The plunger is an essential tool for any homeowner, and it can be used on clogged drains, toilets, and sinks. Plunger sales in the United States have been on the rise for years. Plungers were first invented in 1789 when a man named Jonas Salk invented a device that he called “a plunger” to unclog his toilet.
In America alone, there are hundreds of thousands of people who use plungers to clean clogs from their drains. This means at least 60 million Americans have used a plunger to clear a clogged drain at one point or another point throughout their lives!
Plungers are an important part of your plumbing arsenal, but you should know how to use them properly. A plunger is a simple tool that can solve many problems, but it has its limitations—and if you don’t utilize it correctly, it can even worsen your problem.
In this article, an experienced drain clog and toilet clog removal plumber in Mooresville, CA, we’ll cover everything there is to know about plunging. We’ll talk about what plungers are, how they work, the different types of plungers available on the market today, and some essential tips so that you can use a plunger like a PRO when confronted with particularly stubborn clogs or blockages.
Let’s get started!
What is a Plunger?
A plunger is a tool used to unclog drains. It’s made of rubber, which expands when it is inserted into the drain. The expansion allows the plunger to make contact with all sides of the drain, creating a suction that pulls water out of the clog.
5 Types of Plunger
Plungers are those little guys that are used to unclog toilets and sinks. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re not all created equal—in fact, there are five different types of plungers out there. Each one of these plungers has its own unique characteristics, but they all work to unclog a toilet drain by removing the clog from the pipe.
Cup Plunger
This type of plunger has a cup shape that goes over the drain hole and fits snuggly into it. It is used when a slow-moving blockage needs to be cleared.
Flange Plunger
The flange plunger is shaped like an inverted cone and has a rubber flange around its base, which seals against the drain hole when pressed on. It is used when a fast-moving blockage needs to be cleared.
Rubber Cup Plunger
This type of plunger has a rubber cup shape with an extended handle so it can reach further into the toilet bowl than other plungers. It works well for clearing both slow-moving and fast-moving blockages from toilets.
Accordion Plunger
Accordion plungers are probably the most common type of plunger. They’re usually made of rubber and have a flat, accordion-like shape. The rubber folds in on itself, with each fold representing a different layer of material. This creates a thick barrier that helps create a seal between the plunger and the drain, allowing you to push out clogs or other obstructions from your sink easily.
Accordion plungers can be found in many hardware stores but may also be sold at local grocery stores or home improvement stores. You may want to purchase several and keep them around when needed!
Sink Plunger
Sink plungers are similar to accordion plungers but are smaller and often have one or two handles instead of just one handle. They can be used the same way as accordion plungers—just ensure they fit properly onto your drain before use!
What would a plumber do with a plunger?
Plungers are a great tool to have on hand in your home, whether it’s about clearing drains or unclogging toilets. If you’ve ever had to use a plunger before, you know that it can be a bit messy, but if used correctly, it’s an effective way to clear clogs from your drains.
Here are some situations when a plumber in Mooresville, NC, will use a plunger:
Clearing Drain Clogs
Plungers can work wonders when you don’t have time to wait for the drain cleaner to work or need to clear out clogged drains quickly. You may want to try this method if your drain is slow-running or backing up into your sink or bathtub.
Unclogging Toilets
A toilet plunger will help easily unclog a toilet and get rid of any blockage that is stopping water from draining out of your toilet bowl. Simply place it over the opening at the bottom of your toilet bowl and push it down until water starts flowing through again.
Drain Maintenance
A plumber in Mooresville, NC, will often use a plunger when conducting regular maintenance on your drains. This can include cleaning out the drain and ensuring there are no leaks or cracks in pipes or joints.
Testing Drainage
Sometimes, a plumber may use a plunger to test the efficiency of a drain system. By sealing off overflow openings, they can check if the drain creates sufficient suction or if there are any issues with the drainage system.
How to use a plunger like a pro plumber?
Plungers are an essential tool for plumbers and DIYers alike. They’re also incredibly simple to use: just push, pull, and plunge!
However, if you want to be a pro plumber, knowing the proper way to use a plunger is important. Here are a few steps to help you understand how to use master plumber plunger in no time.
Select the Right Plunger for Your Job
There are many different types of plumber plungers available on the market today. Before you begin using your plunger, make sure you have selected one that meets your needs. You should consider factors such as:
– The size of the drain opening is cleared (for example, smaller plungers are better suited for smaller openings)
– The material being cleared (plastic plungers are better suited for clearing clogs caused by wet or damp materials)
– The type of clog being cleared (plastic plungers are better suited for clearing solid clogs than metal ones)
Safety Precautions
The second step to using a plunger like a pro is taking safety precautions. You should never plunge into an area where you can’t easily reach the plug and have enough space to work with it safely. Additionally, you should never plunge while standing in water or if there are electrical wires near the drain opening because this could cause an electrical shock or fire hazard. If you have any doubts about whether or not it’s safe for you to plunge, call a professional instead!
Clear the Area
Plungers are great for clearing drains, but you have to clear the area first. You don’t want to leave anything behind that could clog up your drain, so make sure you remove any small pieces of trash or debris around the drain before plunging. If you don’t, it will just get stuck in there and cause more problems! Plungers are also good for clearing out the bottom of your toilet bowl if it’s getting backed up. Just make sure to flush first so all the water is gone before plunging!
Prepare the Drain
Make sure your plunger is fully submerged in water before you begin using it, and also make sure that there’s enough water in the sink so that when you push down on the power plumber plunger, it will seal off the drain completely. If there isn’t enough water in the sink, add some more until it barely covers the bottom of your plunger but doesn’t rise above it or get any suction. This will ensure that no air gets trapped under your plunger while you’re working on unblocking your clog!
Create a Seal
When plunging, you want to create a seal between the plunger and your drain. The best way to do this is by putting your body weight into it. Plunge without holding back, and feel the suction as you press down on the plunger cup. This will give you better results than just using arm strength alone!
Apply Even Pressure
Once you’ve created a seal with your plunger plumber, apply even pressure in order to unclog your drain. Plungers typically have handles that allow you to apply even pressure while creating an airtight seal around your sink or bathtub drain hole so that water doesn’t leak out while you’re trying to clear it out!
Generate Suction
Another step is to generate suction. This can be achieved by plunging down on the rubber cup of the plunger and holding it there for about five seconds. The idea is to create as much air pressure as possible inside of your toilet bowl so that when you release it, all of that air will rush down into your pipes and create a seal against any blockages that might be there.
Repeat Process
After generating suction, you will want to repeat this process several times to ensure that you have created enough force within your toilet bowl. The reason why this step needs to be repeated so many times is that if there are any blockages present in your pipes, then they may not be able to be cleared out with just one or two plunges alone; instead, these types of blockages need more force applied over time before they can be dislodged from their location within your plumbing system altogether.
Check for Drainage
After plunging, remove the plunger and observe the drainage. If the water starts to flow freely or the clog appears to have cleared, flush or run water to confirm.
Clean and Sanitize
Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean out any gunk that may have accumulated over time. Then follow up with some bleach to sanitize everything again. This will prevent future clogs from happening as well!
Why should you not plunge with a liquid plunger?
You’ve probably been told that plunging drains with a liquid plunger is a good idea. “It’s more effective,” you’ve probably heard. “It’s easier to use.”
But what if we told you that using a liquid plunger actually has negative effects on your plumbing? Don’t believe us? Here are five reasons why you should always avoid using a liquid plunger:
Chemical Reactions
The first reason you shouldn’t plunge with a liquid plunger is because of chemical reactions. When you mix two chemicals together, there’s always the possibility that they’ll react violently. Using a liquid plunger can increase the likelihood of this happening, especially if you’re using it to unclog your toilet. If that happens, it could cause serious damage to your home or even result in an explosion!
Safety Concerns
In addition to being dangerous for your plumbing system, using a liquid plunger can also be unsafe for you and your family members. The chemicals used in these products are often toxic and can have negative effects on humans if they get in touch with them at high levels or over time (such as through repeated use). For this reason, it’s best to avoid using them altogether if possible—but if you must use one, then make sure that everyone stays out of the bathroom while it’s being used!
Ineffectiveness
Plunging doesn’t actually pull out the clog in your pipes—it just pushes it farther down into them. It’s like when you push a clump of hair down in the shower drain instead of pulling it out—the hair will just get stuck further down in the pipe and make things worse!
Chemical Exposure
Some liquid plungers contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled as you plunge. These chemicals include chloroform and benzene—both of which can cause cancer!
Damage to the Plumbing System
Plunging a clogged toilet with a liquid plunger can cause damage to the plumbing system, including the pipes, toilets, and drains. The force behind the water can cause cracks in the pipes and flush out loose debris, which may cause the entire system to fail.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve got a clogged drain, then you know how frustrating it can be. You’re stuck with a sink full of dirty dishes and a toilet that’s not flushing properly. And now… you’re going to have to call in the professionals.
But don’t worry! That’s where Wicker Trade Service Inc comes in. We’ve been serving Mooresville and surrounding areas since 2002 and pride ourselves on providing quick and reliable service at affordable prices. We are your one-stop shop for all your drain cleaning and toilet clog needs.
We have over 20 years of experience working on residential and commercial properties. Our team is dedicated to providing quality work at affordable prices.
We are experts at unclogging Drain and Toilet Clogs in Mooresville and other plumbing issues, but we also offer several other plumbing services, such as:
– Drain Cleaning
– Drain Repair
– Drain Replacements
– Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
– Hydro jetting
– Camera inspection
– Sump Pump Installations/Repairs/Maintenance
– Leak Detection & Repair
Our team of experienced plumbers is fully licensed, insured, and bonded and can take care of all your plumbing needs, from installing new water heaters to repairing leaky faucets. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best service possible, which is why we offer affordable pricing on our services.
You can count on us to get your drains cleared out quickly so that you can get back to relishing your home and your life again! We also offer 24-hour emergency service for all your plumbing needs in Mooresville, NC. Whatever time of day or night it is, we’ll be there to help you out!
If you need a professional plumber to clean your drains or toilets, look no further than Wicker Trade Service Inc! Call us at (704) 340-4810!