How to Unclog A Toilet - Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing

What is the Easiest Way to Unclog a Toilet?

Not every clog requires a plumber’s assistance. Often times with a little elbow grease and plunger, you can easily solve the problem. The toilet plunger has been around since the 1800’s. Have you ever asked yourself, “How does a toilet plunger work?”

How Does a Plunger Work?

When you place the plunger in the toilet, make sure it’s as centered as it can be over the drain hole at the bottom. Gently press the handle until the plunger is pushed all the way down collapsing the rubber cup. The key is to maintain a seal between the toilet and plunger when pushing to allow for suction when you pull the plunger back up. Sometimes you can dislodge a clog with the push, but the real magic happens on the pull when the suction kicks in. That’s the key. Also, when choosing a plunger, avoid picking the one with the hardest rubber cup. The softer the rubber, the easier it will be to create a nice tight seal to get maximum suction.

What Does a Plunger Look Like?

The physical appearances of most plungers are similar with an attached long straight handle and a half-circle bowl shape at the end. The bottom is made of a pliable rubber that can be pressed and flattened into a basin.

I Have a Clog in my Kitchen Sink; Can I Use a Plunger There as Well?

Yes, you can use a plunger in a kitchen or any sink. But, please use a different plunger, not one that has previously been used to unclog a toilet. The plunger will unclog the sink piping just as it does with the toilet. Remember, gentle push while maintaining a seal to the sink, and then pull back to create a nice suction. You don’t have to get rough with plunger. Let it do the work for you. Nice and easy pressure when pushing and pulling will get the job done.

What should I do if I cannot unclog my toilet or sink?

Sometimes clogs can lodge themselves in the tight curves of the plumbing with toilets and sinks. If this is the case, plungers will not be able to release the clog and you will need to call a plumber.

For your pluming emergencies, Andy’s Pipe Dream has 24-hour Emergency Plumbing Services Available.

Call to schedule a Toilet Troubleshooting Appointment with Andy’s Pipe Dream: