What is your worst-case bathroom scenario? Mid-way shower turning cold? Power goes out halfway through shaving? While these are unfortunate circumstances, they don’t hold a candle to the dreaded toilet clog. This disaster is only realized after completing your business and the paperwork is done. It is in the unsuccessful flush that panic sets in.
You reach for the plunger and makeup and down movements, which doesn’t work. Now what? Let’s discover why isn’t my toilet unclogging with a plunger.
Improper Use of a Plunger
A plunger is a fairly simple tool with a straightforward design. It also seems easy to operate, and most of us have done it a few times, with varying success. While you may have cleared a blockage with a plunger, it doesn’t mean you are using the tool correctly. Some small blockages don’t take much to clear, but a major clog will only be cleared by the full force of a plunger.
A plunger must make solid contact over the drain hole without air leakage. Make sure to submerge the head of the plunger and fit it in place to seal the opening as best you can, despite anything in the way of the bowl. Next, make one slow plunge to release the air from the cup and fill it with water. This is because it is water you want to be plunging to send pressure through to the blockage.
Use consistent, deliberate plunges, building up the pace as needed. If this doesn’t work after repeated attempts, you must move on to other methods, as a plunger will not get the job done. Consider calling a plumber for help.
You Have the Wrong Plunger
A plunger is a plunger, right? You have probably noticed various plumber types and wondered why they must create different designs. Don’t they all work the same? They don’t. Most people have the humble flat plunger; it is a handle and a rubber end, and that’s it.
You may be surprised that this plunger type is meant for a sink, not a toilet. It fits best on flat surfaces and has enough plunging suction for simple sink or shower clogs. A toilet, however, needs a bell plunger. This larger, soft rubber head creates a strong seal, even at an angle, and has more suction and force for unclogging toilet drains.
Get yourself one of each, and never interchange them. That way, you can tackle all the clogs at home.
The Blockage Is Too Solid
Sometimes, despite your best efforts. A plunger just can’t get the blockage cleared. You have tried your best, but ultimately, it isn’t your fault or the plungers; it is just beyond the plunger’s capabilities.
For solid blockages, you must try other methods to loosen or before returning the plunger. Here are some great alternatives:
Hot Water
Hot water is ideal for removing debris caught in your drain pipes and is readily available at home. Get out your biggest pot, fill it with water and get it on the stove. Once you have a rolling boil, carefully transport it to your bathroom and pour half the contents down the drain. It will make its way to the clog and help to loosen and dissolve it.
After a minute or two, flush the toilet to see if it worked. You can follow up with the rest of the water and then go back to plunging, as this may have lessened the debris up enough for the plunging action to work.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
These are common items most people have in their homes, and when combined, they make a powerful chemical reaction to dissolve a blockage quickly. First, pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and follow it up with two cups of vinegar. The ingredients will combine and start foaming as it reaches the clog.
Let this reaction do its magic for 30 minutes, then flush the toilet. As it may not clear all the debris, follow up with boiling water and plunging to release as much build-up as possible.
Plumber’s Snake
This is a handy tool, and you can get one at your local hardware store or rent one from a home improvement store near you. The concept is simple: feed the snake down the drain until you reach the blockage. Then, turn the handle, and it will work to break up the clog. Once the toilet drains, you know you have broken through, but continue turning the handle to get as much cleared out as possible. Follow up with our trusty boiling water and plunger; you should be ready.
This is why your toilet isn’t unclogging with a plunger. Find the right plunger, use it correctly and practice these other unclogging methods to help out, and in no time, your toilet will be freely flowing again, ready for action.
