Plunging a large toilet opening requires a few steps. First, you’ll need to shut off the water valve for the toilet and ensure it is completely empty. Next, you should put gloves on, making sure to wear sturdy gloves that will keep your hands protected from any mess that you might encounter.
Once your gloves are on, take your plunger and place the cup over the entire opening of the toilet, making sure it is a good seal. Finally, you should use the strength of your arms to push and pull the plunger several times in order to break up the clog and clear the pipe.
It may take a few attempts to get the right pressure to break up the blockage. If the plunger does not work, then you may need to resort to using a plumber’s snake or an auger.
How do you unclog a toilet with a large hole?
If you have a toilet with a large hole, the best way to unclog it is to start by using a plunger. Place the plunger over the opening of the toilet and start to plunge vigorously. Work the plunger up and down, using a steady rhythm.
Make sure that the entire seal forms a tight connection between the plunger and the toilet bowl. This will generate pressure that can help move the clog through the system. After this, take a coat hanger and straighten it, then insert the hanger into the toilet opening.
Wiggle the wire around and up to see if you can snag the clog and pull it out. You may need to repeat the plunging and coat hanger techniques in order to dislodge the clog. If the plunger and hanger methods do not work, you may need to try using a drain snake, otherwise known as an auger.
An auger is a long metal cable with a spiral-shaped device attached to it. Guide the auger into the blocked drain and twist it in a clockwise direction to catch the clog. Pull the auger out and dispose of the debris.
Finally, run some hot water down the drain to flush out the system and ensure that the hole has been unclogged.
How do professional plumbers unclog toilet?
Professional plumbers typically use a variety of tools and techniques to unclog a toilet. The first step to unclogging a toilet is often to use a plunger. This involves inserting the plunger into the toilet and vigorously pumping it in and out of the toilet bowl to generate suction that can help break up the clogged material and dislodge it.
If the plunger does not work, a plumber may also use chemical drain cleaners to break up a clog. These chemicals can be corrosive and produce hazardous fumes, so a plumber should take the appropriate safety measures when using them.
In more difficult cases, a plumber may need to use a drain auger, which is a tool designed to break up the blockage and clear the drain. In some cases, the blockage may be so severe that the auger is not effective and the plumber may need to use a power auger, which is a motorized version of the drain-clearing tool.
If the clog is still not cleared, the plumber may need to use a bathtub snake, which is a tool specifically designed for unclogging bathtub drains. This tool is often required when the plumber must reach farther down into the piping to break up a more severe clog.
A final option for a plumber is to use an extractor tool, which is designed to snare and detach a material from further down the drain. This tool is often used in hard-to-reach areas where other tools cannot reach.
Professional plumbers will be familiar with all these tools and techniques, and can use them effectively to unclog a toilet.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
The strongest thing to unclog a toilet is a specialized plumbing snake or auger. A plumbing snake is a flexible rod with a cutting head that’s designed to break up and remove clogs in drain and pipe systems.
It’s an effective tool because it can easily navigate through twists and turns in pipe and can handle tough clogs that standard plungers and drain cleaners can’t. To use one, you insert the snake into the toilet bowl and then rotate it clockwise to break up the clog.
Once the clog is broken up, you can pull out the snake and the remaining small pieces of the clog will be washed away with the water. Additionally, some plumbing snakes are equipped with a cable that has a hand crank.
This allows for increased torque and makes it easier to work through tough clogs.
Does pouring a bucket of water help unclog a toilet?
No, pouring a bucket of water typically won’t help unclog a toilet. Toilets can become clogged due to excess toilet paper or items that shouldn’t be flushed, and simply adding additional water won’t resolve the issue.
If you have a plunger, use it to see if that helps to unclog the toilet. If that doesn’t work, your best option is to use a drain snake or an auger, which you can purchase at any home improvement retailer.
You will want to insert the snake or auger into the toilet and try to remove the clog. If that doesn’t work you may need to try physically disassembling the toilet and examining the pipes to see if there’s a blockage.
If that doesn’t work, the only other option may be contacting a professional plumber for assistance.
What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?
Generally, plumbers use a strong, corrosive acid-based cleaner to unclog drains. This type of cleaner usually contains acid, like sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or phosphoric acid. In some cases, a sodium hydroxide (lye) based cleaner is used, although it is generally less effective in removing clogs.
Before using any type of chemical cleaner, it is important to exercise caution as they are hazardous materials. The plumber must wear gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles when using them. When using any type of acid based cleaner, it is also important to wear long sleeves, long pants, and other protective clothing to prevent any splashing of the chemical from causing skin burns.
The acid based cleaner is generally poured directly into the drain and allowed to sit there for a period of time (up to an hour) before being flushed out with hot water. This allows the acid to break down the clog, clearing the drain.
In some cases, a plunger may be used to agitate the clog and help the acid-based cleaner penetrate the blockage.
Additionally, plumbers may use an auger, or snake, to dislodge the clog. This tool is a long metal or plastic cable that is inserted into the drain. It is then turned, which allows it to push through the clog and break it up.
Finally, plumbers may also simply apply pressure to clear the clog. This method is generally used if there is a low amount of water flow, as it can quickly break up the blockage.
What kind of plunger works on an elongated toilet?
An elongated toilet requires a plunger with an elongated bell shape at the end in order for it to create the right amount of suction. A standard cup plunger that is used on a round bowl toilet will not be effective on an elongated bowl toilet.
Toilet plunger with a long handle is better to use when dealing with an elongated bowl toilet because it allows the user to effectively negotiate the curved sides of the bowl in order to expel the clog.
A flange plunger is also another option and is specifically designed for elongated toilets. The flange plunger has a rubber sleeve that fits snuggly over the outlet at the bottom of the toilet bowl creating a better seal.
Do they make plungers for elongated toilets?
Yes, there are plungers specifically designed to handle elongated toilets. These plungers are typically taller and slightly flared at the bottom, so they can create a strong suction fit against the walls of the bowl.
These plungers often come with easy-grip handles, so they are easier to operate. A few brands to consider include Bovado, Korky, and PlumbCraft. It’s important to choose a plunger that fits tightly against the walls of your toilet to ensure that it can create a strong suction.
Are plungers universal?
No, plungers are not universal. While plumbing works the same way in a lot of different places throughout the world, the design and size of plungers can vary from region to region. Different plungers are better for different types of clogs and for different plumbing systems.
Toilets, for example, may need different plungers than sinks. Plungers are usually sold for specific types of clogs and come in a wide range of sizes. Additionally, some toilets use a different type of plunger than most people are familiar with.
To ensure that you find the correct plunger, it is important to investigate what type and size of plunger is best for your plumbing system, specific clog, and type of toilet before buying.
Does plunger shape matter?
Yes, plunger shape does matter! The shape of the plunger is important for getting a full, efficient seal in order to ensure optimal suction when unclogging a drain. A flat-bottomed plunger is ideal for unclogging toilets and basin sinks, as it provides a better seal than a dome-shaped plunger.
On the other hand, a cup-shaped plunger is better suited for unclogging sinks with overflow holes because it can fit into those specific spaces. Ultimately, it is important to select the right plunger shape in order to effectively unclog a drain or pipe.
Why do some plungers not work?
The most common reason is that the plunger is either not large enough to create a seal against the surface or the plunger is too large to create a seal. Another issue could be the material of the plunger, if it is made of a softer material, such as rubber, it may not be strong enough to create enough suction to move the clog.
Lastly, improper use could contribute to why some plungers don’t work. If the plunger is not used properly, with enough pressure and up and down thrusts, it may be to weak to dislodge whatever is causing the clog.
What do you do when the plunger doesn’t work on the toilet?
If the plunger does not seem to be working to unclog the toilet, there are several other methods you can try to rectify the issue. First, you can use an auger, also known as a toilet snake. This tool consists of a long, flexible rod that you feed into the toilet drain and use to dislodge any blockage.
You can find an auger at any local hardware store.
Another option is to use chemical clog removers, which can be found at most supermarkets and grocery stores. Follow the directions on the packaging of the product and ensure that any gloves or eye protection are used when handling the chemicals.
Lastly, if the above methods do not work, you may need to call a professional plumber to unclog your toilet. Once the clog is removed, you can also take preventative measures to ensure that the clog does not reoccur.
For instance, use strainers in the toilet to prevent large items from clogging the toilet when the toilet is flushed. Additionally, you can dissolve one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, into the toilet bowl once a month to help prevent future clogs.
How do I choose a toilet plunger?
When choosing a toilet plunger, it is important to consider a variety of factors, such as the size and shape of the plunger, the plunger’s design, the force it exerts, and the materials used to construct it.
The size and shape of the plunger should correspond to the size and type of your toilet. For example, a plunger designed for a standard round bowl will take up less room in the bathroom and provide better leverage than one designed for a larger, elongated bowl.
The best option is usually a flange-style plunger, which has an extended rubber skirt that wraps around the toilet’s edge to create a seal.
You’ll also want to look for a plunger with a flexible yet strong design. One with a domed shaped head will allow for better suction and more efficient plunging. You’ll also want to ensure that the handle of the plunger provides a comfortable grip for ease of use.
You should also consider the force the plunger can exert when in use. Generally, the stiffer the plunger design, the more force it can produce. However, it’s also important to find one that won’t damage your toilet.
Finally, look for a plunger constructed with materials that hold up to regular use and can easily be cleaned. A good choice is a rubber or plastic plunger, as these materials allow for better suction and won’t become brittle or discolored over time.
What plungers do plumbers use?
Plumbers use a variety of plungers to clear small and large drains. The most common type of plunger is the “cup plunger”. This type of plunger has a large cup-like shape that covers the drain. When a plumber uses this plunger, they quickly push down on the plunger with forceful strokes.
This creates suction pressure which works to dislodge the debris that is blocking the drain. The cup shape of this type of plunger also helps to create a tight seal with the edges of the drain so that pressure can be built up.
For toilets, the most common type of plunger is a “bell plunger”. This plunger has a large cup shape with a longer extension to target the smaller drain openings of a toilet. Plumbers use this type of plunger when they need to clear a toilet that is clogged.
When it comes to tougher clogs, plumbers also use power plungers. This type of plunger uses air compression to create intense pressure that will force tough clogs out of the pipes. Plumbers will insert this type of plunger into a drain and then press the trigger to create the pressurized air.
Plungers can be an effective tool for clearing small blockages, however for major or difficult blockages plumbers may need to call on the help of specialized equipment such as a drain snake or auger.
Are all toilet plungers the same?
No, all toilet plungers are not the same. While the basic design of a plunger is fairly universal, there are some small variations between different models. Some toilet plungers feature an elongated lower cup that is designed for airing out clogged toilets that have been sitting for a while.
Other plungers feature thinner, stiffer material that is better for plunging more advanced clogs. Additionally, many plungers have a rubber flange around the edge of the cup that helps create a better seal and thus more suction when plunging.
Finally, some plungers are designed with additional handles for extra leverage when pushing the plunger. With so many varieties available on the market, it is important to consider which kind of plunger is best for your individual needs.