The Dos and Don'ts of Toilet Plunger Use
A practical guide to using a toilet plunger safely and effectively, and when to call in a professional drainage engineer.
A plunger is a useful first step for a blocked toilet, but using it correctly makes the difference between clearing the blockage and making a mess of the situation.
Do use the right type of plunger
A flanged plunger, which has an extra rubber fold at the base, forms a better seal inside a toilet bowl than a standard cup plunger. This seal is what allows you to build up enough pressure to shift the blockage, so it is worth having the correct type on hand rather than reaching for whatever plunger is nearest.
Do create a proper seal and use steady pressure
Position the plunger over the outlet at the base of the bowl so that it is fully covered, then push down gently to expel the air before plunging firmly. Use steady, controlled strokes rather than aggressive jabs. It often takes several attempts before the blockage clears, so patience matters more than force.
Don't plunge after using chemical cleaners
If you have already poured a chemical drain cleaner into the toilet, avoid plunging straight away. The action can splash the chemical back up and onto your skin or into your eyes. Give any chemical product time to work, or better still, avoid combining the two methods altogether.
- Do not plunge immediately after adding chemical cleaner
- Do not use excessive force, which can damage the pan or seal
- Do not ignore repeated blockages, as they may indicate a deeper problem
- Do not use a plunger meant for sinks on a toilet, and vice versa
When plunging is not enough
If plunging has not cleared the blockage after several attempts, or if the toilet blocks again shortly afterwards, there may be an obstruction further down the pipework that a plunger cannot reach. At this point, professional drain unblocking using rods or high pressure jetting is usually more effective, and a CCTV drain survey can confirm whether there is a more serious issue such as a collapsed pipe or root ingress.
Getting professional support
Rapid Drainage Services provides drain unblocking across London and Essex, including 24 hour emergency call outs for blocked toilets that will not clear. Call 020 3488 6280 or email info@rdrainage.co.uk if plunging has not solved the problem.