The Explosive Pressure Of Plungers: Are You Unblocking Your Drains Correctly?

A plunger is a very useful tool to have around the home in case of plumbing emergencies such as blocked drains or toilets. However, if you don't use the plunger correctly, you will do a lot more damage than just having to clean up some overflowed water. Remember these two helpful pointers the next time you pull your plunger out, so your honey-do list doesn't grow from the damage you inadvertently cause.

Plungers Use Suction

Plungers use a system of pressure and suction to release whatever is stuck in your drain. If you get a bit carried away with the pressure and suction action of pushing the plunger up and down, you could end up with an explosive eruption that ends with a spot on your ceiling that now needs painting.

The correct way to use your plunger is to push down on it gently and then pull back on it vigorously. This is going to create the vacuum suction you need to wiggle free the debris in your drain. Place the plunger over the drain hole to create a seal, and then push down/pull up five times before removing the plunger to check if the blockage has cleared. You will know you have released the debris if built up water can now flow down the drain.

Helpful hint: Smear petroleum jelly around the ring of the plunger before you place it down over the drain. This will create a tighter seal, thereby giving you better suction.

Don't Use Plungers And Chemicals

If you have already poured liquid chemical into the blocked drain in an attempt to clear it, do not follow up this action with a plunger in the hope it will have loosened the debris enough to be shifted by plunger suction.

Liquid chemicals used to unblock drains contain ingredients like sulfuric acid. Whenever sulfuric acid touches something it reacts, and when it touches your skin, it is going to burn your flesh. When plunging through water that contains drain cleaner, not only are you putting your own safety at risk, but this acid could also scorch wallpaper, paint, and other bathroom finishes if it splashes on these things.

If pouring liquid drain cleaner has not unblocked your drain, you need to try clearing the block by using a plumber's snake rather than a plunger.

If your drain decides to be completely stubborn and not clear away, give your local plumber a call and get them to come out to fix the problem. At least, you can say you tried to fix the issue, and their expertise means you are a lot less likely to be left having to clean away the extra mess you created.