Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional plumber, we all know that plunging toilets is one of the most crucial tools in our tool belt. But while plunging may seem like a simple task, it can be surprisingly tricky to do well.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to plunge like a pro plumber in Calgary.
What is Plunger?
Plunger is a tool used to remove clogs from drains. It’s a simple device that consists of a rubber cup attached to a handle, with a rod extending from the bottom of the cup up through its center.
Plungers are commonly found in households and are an effective and inexpensive tool for resolving minor plumbing issues.
Types of Plungers
The plunger is a versatile tool. It’s used to unclog toilets, unblock sinks and drains, and clear out clogged pipes. The plunger is also a powerful metaphor for the way we approach life—it can be used to solve a problem or just get a mess cleaned up. Do you know there are many different types of plungers, each with its unique purpose? Here are two main types of plungers that you’ll find in homes:
- Cup Plunger
This type is a classic and is great for unclogging most drains. It’s shaped like a cup, so it fits over the drain hole, and you can use it to plunge water out of the drain.
- Flange (Toilet) Plunger
The flange type works best for toilets because it has a flat surface that can be utilized to cover up the hole in your toilet or sink. It’s called a “flange” because it resembles the flange on top of a pipe—it lays flat on top of the drain and covers up its opening.
Importance of Plungers to Plumbers
Plungers are a simple but extremely important tool for plumbers.
They can be used to unclog drains and initial troubleshooting, as well as many other essential tasks. Plungers are used almost every day by plumbers Calgary for different plumbing jobs, such as:
- Unclogging Drains
Plungers can be used to clear the drain of hair or other objects that have been flushed down the toilet. This is one of the most common uses for a plunger in the shop and in your own home.
- Initial Troubleshooting
Plungers are often used as an initial troubleshooting tool when it comes to plumbing issues. They’re great for finding out where leaks are coming from or what might be causing them without having to tear up walls or floors.
- Versatility
Plungers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so they’re versatile enough to work on any type of pipe obstruction. In fact, they’re often used when there’s no other way around an obstruction because they can easily fit into tight spaces.
- Non-Destructive Method
Plungers are a non-destructive method to remove clogs in pipes. This means that plumbers don’t have to tear up your walls or flooring to reach the pipe and replace it. They can simply use a plunger to clear out your clog.
- Emergency Situations
If you’re like most people, you don’t think about emergencies until they happen. But for Calgary plumbers, that’s not an option. In fact, it’s part of their job description. If your sink starts leaking or your toilet stops flushing for no apparent reason, you may be tempted to call a plumber right away—but if you don’t have a plunger on hand, it could take hours before they arrive (and even then, they may not have the right tools).
Why do you not plunge with a liquid plumber?
If you’re thinking about plunging your toilet with [product name], don’t do it.
We’ve all been there! We get it—you’re stuck and want to get things moving again. But the truth is, if your toilet needs some real help, there are better ways to handle the situation than just flushing some liquid down the drain. Plunging with a liquid plumber or any similar drain-cleaning chemical is not recommended for several reasons:
- Chemical Reaction
Plunging with drain-cleaning chemicals can cause a chemical reaction when the chemicals mix with water in the drain. This reaction may generate heat or release fumes, which can be hazardous to your health. It is important to avoid mixing different chemicals together, as this can produce dangerous reactions.
- Safety Concerns
You should not plunge because it can damage your pipes, causing them to rust or break. This will cause leaks in your home which can be very risky if they go undetected for long periods of time.
- Ineffectiveness
Liquid plumber is ineffective because it doesn’t work. It’s just a bunch of chemicals that don’t do anything to help your pipes, and they can even cause more damage than they prevent.
- Potential Damage
This goes hand in hand with the first reason: If something isn’t working, it might cause more damage than it prevents! Liquid plungers can corrode metal pipes and do other damage that is really expensive to fix.
- It’s Not Environmentally Friendly
Liquid plungers contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment, so if you’re trying to help save the planet by using green products, this isn’t one of them!
How to use a plunger in the right way?
Plungers are a staple of home cleaning, but they’re also a little bit of a mystery. Sure, you know how to use a plunger—but do you actually know how to use it in the right way? To use a plunger correctly, follow these steps:
- Select the appropriate plunger
You can select from different types of plungers. The best type for you will depend on the kind of clog you’re trying to unclog and where it is in your plumbing system. Ask yourself: are you trying to unclog your toilet? Your sink? Your tub? Your shower? If so, which one?
- Ensure a good seal
Make sure that the cup is making a tight seal with the drain hole before you begin plunging! This will prevent any water from splashing out and onto your floor or carpeted area below the sink or tub/shower fixture being unclogged.
- Add water if necessary
Ensure that there is sufficient water in the sink or toilet bowl. If there isn’t enough water, you may be able to add some by turning on the faucet and letting it run until it begins filling up again—but don’t overdo it! Too much water can cause problems of its own by splashing onto surrounding areas or even flooding your bathroom floor if left unchecked for too long.
- Position the plunger correctly
First, put your hand on the handle and position the end of the plunger against the inside toilet bowl wall. Make sure that it’s centered over the drain hole. If you’re having trouble getting it centered, use some newspaper or cardboard to create a small dam around the drain hole so that water doesn’t flow out onto the floor when you start plunging.
- Plunge up and down
Once you’re all set up and ready for action, plunge away! Just make sure you work from the bottom up—working from the top down can push the blockage further down into the pipe, making it harder for you to dislodge!
- Repeat the plunging motion
Continue plunging for about 15 to 20 seconds, maintaining a consistent rhythm and pressure. Be careful not to break the seal with the drain during the process.
- Test for drainage
After plunging, remove the plunger and test the drain by running water or flushing the toilet. If the water drains smoothly, the clog has likely been cleared. If not, you may need to repeat the plunging process or try other methods to resolve the blockage.
Learn from Qualified Calgary Plumbers!
If you’re still struggling to master the art of plunging, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
But you can learn from the experts.
You don’t have to be a commercial plumber Calgary to clear a clogged drain. With the right tools and some elbow grease, you can be your own plumbing expert.
But if you’re still having trouble or have questions about what it takes to clear clogged drains, call ClearView Services today for help.
We are a professional Calgary plumbing company that will come to your house or business in Calgary and clean out your drains quickly and efficiently. Our best plumbers in Calgary are trained in all aspects of plumbing, including:
- Sewer and drain cleaning
- Unclog toilets
- Drain jetting
- Sewer backups
- Water heater repair
- Gas line installation and repair
Our team of licensed, insured professionals is standing by 24/7 with the best advice for unclogging any drain: no matter where it’s located in your home or office. We’ve got over 30 years of experience helping people in Calgary with all kinds of drain problems, so we know what works—and what doesn’t.
When you hire a qualified plumber from ClearView Services, you can rest assured that they’ll be able to handle any plumbing job that comes their way—and that they’ll do it without breaking or damaging anything in your home. That’s because our technicians are fully licensed and insured professionals who have been trained by some of the best companies in Calgary.
If you need a new toilet installed or a leaky faucet repaired, give us a call at 587-912-1920! We’ll be happy to help!
