Toilet Plunger

Once you correctly place the plunger flange into the drain hole, it’s time to use the right push and pull technique to clear the clog.

• Push it down slowly to release trapped air and prevent water from splashing out.
• Once the air is out, you’re ready to create proper suction.
• Push down the plunger firmly and pull up without breaking the seal.
• Use firm, consistent push-and-pull strokes for about 15-20 seconds.

5. Advanced Tricks for Stubborn Clogs

Sometimes the water doesn't flush immediately after using a plunger, but you shouldn’t give up.

• Add some liquid dish soap to the toilet. It helps loosen and lubricate the clog.
• Pour in a bucket of hot water. Don’t use boiling water as it can crack the toilet.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Then try plunging again.

When to Call a Professional Plumber to Clear the Clogged Toilet?

Using a toilet plunger is a great way to fix a clogged toilet, but sometimes the problem is bigger than a DIY fix.

If the clog isn’t clearing even after 10-15 minutes of effort, the problem could be deeper in your plumbing system. It might be a blockage in the main sewer line or even something stuck inside.

At that point, it’s better to stop. Pushing harder won’t help and can even cause problems like leaks around the base of your toilet. Calling a plumbing professional is the safest way to get it fixed properly.

Need Professional Plumbing Assistance in Sacramento? Call (916) 455-4548

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a plunger if I already poured chemical drain cleaner in the toilet?

NO. This is dangerous. If you plunge with chemicals in the water, you risk splashing those corrosive liquids into your eyes or onto your skin. If you’ve already used a drain cleaner and it didn’t work, wait for the chemicals to settle or, better yet, call a professional for help.

Note - It’s best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners in toilets altogether. They can damage your plumbing and often don’t solve the problem effectively.

Why does my toilet keep clogging every few days?

If your toilet clogs often, it’s usually not just a one-time issue. You might have a partial blockage deeper in the pipe, or something is regularly causing buildup.

The most common cause behind this is the use of flushable wipes. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can get stuck in your pipes, so it’s best not to flush them.

However, a professional plumber in Sacramento can help in such a situation. They perform a full drain cleaning to remove all the stubborn clogs in the drain pipe. By calling the pros, you get a permanent fix that clears the entire diameter of the pipe.

Is it better to plunge fast or slow?

Being too slow won’t create enough force, and being too fast can break the seal.

You should start slow and later switch to steady, faster push-and-pull strokes. The goal is to build enough pressure and suction to break the clog, without losing the seal. Maintaining a consistent rhythm is important. So, aim for controlled, firm movements that build pressure and suction to break the clog effectively.

Takeaway

By now, you should have a clear idea about how to correctly plunge a toilet, but doing it the right way makes all the difference. With the right flange plunger, a 45-degree angle, and a focus on the pull motion, you can handle most common toilet clogs.

If it still doesn’t help, calling a professional on time is best and safest for your pipes.

Still Dealing with a Stubborn Clog? Let Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Handle It

If you have tried plunging your toilet in the same way as we mentioned above, but the water is still coming up, you need professional help.

At Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving the Greater Sacramento area and other neighborhoods for over 50 years. We have a trained and experienced team of plumbers who understand the real reasons behind a clogged toilet or drain and know how to fix it quickly. If the blockage is deeper, we use advanced equipment and techniques to fix the clogs without harming your plumbing system.

Call us at (916) 455-4548 to get your toilets and drain pipes flowing again!