Have A Clogged Drain? Know How To Use A Plunger

Everyone has a plunger in their home for clearing clogs, but you may not be using the plunger properly to get the job done. Here is what you need to know about using a plunger the right way.

Use A Plunger For P-Trap Clogs

Sometimes a plunger isn't the right tool for the job, since it won't work on every type of clog out there. The times when a plunger works the best is when you have a clog in the drain's p-trap. This is when the clog needs a little help getting around that curve where it is currently stuck in the drain, and prevents the need to disconnect the p-trap and manually get the clog out of there. If you have a clog deeper within your plumbing that goes out to the sewer, a plunger isn't going to do much to help.

Use A Stopper For Double Sinks

If you have a double sink in your kitchen, know that both of the drains are going to connect to the same pipe. This makes using a plunger alone very difficult because the water that you forced down the drain is going to be pushed out of the drain on the other side. You'll need to use something to plug the other drain so that you can form good pressure on the opposite side to push a clog past the p-trap.

Use The Right Plunger For The Job

Cup and flange plungers have distinct purposes for the type of drain you are trying to get unclogged. Cup plungers work great on surfaces that are flat, such as a sink, where the plunger's surface can go around the entire drain and form a good seal. However, these cup plumbers don't work great in toilets that have a curved bottom of the bowl. You will need to use a flange plunger, which has a shape that is designed to fit into the bottom of a toilet and form the seal that you need. 

Fill The Cup Up With Water

Know that a plunger works best by forcing water down the drain, which means that you need to have as much water in the cup as possible before you start using it. You'll find that the plunger is more effective if you can get the cup filled completely with water before you start. If there is no water in the toilet or sink, you can use a bucket to fill the space with more water so that it will fill the plunger's cup. 

Not having any luck clearing your clog? Reach out to a plumbing contractor for help.