Most people don't know how to plunge a toilet. I know you find this hard to believe. How hard could it be? If a plumber can do it, surely an SU student can, right!?
Well, yes and no. Plumbers have the advantage. First, and extremely important, they have the right tool. (Just any plunger will not do!) They have the experience. (Probably plunged more toilets than you have sat on.) And they know one small secret about plunging that you don't. (Would you like to know?)
The right tool:
You must use a plunger with the extended cup that sticks out below the bell. It will be folded up into the bell if you look for it in a store. For a picture of the plunger you should use go to: http://www.plumbingsupply.com/professionalplungers.html (This is a serious plunger web site. It even has testimonials from happy customers.) Trying to plunge a toilet with a plunger without that extended cup is like trying to kiss without lips -- you just can't get a lock on it. So don't buy the cheap plunger!! Splurge! A good plunger costs 8-10 dollars.
The secret:
Most people think you use a plunger to push the obstruction through the toilet. That's only half of it, and probably the least important half. You fill the plunger with water (and whatever else might be in the toilet) as much as possible and center it on the hole, then use some short up and down strokes to get the plunger to lock onto the toilet.
When it is locked, you will feel the pressure as you pull up. Then you pull up and push down rapidly four or five times using short strokes – without breaking its contact with the hole! – then pull it away from the opening. The idea is to break up the clog, rather than just push it through.
Repeat until you hear that beautiful sucking sound.
This works best with more than the minimum amount of water in the toilet bowl. But remember: NEVER FLUSH UNLESS THE WATER IS BACK TO THE NORMAL LEVEL. If the water is even slightly high, you risk running your toilet over. This will ruin your day. (Not to mention the ceiling below.) If in doubt, add water with a bucket or big cooking pan. It's always nice to have a bucket nearby. It's a great place to keep the plunger after use, rather than just putting it on the floor and letting who knows what, drain and run across your bathroom. (I do not recommend that you use your cooking pan to drain your plunger in.)
So remember, the secret is the upstroke that helps break up the clog.
Experience:
A couple of successful plunges can really make you feel empowered. Try it! If you want to plug up your toilet on purpose for practice, here are some things I recommend that you use: diapers, tampons, paper towels, a whole roll of toilet paper, or a dead cat.
I am happy, well at least agreeable, to coming to plunge your toilet, but I would appreciate it if you would give it a good try before you call. I also give plunging lessons, for free, if I have to come.
Well, yes and no. Plumbers have the advantage. First, and extremely important, they have the right tool. (Just any plunger will not do!) They have the experience. (Probably plunged more toilets than you have sat on.) And they know one small secret about plunging that you don't. (Would you like to know?)
The right tool:
You must use a plunger with the extended cup that sticks out below the bell. It will be folded up into the bell if you look for it in a store. For a picture of the plunger you should use go to: http://www.plumbingsupply.com/professionalplungers.html (This is a serious plunger web site. It even has testimonials from happy customers.) Trying to plunge a toilet with a plunger without that extended cup is like trying to kiss without lips -- you just can't get a lock on it. So don't buy the cheap plunger!! Splurge! A good plunger costs 8-10 dollars.
The secret:
Most people think you use a plunger to push the obstruction through the toilet. That's only half of it, and probably the least important half. You fill the plunger with water (and whatever else might be in the toilet) as much as possible and center it on the hole, then use some short up and down strokes to get the plunger to lock onto the toilet.
When it is locked, you will feel the pressure as you pull up. Then you pull up and push down rapidly four or five times using short strokes – without breaking its contact with the hole! – then pull it away from the opening. The idea is to break up the clog, rather than just push it through.
Repeat until you hear that beautiful sucking sound.
This works best with more than the minimum amount of water in the toilet bowl. But remember: NEVER FLUSH UNLESS THE WATER IS BACK TO THE NORMAL LEVEL. If the water is even slightly high, you risk running your toilet over. This will ruin your day. (Not to mention the ceiling below.) If in doubt, add water with a bucket or big cooking pan. It's always nice to have a bucket nearby. It's a great place to keep the plunger after use, rather than just putting it on the floor and letting who knows what, drain and run across your bathroom. (I do not recommend that you use your cooking pan to drain your plunger in.)
So remember, the secret is the upstroke that helps break up the clog.
Experience:
A couple of successful plunges can really make you feel empowered. Try it! If you want to plug up your toilet on purpose for practice, here are some things I recommend that you use: diapers, tampons, paper towels, a whole roll of toilet paper, or a dead cat.
I am happy, well at least agreeable, to coming to plunge your toilet, but I would appreciate it if you would give it a good try before you call. I also give plunging lessons, for free, if I have to come.
| Contact: |
| David Sutherland |
| 315-446-1144 |
| david@university-homes.com |