The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Using a Toilet Plunger

As a household essential, the toilet plunger is a tried and true tool that can help you quickly and easily unclog your toilet. However, despite its simplicity, many people still make mistakes when using a plunger. These mistakes can make the clogging worse, damage the toilet, or even lead to injury.

Not Using Enough Water

One of the most common mistakes people make when using a toilet plunger is not using enough water. When you flush your toilet, the water in the tank rushes into the bowl and creates a force that pushes waste through the pipes and out of your home. If there isn't enough water in the bowl, the plunger won't work effectively. You need to make sure that the water level is high enough to create the force necessary to push the waste through the pipes.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that the water level in the bowl is high enough to cover the plunger's suction cup. If the water level is low, pour some water into the bowl before using the plunger. You can also try turning off the water supply to the toilet and waiting for the bowl to fill up before using the plunger.

Using the Wrong Plunger

Another mistake people make when using a toilet plunger is using the wrong type of plunger. Toilet plungers are designed to create suction and push waste through the pipes. If you use a plunger that is not specifically designed for toilets, such as a sink plunger, you won't create enough suction to push the waste through the pipes.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that you are using a toilet plunger. A toilet plunger has a flange that creates a seal around the toilet bowl's drain hole, which allows you to create the necessary suction to push the waste through the pipes. Sink plungers, on the other hand, are flat and don't have a flange, so they won't work effectively on toilets.

Using the Plunger Incorrectly

Using the plunger incorrectly is another mistake people make when trying to unclog their toilet. Many people think that the best way to use a plunger is to push down hard and create a fast suction force. However, this can actually make the clog worse by pushing it further down the pipes.

A better way to use the plunger is to create a slow, steady suction force. First, create a seal around the toilet bowl's drain hole by positioning the plunger over the hole and pressing it down firmly. Then, slowly and steadily push down on the plunger handle, which will create a suction force that will dislodge the clog and push it through the pipes.

Not Cleaning the Plunger

Another mistake people make when using a toilet plunger is not cleaning it properly. After you use the plunger, it's important to clean it thoroughly to prevent any germs or bacteria from spreading. Many people simply rinse the plunger with water and put it away, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold.

To avoid this mistake, clean the plunger thoroughly after each use. First, fill a bucket with hot water and a disinfectant solution, such as bleach or vinegar. Then, submerge the plunger in the solution and let it soak for several minutes. After soaking, use a scrub brush to clean the plunger thoroughly, making sure to get into all the crevices. Rinse the plunger with clean water and let it air dry.

Using Too Much Force

The final mistake people make when using a toilet plunger is using too much force. While it's important to create a suction force to dislodge the clog, using too much force can damage the toilet bowl or even injure the user.

To avoid this mistake, start with a slow, steady suction force, as mentioned above. If the clog doesn't dislodge after several attempts, it's best to call a professional plumber. They have the experience and tools necessary to unclog your toilet safely and effectively.

Using a toilet plunger may seem simple, but it's important to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that you can unclog your toilet safely and effectively. By using enough water, using the correct plunger, using the plunger correctly, cleaning the plunger properly, and avoiding using too much force, you can keep your toilet working properly and avoid costly repairs.