The Right Way to Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet

updated May 4, 2019
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(Image credit: Faith Durand)

Everybody poops- let’s just get that out of the way. So when that blessed event occurs, and it happens to clog the toilet on its way down, be prepared to defend your bathroom’s honor with a plunger and the proper skills with which to use it.

What You Need

Tools

  • Plunger
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety glasses

Instructions

1. To stop the water from overflowing, turn the water off at the valve.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

2. If there isn’t any water in the bowl, you’ll need to add some. Add enough water so that the bottom half of the rubber part of the plunger is submerged when sitting over the drainage hole. If your bowl is full of water, you’re good to go.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

3. Cover the drainage hole with the plunger and pump up and down 3-4 times without breaking the suction.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

4. Pump the plunger once again, but this time pull up on the plunger to break the suction. Once you pull up and release the suction the clog should break free and begin to drain. This is where safety goggles might come in handy- don’t say we didn’t warn you!

And if you don’t happen to have a plunger, (or you do, and it’s just not doing the trick) try one of these other handy methods!