If a clogged toilet gives you the heebie jeebies, you’re not alone, but fear not, the proper plunger with proper technique will clear the clog!
We purchased:
Step 1
Buy the right plunger. We spent some time in the plunger aisle at Ace and discovered there are almost unlimited toilet plunger options – some are round for old toilets, some are oval-shaped for newer toilets, some are plastic, some are rubber, some are short and some are tall. We recommend a good-quality all-around plunger that will cost you between $15 and $20. Most importantly, know your toilet bowl hole shape! The plunger end MUST be large enough to cover the entire hole in order to deliver plunging pressure.
Step 2
Take the plunge and push! This is where is gets ugly – you have to push down – hard! Yes, you might splash and make a mess but you can clean that up as soon as you get your toilet unclogged. Put two hands on your plunger, place your body weight over the plunger, and forcefully push the plunger down and up forcing the water down the hole and freeing the clog. This could take 5 minutes or 15 minutes. The key is making sure the plunger end covers the hole each time you push down - otherwise you’ll splash your toilet water into your face! Don’t give up, you can do this - just take breaks if necessary.
Step 3
Reassess. If you didn’t clear your clog, take a break and reassess. Make sure you’re forcing the water in the bowl down into the hole. If water is escaping and moving around the bowl, you don’t have the hole covered.
How to Clear a Clogged Toilet | ACE Tips & Advice
Step 4
If you’re still not having any luck, you can try snaking your toilet bowl using an auger:
Using an Auger to Clear a Clogged Toilet | ACE Tips & Advice
If that doesn’t work either, then it’s time to call a plumber!