Why Isn't My Plunger Working

Most people plunge aggressively, pumping up and down as fast as possible. This is often ineffective. If you go too fast, you break the seal and lose pressure. Furthermore, if you pull the plunger up too hard, you might accidentally damage an old wax ring seal at the base of your toilet.

If you have a flange plunger, enough water, and good technique, and the toilet still won't drain, the clog is likely stubborn. why isn't my plunger working

The physics of a plunger rely on a vacuum. If air can escape around the edges of the plunger, you won't build up the pressure needed to dislodge the clog. This often happens if the plunger is too old, stiff, or cracked, or if you are holding it at an angle. Most people plunge aggressively, pumping up and down