Using a Plunger the Right Way

Our experts at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing understand what it takes to use a plunger. It is true that anyone could use a plunger to take care of clogs and backups in their toilets or sink traps. But have you considered how most people who try using plungers are doing so the wrong way?

Separate Plungers For Separate Situations

One way how people fail to use plungers right entails using the same one for many things. It is safer and hygienic to use separate plungers for different places. One plunger would be for toilets, while another would be for sinks. A smaller plunger would work better for a sink, to begin with, with a sink opening often being smaller in size than what you might find in a toilet.

The Design Is a Point

The way a plunger is designed directly influences how well it works. A plunger can be found in one of two forms. The first is a cup plunger that works for flat-surface spots. The second is a flexible flange that is for angled spots and can help with adding extra suction power all around.

The Position

The plunger position is important. For best results, the plunger head is immersed in water. The water can move through the plumbing setup to force out a clog. This helps with moving things forward without having to add any extra compounds or potentially dangerous chemicals.

What About Chemical Use?

People often use plunger improperly by using a plunger alongside chemical materials. A chemical can cause a clog to become worse. In some cases, the chemical material can break pipes apart and wear them out. Some chemicals also come out from the drain and splash onto people, thus causing potentially harmful burns.

You would have to avoid using a plunger alongside any chemical materials. Using both at the same time would put you at risk of harm. This is a simple tip to follow, but it is also one that many people fail to heed for varying reasons.

What About Overflowing Situations?

The last issue people have with plungers is that they try using them when the toilet or sink is near the emergency overflowing stage. It is often best to wait about ten to fifteen minutes to allow the water level to naturally drop to where the plunger will be easier to use. The water will be enough to let the plunger work, but not to the point where the mess produced would become worse.

A plunger is an important tool for plumbing use, but it can be easy for people to use improperly. Knowing what it takes to make such a tool work for many purposes is critical to the success of a work project. Call Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing for help today.