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10 Best Toilet Plungers of 2024

Updated
It’s time to take the plunge.

Toilet plungers aren’t the most exciting thing to shop for, but they’re necessary. We’re here to make this shopping experience a little easier by sharing the best toilet plungers on the current market!

With our buying guide and product reviews, you’ll find a convenient toilet plunger for your home. We spent hours researching these glamorous products, so you don’t have to. After looking at each product’s most important specs and researching real customer reviews, we have narrowed it down to 10 plunge-worthy options.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Neiko Toilet Plunger & Brush Set
Best With Metal Handle
Neiko Toilet Plunger & Brush Set
  • Sanitary option
  • Brush & plunger combo
  • Unique plunger design creates great seal
Product Image of the Neiko Toilet Plunger
Best Toilet Flange Plunger
Neiko Toilet Plunger
  • 4-step suction cup fits all toilet drains
  • Lightweight with peg for hanging
  • Creates tight seal on drains
Product Image of the JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger
Best Accordion Toilet Plunger
JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger
  • Super high pressure & suction
  • Easy to use
  • Multi-purpose; works in toilets and sinks
Product Image of the MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush Combo for Bathroom Cleaning, Gray, 1 Set
Most Stylish
Mr. Siga Toilet Plunger Brush Combo
  • Heavy duty rubber plunger
  • Strong bristled brush for tough stains
  • Works on all kinds of drains
Product Image of the Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger
Best Budget Toilet Plunger
Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger
  • Flexible head is easy to use
  • Flange toilet plunger
  • Unique handle for easy use
Product Image of the Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger
Most Powerful
Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger
  • Super concentrated powerful
  • Minimal splashback
  • Easy to use
Product Image of the mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo
Best Toilet Plunger & Brush Set
mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo
  • Separate holders & drip trays for each item
  • Tight seal even on modern toilets
  • Sturdy brush head fights stains
Product Image of the LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger
Best With Wooden Handle
LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger
  • Works with uniquely shaped toilets
  • Plunges smoothly & comes up cleanly
  • Powerful rubber seal
Product Image of the ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger
Best Toilet Plunger Drain Cleaner
ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger
  • One-handed, easy operation
  • Cleans & unclogs toilets
  • Durable plastic and stainless steel materials
Product Image of the Luigi's Toilet Plunger
Best Heavy Duty Plunger
Luigi's Toilet Plunger
  • Made for low flow, square, toilets
  • High pressure for toughest clogs
  • T-shaped grippy handle

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we provide you with a thorough analysis of the best toilet plungers by conducting hands-on research and assessment. Our team of professionals evaluates each product based on key decision-making factors like performance, design, and user experience. We compare and rank plungers using our stringent criteria, ensuring that the data and findings presented are reliable and trustworthy. Our expertise allows us to share quantitative measurements of each plunger’s effectiveness, highlighting the unique features that set them apart from competitors. In this review, we cover the most important aspects of toilet plungers, including suction power, handle design, durability, ease of use, and cleanliness. Rest assured that our evaluations and recommendations are supported by first-hand experience and evidence, ensuring you make the best choice for your household needs.



The Best Toilet Plungers of 2024

We’ve spent hours researching expert advice on toilet plungers, so you don’t have to! With that in mind, we’ve also applied our own expertise, as well as what we’ve learned from customer reviews. Thus, we have a comprehensive list of the top 10 best toilet plungers.

Here are 10 toilet plungers to wow you!

Neiko Toilet Plunger and Brush Set

Best With Metal Handle

Metal handles are more hygienic and easier to clean. Take a step away from wooden handles with the Neiko toilet plunger set. These slim, sleek, and classy handles make a statement in the bathroom.

This plunger also comes with a toilet brush, so you can tackle all bathroom incidents in one go! It’s a full dome brush with sturdy bristles. It deep cleans the toilet bowl quickly and effectively.

Both the plunger and brush have a handy drip tray to rest in between uses to catch excess water.

As for the plunger, you’ll be impressed by its supreme suction power! It has a unique design with four layers to form a gradual opening.

It’s designed to securely fit over all types of drains, whether you’re at home or work, and create a super tight seal. The plunger won’t ever flip up, and it will retain all dirty water inside.

Pros

  • Sanitary option since the dirty water remains inside.
  • Brush and plunger combo.
  • Drip tray included.
  • Unique plunger design for the ultimate seal.
  • Works for all types of toilet bowls.
  • Easy-to-clean aluminum handle.

Cons

  • Cheap and flimsy drip tray.
  • Brush unscrews easily from the handle.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 19 inches
Handle Material Aluminum
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included Yes

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

If you're tired of plungers that turn inside out or don't effectively unclog toilets, this product is a fantastic solution. I've personally found it to be the best plunger I've tried, as it consistently clears clogs in one go and has lasted for years. The included brush and holder make it a convenient and practical set, even if the design isn't the most exciting, but overall, it's a reliable and well-priced option to keep your bathrooms functioning smoothly.

Neiko Toilet Plunger

Best Toilet Flange Plunger

This is similar to the Neiko toilet plunger set, but just the plunger this time. But we had to include it because it is such an excellent toilet flange plunger!

The unique suction cup sells it for us. It has four different-sized layers to create a gradual opening. This ensures the cup fits securely to all kinds of drain openings while providing premium suction. You can use this at home or in commercial settings.

We also love the handle on this plunger. It has a lightweight aluminum handle which is easy to clean and maintain. Unlike wooden handles, it won’t harbor mold and bacteria. It’s rust-free, so not only will it remain clean, but it also looks sleek and modern. Plus, you can hang it up when you’re not using it.

Pros

  • 4-step suction cup fits all toilet drain opening sizes.
  • Lightweight with a peg for hanging.
  • Toilet water won’t stay inside the cup.
  • Creates a super tight seal and won’t flip open.
  • Easy-to-clean aluminum handle.

Cons

  • There might be some splashback.
  • Handle is difficult and uncomfortable to hold.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 23.5 inches
Handle Material Aluminum
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included No

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this Neiko plunger stands out from the rest due to its effective design and ease of use. With its soft rubber cup and unique opening, it fits most toilet drain sizes, requiring minimal force to clear clogs. I've tried several other plungers, including the OXO, but this one is by far the best. Additionally, I appreciate that a hard case is available for purchase to keep it neatly stored.

JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger

Best Accordion Toilet Plunger

The JS Jackson Supplies toilet plunger is our top recommendation for an accordion style.

If you’re looking for optimum strength, this is the one to choose. With professional-level suction, this plunger unclogs stubborn blockages using concentrated power. This plunger just might save you a call to the plumber.

The plunger uses the toilet water to provide maximum plunge power, rather than needing to plunge water up and down from the drain. This means less effort from you, with better results.

If you’ve previously had a hard-to-clean plunger, it’ll be music to your ears that this plunger has a no-fold lip design. You can easily wipe it clean to prevent build-up, whereas before, dirt and bacteria could easily hide in all these folds. Plus, the no-fold lip design minimizes splashback.

Pros

  • Three color options.
  • Super high pressure and suction.
  • Easy to use, utilizes toilet water for max power.
  • Multi-purpose: it works for all clogs in all toilets, plus sink drains.
  • Minimal splashback.
  • Easy to wipe the plunger clean.

Cons

  • Doesn’t seem to work for high-efficiency toilet bowls.
  • The plastic head is very stiff.

Product Specs

Type Accordion
Handle Length 18 inches
Handle Material Plastic
Seal Medium
Drip Tray Included No

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

This heavy-duty plunger has become a must-have in our household, especially with my child's tendency to have large and frequent clogs. I've found that the key to success with this product is to not be afraid to get a little wet and plunge as hard as possible. The powerful suction clears anything you'd typically encounter, just be prepared to potentially knock out some toilet paper from the plunger afterward. I also appreciate the accordion-style design, which reduces splashing and is more effective than traditional wooden plungers. Plus, the unique purple color adds a touch of fun to an otherwise not-so-fun task.

Mr. Siga Toilet Plunger Brush Combo

Most Stylish

Just because a toilet plunger is used for one of the most disgusting household chores doesn’t mean it has to look that way. The Mr. Siga toilet plunger brush combo is actually very classy!

It comes in this sleek grey color which will match most bathroom decors. Plus, the mini storage unit ensures your plunger and brush combo looks clean, tidy, and organized in your bathroom. In fact, guests won’t even bat an eyelid that your toilet plunger is on display.

When using the plunger, you’ll notice that it has a particular professional feel. It’s made with commercial-grade rubber to provide incredible plunging power. Not just for the toilet but for all kinds of drains.

The handle has an ergonomic shape to give you security and comfort when using it. This can make all the difference regarding the ease of unclogging the toilet.

Pros

  • Plunger brush combo.
  • Heavy-duty plunger with commercial-grade rubber.
  • Strong bristled brush for cleaning tough stains.
  • Works on all kinds of drains.
  • Includes a two-compartment stylish holder.
  • Suitable for residential and commercial spaces.

Cons

  • The plunger is relatively small.
  • It isn’t very durable.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 18 inches
Handle Material Rubber
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included Yes

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger

Best Budget Toilet Plunger

If you don’t want to spend much money on a toilet plunger — you’re not alone. The Liquid-Plumr plunger is a fantastic budget-friendly option.

It has a flange cup with a heavy-duty finish. You can use it on all toilets, even low-flow ones. It’s designed to clear all clogs, even the tough ones.

It has a caddy to keep your floors dry and clean after using the plunger.

Customers love that this is a flexible plunger. Many flange and accordion plungers are pretty stiff, but this one isn’t. That does mean the suction might not be as strong, but it’s much easier to use. The handle and shallow plunger head make the whole process a total breeze.

Pros

  • Flexible head makes it easier to use.
  • Flange toilet plunger.
  • Included drip tray.
  • Unique handle makes it easy to use.
  • Great for stubborn clogs.

Cons

  • Goes back in place slowly after you’ve used it.
  • Suction is not as strong as some others.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 21.5 inches
Handle Material Plastic
Seal Medium
Drip Tray Included Yes

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

I'm pleased with the performance of this plunger, as it has successfully cleared clogs that other plungers struggled with. The shovel-handle style grip and base are convenient features, making it easy to use and store. However, I did notice that the rubber can be a bit stiff, causing a delay in the usual plunging motion. Despite this minor issue, the overall effectiveness and design of this product make it a worthwhile purchase.

Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger

Most Powerful

Accordion toilet plungers are some of the most powerful plungers around.

Customers are very impressed by how powerful this plunger is! Many say that it has five times the pushing power over ordinary plungers. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to remove the most stubborn clogs with this plunger.

It uses toilet water to improve suction, giving maximum results with little effort.

This plunger also works with other drain types. Several customers were pleased with the results on kitchen and bathroom sinks. The seal is tight, so you don’t have to waste time faffing around with this product. It’s quick and efficient.

Enjoy easy, lightweight plunging with no water splashback. The no lip fold design ensures water is contained and makes the accordion style easy to clean.

Pros

  • Works on all standard toilets and kitchen sinks.
  • Super concentrated power.
  • Minimal splash back due to no-fold lip design.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • Particles and water stay in the plunger, so it needs to be deeply cleaned often.
  • The plastic is stiff.

Product Specs

Type Accordion
Handle Length 10.5 inches
Handle Material Plastic
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included No

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

As a frequent user of plungers due to consistent toilet clogs, I found this product to be quite effective. The bright royal blue color and sturdy two-piece construction make it visually appealing and easy to assemble. The bellows design provides strong suction, which has saved me from calling a plumber multiple times. While the plastic could be a bit softer for better performance, it still does the job and is worth the price.

mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo

Best Toilet Plunger and Brush Set

Looking for a 2-in-1 option? This toilet bowl brush and plunger set keeps things compact and convenient. There are even individual holders for each item to avoid cross-contamination.

This is an excellent addition to any home, including small apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and cabins. You can tuck it down the side of the toilet, where it will remain discreet but fashionable.

The plunger head is made from durable rubber to create a tight seal on all kinds of drains, including the toilet and kitchen sinks. It’s a toilet flange style with a unique narrow profile to work well with modern toilets.

Unlike some other toilet flange plungers, this one has a ridge-free design. This prevents build-up in little nooks and crannies, so you can easily clean the plunger.

Pros

  • Separate holders and drip trays for each item.
  • Tight seal, even on modern toilets.
  • Sturdy brush head to fight stubborn stains.
  • Round disc protects you from splashback.
  • Easy to clean with soap and water.
  • Five color options.

Cons

  • Cheap plastic material.
  • Customers are disappointed by the colors of the products in real life.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 21.6 inches
Handle Material Plastic
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included Yes

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

From personal experience, this product adds a cute touch to the bathroom and comes in the perfect color to match my décor. Although lightweight and compact, these tools are effective at their job and suitable for small spaces. However, the toilet brush's length is a bit short, causing the splash guard to potentially dip into the water, which isn't ideal. The plunger and brush combo is made of durable plastic with a metallic sheen, giving it a stylish appearance while still being functional. On the downside, some users have reported issues with the brush losing bristles and the overall quality. Despite the minor drawbacks, this compact set is a nice addition to a guest bathroom.

LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger

Best With Wooden Handle

The LDR Industries toilet plunger has a handy ribbed cup to work with all toilets. It creates a powerful seal to deal with all kinds of clogs.

This flange toilet plunger has a yellow painted wooden handle. While this isn’t the most hygienic, the extra layer of paint makes it easy to maintain and keep clean. Just make sure to wipe it down between uses.

The handle is 26.4 inches long to provide a good distance from the toilet bowl while you’re using it.

Customers love that this plunger works with oddly shaped toilet bowls. The suction means you won’t have issue clearing clogs.

Please Note

If you have a unique or custom toilet, we recommend checking with the manufacturer first to ensure this plunger will work.

Pros

  • Works well with uniquely shaped toilets.
  • Plunges smoothly and comes back up cleanly.
  • Rubber seal is powerful and not at all flimsy.
  • 26.4-inch handle.
  • Easy to use due to folding flaps.
  • Durable wooden handle.

Cons

  • Water doesn’t drain easily from inside the plunger.
  • Rubber is hard and makes it quite challenging to use.
  • The wooden handle is more prone to mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Product Specs

Type Flange
Handle Length 26.4 inches
Handle Material Painted wood
Seal Strong
Drip Tray Included No

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, this product is effective but not quite a "wow" factor. The bright yellow color makes it stand out, and it has never failed to get the job done. However, the rubber is a bit stiffer than I would prefer, making it difficult to create strong suction at times. Despite this minor drawback, I would still consider repurchasing this plunger over other options on the market.

ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger

Best Toilet Plunger Drain Cleaner

Ready for a revolutionary solution to unclogging drains? Meet the ToiletShroom.

This clears your clogged toilet drains by pushing out the clog in one simple push. No more plunging and squeezing and splashing back. Just push the clog through.

With the flexible head, the plunger can go far down the drain, no matter what kind of toilet you have. Plus, it doubles as a squeegee to clean the inside of your toilet. This is especially useful far down the drain where other toilet brushes can’t reach.

In just seconds, you can deal with this nasty chore. Insert the plunger at an angle, push it in and out several times, then pop it back in its caddy, where it will remain locked away from bathroom guests. Make sure to clean it with water and bleach weekly!

Pros

  • One-handed, easy operation.
  • Cleans and unclogs toilets.
  • Included caddy to contain odors.
  • Durable plastic and stainless steel materials.
  • Flexible design to get into hard-to-reach spots.

Cons

  • Clean-up can be pretty disgusting.
  • If the head breaks off while in use, it can get stuck in the toilet.

Product Specs

Type Drain cleaner
Handle Length 29.5 inches
Handle Material Plastic and stainless steel
Seal None
Drip Tray Included Yes

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

Great product for tackling stubborn clogs with ease! As a parent with extensive experience dealing with clogged toilets, I found this plunger to be both effective and versatile. The ToiletShroom's unique design works well on elongated bowls and easily clears away tough clogs without the frustration of traditional plungers. Additionally, cleaning it is as simple as a quick rinse under the faucet, making it a valuable addition to any household.

Luigi's Toilet Plunger

Best Heavy Duty Plunger

Put your mind at ease that your toilet plunger will last because this one has a five-year warranty! It’s built to be super durable, and has a patented design, making it extra unique.

This plunger pushes water at the blockage, not just air. So the water flow serves as a powerful way to unclog toilets.

You can use the plunger usually, but it acts a little differently. As long as there is at least an inch of water surrounding the plunger, it will gather up the water and use it to help unblock the drains.

It’s been designed specifically with a broad head for American low-flow, square toilets, so keep that in mind if you have a different type.

Lastly, the t-shaped grippy handle makes it comfortable and secure to use.

Pros

  • Unique design works great to unblock drains.
  • Specifically made for low-flow, square toilets.
  • High pressure for the toughest clogs.
  • T-shaped grippy handle.
  • Graduated nozzle prevents splashback.
  • Five-year warranty.

Cons

  • Doesn’t work without water.
  • Won’t fit every toilet.

Product Specs

Type Accordion
Handle Length 11 inches
Handle Material Plastic
Seal Average
Drip Tray Included No

Our Ratings

Plunging Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this product has been a mix of trial-and-error and ultimate satisfaction. Initially, I struggled to figure out the proper technique, but after ensuring the plunger was water-filled, it effectively unclogged my stubborn toilet. Despite its seemingly cheap appearance and construction, this plunger has proven to be reliable and efficient in comparison to traditional counterparts. However, I do have concerns about its durability as some users reported breakage after a year of light use.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Handle Length Handle Material Seal Drip Tray?
Neiko Toilet Plunger & Brush Set With Metal Handle Flange 19″ Aluminum Strong Yes
Neiko Toilet Plunger Toilet Flange Plunger Flange 23.5″ Aluminum Strong No
JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger Accordion Toilet Plunger Accordion 18″ Plastic Medium No
Mr. Siga Toilet Plunger Brush Combo Stylish Flange 18″ Rubber Strong Yes
Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger Budget Toilet Plunger Flange 21.5″ Plastic Medium Yes
Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger Powerful Accordion 10.5″ Plastic Strong No
mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo Toilet Plunger & Brush Set Flange 21.6″ Plastic Strong Yes
LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger With Wooden Handle Flange 26.4″ Painted wood Strong No
ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger Toilet Plunger Drain Cleaner Drain cleaner 29.5″ Plastic & stainless steel None Yes
Luigi’s Toilet Plunger Heavy Duty Plunger Accordion 11″ Plastic Average No

Types of Toilet Plungers

We’ll recap the four main types of toilet plungers.

Common Sink

These standard options are the most common types of toilet plungers. They can also be used for unclogging sinks or drains. It features a rubber cup on the end of the straight handle.

It’s designed to work on flat surfaces, such as a sink, but it can also work in toilets. However, removing clogs on these types of fixtures can be harder.

Pros

  • Widely available.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Can unclog sinks, showers, and other drain types.

Cons

  • Works best on flat surfaces, so they don’t create a great seal on most toilets.

Accordion

These are named after their lookalike instrument: the accordion. They are convenient for toilets due to the smaller cup. However, it’s not super versatile and won’t effectively work on other types of drains.

Pros

  • Very powerful.
  • Usually made of quality plastic.
  • Less splashback.
  • Super useful for toilet clogs.

Cons

  • The hard plastic may scratch the toilet.
  • It’s sometimes hard to create a seal.
  • Not the most useful for other types of drains.

Toilet Flange

A toilet plunger with a flange means it has a soft rubber flap. It’s highly effective at creating a good seal when plunging a toilet. This is also suitable for showers and drains. If you’re looking for a versatile plunger, you can use all around the house — this is the best fit.

Pros

  • Creates a good seal.
  • Flexible enough to work with any drain.
  • Works great on curved toilets.
  • Won’t get stuck.

Cons

  • The flap can get dirty, so needs to be cleaned often.
  • Shouldn’t use the same plunger on toilets and sinks since the flap can be dirty.

Taze Plunger

Taze plungers are commercial and industrial toilet plunges used for dislodging clogs in large pipes. It has a disc on the end, with a long steel rod to push the disc down the pipe. These should only be handled by a professional.

Pros

  • Commercial toilet plungers.
  • Dislodges clogs in large pipes.
  • Powerful tool can clear stubborn clogs.
  • Useful for when the clog is larger than the pipe.

Cons

  • Not intended for domestic use.
  • Not widely available.

How To Choose the Best Toilet Plunger

Here are the top details you should consider when shopping for a toilet plunger.

Handle

Consider the length and material of the handle. Metal handles are much more hygienic than wooden since they’re easy to clean.

The length matters too. If it’s too short, it can make this task pretty gross since you’re much closer to the clog. We recommend getting one with a longer handle.

Our recommendations range from 10.5 inches to 29.5 inches, with 20 inches being average.

Type

Since there are a few different plungers, choose your favorite.

A sink plunger is good if you want something you can use across different drains, but keep in mind it’s less effective on toilets.

Accordion plungers are very powerful and induce the least amount of splashback, but the hard plastic can scratch the toilet.

Lastly, toilet flange plungers will give you the best suction and are the most effective, but they can be pretty tricky to clean.

Seal

The seal is super important. Have a look at the customer reviews, but also consider the type of plunger. The flange toilet plungers will give you the best seal.

To help you out, we describe each product’s seal as none, average, medium, or strong.

Drip Tray

Does the plunger come with a drip tray? This will catch excess water, so it doesn’t go onto the floor. Just make sure to clean the drip tray very regularly.

We’ll let you know whether each option includes a drip tray.


How To Use a Toilet Plunger the Right Way

Here are our top tips for using a toilet plunger correctly.

  • Use standing water: It works best if there’s standing water in the bowl. You should have at least enough water to cover the rim of the plunger head, but if the head is fully submerged, that’s even better. Add water to the toilet bowl if there is none.
  • It’s all about angles: If you push the plunger straight down, it will be full of air, which minimizes the plunging power. Angle it over the drain, so the cup fills with water and creates a tight seal around the drain.
  • Maintain the seal: If air bubbles are coming outside the plunger cup rather than down the hole, the seal is loose. Reposition the plunger and start again.
  • The best method: When it comes to actually plunging, here’s the best method. Pull the handle with quick, firm motions for 20 seconds without lifting the plunger out the drain. You don’t want to break the seal. Usually, this method will completely clear the clog.
  • Always wear rubber gloves: This can be an unsanitary job, so it’s important to protect yourself. Splashback may occur, especially when you break the seal between the plunger and the drain.

FAQs

How Do You Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?

Is it possible to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In a pinch, yes.

  1. Dish soap: Pour ¾ cup of dish soap into the toilet.
  2. Wait: Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Cold water: Add two cups of cold water. Hot or boiling water can suds up the dish soap and create an even bigger mess!
  4. Flush: Flush the toilet. The clog should be gone.

Is It Safe To Pour Boiling Water Down the Toilet?

It is not safe. Here’s why:

  • You could ruin the pipes: If you have PVC pipes, as most people do, boiling water can melt the seals and cause harmful damage. If you have a porcelain toilet bowl, boiling water can cause this to crack.
  • Clog runs deeper: You may think boiling water could break up a clog. Wrong. It could actually just move the clog deeper.
  • Injury: Lastly, you risk burning yourself since boiling water can splash back onto you.

Can Plunging a Toilet Damage the Wax Ring?

Unfortunately, plunging a toilet can damage the wax ring around the toilet. You’ll notice damage if raw sewage starts to spill from underneath the toilet.

When using a plunger, place the plunger on the side of the toilet bowl, push it down then slide the head over the drain. This will protect the wax seal a little better.

Do Toilets Eventually Unclog Themselves?

They might, but it’s not convenient to wait, especially if there’s only one toilet in the house.

However, the force of gravity can help unclog a toilet. Over time, the clog might resolve itself, especially if it is full of water-soluble items that will dissolve in the toilet water.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

There are several reasons why your toilet keeps clogging. It could be due to low water levels, a faulty flapper, a blockage in the trap, or low water pressure. It could also be a blocked vent stack causing the water flow to drop.

What Do I Do If My Plunger Won’t Unclog the Toilet?

If your plunger doesn’t unclog the toilet, you can use a drain snake like this DrainX Auger. You can also pour boiling water down the toilet to shift the blockage. Other methods include a chemical drain cleaner, baking soda, and vinegar.

If nothing else works, call a plumber.

How Long Should It Take To Plunge a Toilet?

It shouldn’t take very long to plunge into a toilet. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push it up and down for 20 to 30 seconds, and the blockage should disappear.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!