Got a clog? Before you call a plumber, try a plunger. Here are some easy steps you can follow to make plunging your toilet painless.
Shut Off the Water to Prevent Future Flooding
Avoid a mess and prevent water damage by turning the toilet’s water valve to the off position. You can find the valve connected to the toilet’s water supply line. You can turn the valve off by hand, so no tools are needed.
Choose the Right Tool for the Job
Different plumbing fixtures call for different plungers. There are two common types of plungers. The first looks like a stick with half a rubber coconut shell stuck to the end. You don’t want that one! The plunger that will do the job looks like a round ball that has accordion-style flanges in its center. This is designed to fit the toilet’s drain for superior suction.
Pour Hot Water Into the Toilet
This step is the easiest in the entire process. First, you should place old towels around the toilet to catch any accidental overflow. Next, add about half a gallon of extremely hot water into the toilet bowl to help loosen the clog and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes. Sometimes, if you get really lucky, then this step alone can clear the clog.
Now Plunge the Toilet
Using the recommended plunger, this will be easy. First, make sure that the plunger’s flange is tightly inserted into the drain hole. Next, forcefully move the plunger up and down until the drain is clear. If it worked, then you will have a clear drain in less than thirty seconds.
