Can A Plunger Unblock A Drain?

Introduction to using a plunger for blocked drains

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, but using a plunger is often an effective first step before calling a professional plumber. Positioning a plunger over your shower drain opening and using force to push down can often clear blockage and get right to the problem caused by simple clogs like hair, grease, and other debris.

You can use a standard sink plunger or a toilet plunger, both of which work best for most household drains. Confirm that the plunger forms a watertight seal over the drain to maximise suction and effectively dislodge clogs. Continue plunging until the clog is dislodged and water flows freely.

Apply 10-15 forceful plunges directly into the drain, then lift the plunger to clear the obstruction and allow water to flow.

A plunger with a longer arm can manage blockages beyond the trap, not just in your toilet, but also in kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Closet augers equipped with a hand crank can reach deep into pipes to clear tough obstructions. Exercise caution when using harsh chemicals like caustic soda, as they may damage pipes.

If home remedies are inadequate, seek expert advice from Mortdale Plumbing for complex drain unblocking issues. Our guide details how plumbers use a power auger to navigate challenging blockages, effectively restoring wastewater flow.

Different types of plungers and their uses

Types of Plungers

There are several common types of plungers used for clearing blocked drains:

• Cup plungers - The most common type, used for sink, tub, and shower drains. Has a flattened cup on the end of a wooden handle to create suction.
• Toilet plungers - Designed specifically for unclogging toilets. Has a conical cup with a narrow opening to fit deeply into the toilet drain and create a tight seal.
• Accordion plungers - Also used for toilets. Has a flexible accordion-shaped cup that folds inward to fit into pipe systems. Can apply targeted pressure at various angles.

Uses

Cup plungers are versatile tools for clearing clogs in your shower and tub drains, as well as seamlessly working on your sink without causing damage. Their large cup size creates strong suction to clear out even stubborn clogs in your blocked drains.

Toilet plungers have a smaller cup size optimised for fitting deep into toilets and clearing blockages near the trap. Their design facilitates a tight seal for forceful pressure application inside pipe bends.

In the event of a blocked toilet, an accordion plunger permits bending of the flexible edges to navigate bends and engage with stubborn blockages. The narrow cups snake deeper than cup plungers while retaining a tight seal.

Preparation tips before plunging a drain

Safety First

Before plunging, make sure to take necessary safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using caustic drain cleaners. Clear the area around the drain and remove any slip hazards.

Create an Airtight Seal

Position the plunger directly over the drain opening to form an airtight seal, rather than at an angle. For best results, ensure the plunger’s cup fills the hole to efficiently push excess water and obstructions through the sink.

Start by sealing the overflow hole to effectively unblock your sink before addressing the clog. The better the seal, the more effectively you’ll unblock the sink, pushing debris through the drain pipes.

Use Hot Water

Boil water to help maintain your plumbing system; pouring hot water down the drain can aid in dissolving clogs. Guide a cup hot water into drain and allow it to sit for a few minutes, prepping the clog for the plunging process.

Plunge Correctly

Ensure a correct hand position atop the plunger handle for effective pressure exertion down the drain. Lift up slightly to break the seal then push back down. The generated suction from the plunger will effectively drain your sink clear of the clog, particularly in cases with standing water.

Repeat the plunging action 10-15 times as needed.

Step-by-step guide to effectively plunging a drain

Step-by-Step Drain Plunging

Follow these key steps when using a plunger to clear clogged drains:

1. Choose correctly – for effective results, you’ll need a cup plunger to create a seal over drain to get rid of sink clogs or an accordion plunger for more challenging toilet blockages.
2. Create a seal - Firmly position the plunger over drain opening to form an airtight seal.
3. Pour a hot water and baking soda mixture into the drain, followed by white vinegar to help dissolve clogs.
4. Plunge forcefully - Grasp the handle firmly with both hands, and press downwards aggressively to how unclog drain passages promptly.
5. Break the seal - Lift plunger slightly after plunging to release the pressure.
6. Repeat - Continue plunging and occasionally breaking the seal to effectively remove blockages.
7. Run water to ensure it moves freely through the drain post-plunging.
8. Try a snake - For deep clogs that persist, use a metal snake to manually break up the blockage.

Methodically tackle plunging, ensuring a snug seal so water can exert pressure to propel debris through when you need unclog with the aid of a plumbers snake. A series of strong plunge strokes combined with cleaning mixtures often dislodges stubborn obstructions from your drain.

Troubleshooting tips when a plunger doesn’t work

Inspect for Blockages

If a plunger is ineffective, consider other methods to tackle larger obstructions. Try pouring boiling water down the drain and listen for gurgling, which suggests water is moving through the pipe. No noise likely means a tough clog or blockage further down pipe.

Check Nearby Drains

Consult our guide on managing slow-draining fixtures, which could point to a main sewer line clog affecting your plumbing system. Inspect our tips to find out how if sinks or showers sharing the same pipeline are operating slowly despite efforts to rectify the flow.

Use a Closet Auger

For complex blockages, professional plumbers may use drain augers, extending the cable to mechanically remove obstructions. Introduce a few feet of cable through the toilet’s curvature, twisting it as you can remove the obstructive debris.

Consult a Professional

When DIY measures fail to clear your clogged drain, contact the experts at Mortdale Plumbing, because it’s time to seek professional assistance. Discover how unblock sink issues with our technicians’ use of industrial augers, snaking beyond 100 feet to clear obstructions, tree roots, or collapsed pipes.

Eco-friendly drain cleaning alternatives

Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaners

Although chemical drain cleaners can dissolve clogs, they often contain harsh ingredients, unlike gentler mixtures of vinegar and baking soda. Safer, eco-friendly methods for clearing light drain clogs include:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Let the solution sit for half an hour to break down the clog. After the initial mixture, add 1 cup of white vinegar and cover the drain.

Boiling Water

Heat up a medium-sized pot of water until rapidly boiling and pour down the drain, allowing the water to sit for a few minutes before addressing the drain clog.

Repeat if needed.

Mechanical Removal

Discover how to unblock a drain using our guide, which details how to feed wire coat hanger or drain snake down the pipes to manually extract hair and debris. Use a drain auger to remove accumulated hair and other materials, much like using washing powder on stains. While not chemical-free, mechanical removal is gentler on pipes.

The above methods may require repeat applications but offer a safe first option before turning to harsher chemical drain cleaners. Protect your plumbing and the planet by trying green solutions first to keep your drains clear.

Preventing clogged drains

Prevent clogged drains

Routine household alternatives and diligent plumbing maintenances can help prevent your drains from becoming clogged on a recurring basis:

• Install drain catchers and strainers to capture hair and debris before they enter the pipes.
• Regularly check under the sink for leaks and solidified deposits, ensuring a clean kitchen by flushing drains with hot water.
• Only flush toilet paper - Flushing wipes, tissues, and other products can snag on joints and accumulate.
• Detach and clean pop-up stoppers; we think consistent maintenance of these parts is crucial to deter residue accumulation that can cause clogs.
• Rinse away food residue with cold water which can swiftly cleanse your dishes and cast aside surplus food into the rubbish bin, pouring down some water in the kitchen sink to prevent build-up.
• Regularly inspect pipe joints under sinks for leaks or damage that might need repair.
• Schedule annual plumbing inspection - Technicians like Mortdale Plumbing can use drain snakes preventatively ensuring smooth flow.

Remain alert to what descends through drains in your home. Employ these tips to keep your pipes clear. For complex plumbing issues in the Gold Coast area, consider Mortdale Plumbing for expert unclogging services.