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Have you ever noticed when you flush your toilet, the water isn’t draining… it’s rising. We’ve all been there before. It’s scary. Nobody wants water all over their bathroom floor! Thankfully, the solution is simple: use a plunger. It’s easy to do, but there is a way to do it right.
Your first thought might be to look around your house for a cup plunger — that’s the one you see all the time on TV shows and cartoons. But what you’ll actually need is a flange plunger. Flange plungers are made specifically for toilets and with one, you can resolve your clog in seconds. Trying to use one for the first time, however, can be a little scary. Don’t worry, this article will have you covered! Take a look at the following steps on how to get rid of that annoying clog as quickly and effectively as possible. Otherwise, you’ll have to call in your Loveland plumbing services.
Find a Flange Plunger
As previously mentioned, flange plungers are specially designed for plunging toilets. The cup plunger you may have tried to use initially is for sinks. Flange plungers work because of the “flange” component; a rubber sleeve attached to the underside of the plunger’s cup. When using a flange plunger, you must insert the flange component directly into the drain hole in your toilet bowl. Doing so will ensure a tight seal, which will allow you to plunge and unclog your toilet more effectively. Before you begin plunging, make sure you’ve extended the flange component from the cup of your plunger.
Prep the Surrounding Area
Ideally, plunging your toilet will be a clean experience that won’t result in any mess. The reality, however, is that plunging your toilet can get dirty. Before you get down to business, make sure the surrounding area is prepared and well protected. Get yourself a pair of rubber gloves and find material to surround your toilet in case of spills. Plastic wrap works but if you’re looking for something more absorbent, some old towels will do the trick. Additionally, you should move anything that could be easily knocked over out of the way, or even out of the bathroom entirely until you’re finished.
Level the Bowl
You won’t be able to plunge your toilet effectively unless the bowl is filled at least halfway with water. If you aren’t sure how much that is, your plunger cup should be fully submerged in water once you place it over the drain. If the water isn’t properly levelled, add or remove as much water as needed with a bucket or cup until the toilet bowl is full.
Place Your Plunger Flange
Insert the plunger and position the flanger so that it is snug over the top of the drain. Remember to insert the plunger at an angle so that water enters the flange while you lower it. It may sound strange, but doing this will help you increase the suction so that you can effectively clear your plumbing in your Loveland home. Additionally, this trick will give you an easier time removing the plunger! Struggling to remove your plunger is not fun — it’s also a guaranteed way to get toilet water all over yourself, and the floor. Once you’ve snugly placed the flange over the toilet bowl drain, fit the plunger cup over the bowl drain. As you do this, you’ll notice that you are creating a seal.
Testing Your Plunger Seal
Once you’ve created a seal with your plunger, test it out before you get to work on getting rid of that clog. Push down on the plunger to depress it and then use the handle to tug it back up toward you, but make sure you do this slowly to ensure that the seal you’ve created stays in place. Having a tough time maintaining a proper seal? If you aren’t able to get the suction power you need from your plunger alone, try using petroleum jelly! Apply a healthy portion to the cup of your plunger. This will prevent the cup from slipping and sliding around the bottom of the bowl.
Start Plunging
If during the test you’ve determined that you have a good seal at the bottom of your toilet bowl, it’s time to start plunging. With a considerable amount of force, push down on your plunger to drive it into your toilet bowl drain. Once you’ve done this, pull the plunger back toward you in order to reset it. Be careful not to pull too hard — you don’t want to break your seal! Don’t plunge too forcefully, or quickly. Just repeat this motion steadily, for about five or six rounds, or 20 seconds.
Check Your Bowl
Once you’ve finished plunging, break your seal and take the plunger out of the toilet. You should hear a gurgling sound — this will indicate that the clog has been taken care of and your pipe is clear. Most of the water in your bowl should also drain. If you notice these two signs, you’ve most likely cleared the clog! If the problem persists, you might need to repeat the plumbing process.
Call the Pros
If the problem continues to persist, despite multiple attempts at plunging your toilet, call your Loveland plumbing services. Professional plumbers have the experience and know how to fix your toilet. They’re even versed in sewer line repair and replacement in Loveland.
One way or another, you’ll get your toilet back again!