How to use a plunger to unclog a toilet, sink, or shower drain

• A plunger is an easy-to-use tool for unclogging sinks, drains, and toilets.
• A standard cup plunger is best for sinks and drains, while a flange plunger is best for toilets.
• Avoid chemical drain openers whenever possible, as they can damage pipes.

If there's one DIY trick you should master, it's how to use a plunger. Luckily, this trusty household staple is a rather easy tool to use once you get the hang of it.

A plunger uses suction to remove clogs in sinks, drains, and toilets. The rubber cup forms a vacuum seal over the drain or toilet opening so that when the handle is thrust, the pressure of the water moving up and down will remove the blockage and the water will flow freely again.

George Medina, a plumber and National Technical Institute instructor, recommends using a plunger to clear out sinks, drains, or toilets. While it's tempting to go for a commercial drain cleaner to solve your problem, he says it's not a guarantee that it will. In fact, one of the biggest complaints he hears from customers is that they tried a chemical cleaner and it didn't work.

"Liquid drain cleaners can also lead to serious damage to your pipes and could cause corrosion or further wear and tear on pipes, especially in older homes," says Medina. "It would be best to use a plunger and if that does not work, call a local professional to help."

Types of plungers

There are three different types of plungers suitable for household use: the standard cup plunger, the flange plunger, and the accordion plunger.

The standard cup plunger features a cup — typically a red one — with a wooden handle. This one is best used on flat surfaces, such as sinks and shower drains.

The flange plunger has a large cup — often black — with a smaller inner cup (flange) that can be inserted more securely in a toilet bowl opening. The flange plunger is actually an all-purpose plunger, as the smaller cup can be pushed back into the larger cup, creating the same shape as a standard cup plunger. However, for sanitary purposes, it's a good idea to keep two separate plungers to be used for toilets and for sinks and drains.

An accordion plunger is another type that can be used on toilets, though it's not as easy to use as the standard or flange plunger. That's because it is made with hard plastic, rather than rubber, which makes it more difficult to form a seal over the opening. Once you form the seal, though, the accordion ridges create a stronger suction to unclog a drain with less exertion.

How to plunge a toilet

1. Prepare for any possible mess. Put on gloves, cover the floor with newspaper or paper towels, and keep a garbage pail nearby. Depending on the material that's clogging the toilet, this could get messy.
2. Remove or add water if needed. You want the plunger to be covered by water, but if the water is going to overflow when you start plunging, take a cup and carefully remove some of the water. If there's not enough water in the toilet, add some so that you can submerge the plunger.
3. Insert a flange plunger into the toilet bowl. "The trick is to put it in at a 45-degree angle," says Medina. "This way it retains more air, which will allow for more pressure downwards." Once the plunger is in the water, position the flange in the hole at the bottom of the toilet to form a tighter seal.
4. Gently thrust the plunger. Turn the plunger to a 90-degree position, with the handle sticking straight up. Push downward with a gentle thrust at least two to three times, though you can repeat as necessary until you see the water level in the bowl go down. The trick here is to maintain the seal until you finish plunging.
5. Remove the plunger and check the clog. If the water recedes, the plunger worked. If a non-flushable object has been dislodged, remove it. Otherwise, you can flush the toilet.
6. Clean and store the plunger. Once the toilet is clear and running smoothly, you can clean the plunger in the fresh toilet water. Add a bathroom cleanser or bleach to the water, swish it around, then flush again to clean and sanitize the plunger. Let it air dry in the tub or shower, then place the plunger in a plastic bag or other container before storing it in a closet or cabinet.

Important: Do not mix bleach with any vinegar-based household cleanser, as the combination will produce toxic chlorine gas fumes.

Best toilet plungers

We test and recommend the best toilet plungers. Check out our picks:

• Best overall: Simplehuman Toilet Plunger and Caddy, $35 at Amazon
• Best on a budget: Neiko Toilet Plunger, $14.71 at Amazon
• Best ergonomic: Korky Beehive Max Universal Toilet Plunger, $26.49 at Target

How to plunge a sink, tub, or shower drain

1. Cover the overflow opening. This is the small opening found at the top of a sink or tub that helps prevent flooding. By blocking air from escaping this vent, you can create more pressure with the plunger. You can insert a wet rag in the opening or cover it with duct tape.
2. Remove or add water as needed. You've likely already got some standing water, but if not, fill the bottom of the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup. For shallow shower stalls, make sure water covers the bottom of the plunger cup.
3. Insert a standard plunger into the water. Medina says you can use the same angle technique as you would for the toilet. Come into the water at a 45-degree angle, then turn the plunger so it's straight up at a 90-degree angle.
4. Thrust and repeat. Thrust downward a few times to create enough pressure to loosen up the clog. Repeat as necessary until the water drains.
5. Clean and store the plunger. Rinse the plunger off in the shower or under the faucet and let dry before storing in a closet or cabinet.

Quick Tip: To plunge a double sink, create a seal over both drains. A second plunger works well here, but you can try stuffing a rag in the drain or insert an inverted drinking glass in a pinch. Hold down the plunger on one side as you plunge the other—a second set of hands would also be helpful here to maintain the proper seal.

The plunger didn't work: What's next?

If the plunger isn't fixing the clog, Medina does not advise using chemical drain openers as they can be harsh on plumbing. Instead, he recommends using a plastic drain snake to reach the blockage. Once you've reached the blockage, turn the handle or crank and pull it out. If that doesn't work, he says to try an auger, which has a steel cable and a crank that can reach even further to grab the object that's causing the blockage.

"Most big box stores will rent appropriate equipment depending on what diameter pipe you are attempting to clean," Medina says. If the issue persists, Medina says you should call your local plumber.

Insider's takeaway

A plunger is an essential household tool for unclogging toilets, sinks, and drains. A standard plunger is best for sinks and drains while a flange plunger is ideal for toilets. A few quick thrusts should do the trick to remove the blockage, but if it's a tougher clog, you might need a drain snake or auger. Avoid chemical drain openers as they can do more harm than good to your plumbing. Call a plumber if the situation doesn't improve.