Sometimes, dealing with a blocked toilet can turn into a frustrating challenge, even if you’re armed with a trusty plunger. In some cases, you might find your clogged toilet plunger not working. This can be due to several reasons; the plunger type might be unfit for the job, you might be using incorrect plunging technique, or the blockage might be too stubborn for a simple plunger to handle.
Plunger type plays a crucial role in successfully unclogging a toilet, and sometimes people are unaware that not all plungers are engineered equally. The frequently seen cup-style plunger is more suitable for flat-surface drains such as a sink or bathtub, not toilets. Instead, a flange plunger or a bellows plunger would be more suitable as the designs are specifically for toilet drains. If the plunger fails, reconsider your choice of tool.
Furthermore, the plunging technique can also impact the efficiency of unclogging. A common mistake people make is not creating an adequate vacuum seal or not maintaining enough water in the bowl to aid in the dislodging of the clog. A good seal and enough water allows for optimum pressure to be applied to the clog. If your plunger doesn’t work, review your technique, ensuring you’re fully covering the drain hole and applying forceful plunges to create pressure.
However, not all clogs are equal. If the blockage is too severe or extended within the plumbing, a plunger might not be enough. This could be a sign of a more complex issue, like tree roots intruding into the pipe or a collection of non-flushable items. In these cases, professionals equipped with augers or snake tools might be required. Hence, it is always recommended to contact a reliable plumbing service when your plunger fails to solve a toilet clog. They have the knowledge and tools to scrutinize the issue deeper and resolve it efficiently.