{"id":1171,"date":"2024-03-13T14:48:52","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toiletseek.com\/?p=1171"},"modified":"2024-03-13T14:48:52","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:48:52","slug":"can-plunging-damage-toilet-wax-ring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toiletseek.com\/can-plunging-damage-toilet-wax-ring\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Plunging a Toilet Damage the Wax Ring?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wax rings are, as you might have guessed, rings made of wax. They thus have the properties of wax and that of rings in the way they operate. Unknown to most people, some activities and forces we subject the wax rings to can be damaging to them. Plunging the toilet in itself doesn\u2019t always damage to the wax ring but doing it the wrong way does it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toilets get to block at various locations but the most important one when it comes to the wax ring is whether the blockage is before or after the P-trap. If it\u2019s before the wax ring, plunging will exert the force directly onto the clog forcing it down the drain without damage on the wax ring. On the other hand, if the clog is after the wax ring, the plunging force will act on the wax ring and damage it in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that you can\u2019t actually tell where the clog is exactly, it is best to take precautions to preserve the integrity of the wax ring. While plunging is one of the best solutions to eliminating clogs, doing it right goes a long way in keeping your toilet in good working condition. Below, we detail the steps to take to plunge correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plunging Effects on the Wax Ring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The design of the wax ring is a circle which is made of wax. By the laws of physics, rings can withstand more force from outside than from inside. Pushing towards the center does little damage to the ring since you\u2019re simply compressing it. However, pulling it outward is stretching it and can easily damage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wax doesn\u2019t have the recovery power of materials like rubber or the resistance of materials like foam and metals. As such, what plunging does is force the ring outwards which can easily damage it. When you push and pull on the wax ring with every plunging motion, it will get damaged with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result can be major leaks from the base of the toilet once the wax ring is damaged or shifted out of the way. Materials such as rubber can withstand much more force from the plunger and they would often recover their original shape after each plunging. For this reason, you should consider using non-wax seals such as those made of foam for your toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Toilet
Toilet plunger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to plunge without causing damages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lucky enough, you can still use a plunger to unclog the toilet even when there is risk of damage. You only need to reduce the risk of damage by doing it the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To plunge without causing damage to the wax ring, you should first focus on dislodging the clog rather than forcing it downwards. To attain this, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Place the plunger\u2019s bulb on the side of the inner bowl such that part of its surface touches the top of the water. You then gently push it downwards. This doesn\u2019t exert any force on the wax ring as you\u2019re pushing against the side of the toilet and not the drain pipe where the wax ring is.<\/li>
  2. Slide the bulb of the plunger downwards onto the bottom of the toilet bowl then pull it up in a jerking motion. Repeat this motion until the clog comes out.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    As you might have noticed, the plunger isn\u2019t pushed down the drain but on the side of the toilet bowl. Once it gains the suction power, you slide it over to the opening of the toilet bowl then pull it up. What happens is that the force exerted to the wax ring is inwards towards the center. This won\u2019t damage it in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are some plunging tips<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Start with a gentle plunge to allow air within the plunger to escape easily without blowing a lot of water out of the bowl to the floor.<\/li>
    2. After forcing the air out, plunge vigorously in and out, keeping the seal.<\/li>
    3. Be patient. Try alternating between steady strokes and occasional monster heaves.<\/li>
    4. Ensure there is sufficient water in the bowl to cover the plunger. This helps to generate more pressure.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      More on Plungers & Plunging<\/p>\n\n\n\n