What type of plunger for toilet

Plungers are an inexpensive and easy-to-use way to clear clogs. Knowing which type to use will greatly increase your chances for success.

At Applewood, we want to be your Colorado plumbing experts. Sometimes that simply means showing you the best type of plunger for the job.

When you seal the plunger over the drain opening and push it down, you increase the pressure in the pipe. This increase in pressure pushes the water downward. Also, be sure to protect your home by not putting FOG and other problem causing items down the drain. Make your life easier by using the proper plunger for efficient and effect drain cleaning. Check out three different types of household plungers and when to use them:. This is usually what comes to mind when people think of plungers.

Sink plungers are made up of a straight usually wooden handle and rubber usually red cup. These plungers only work properly on flat surfaces. The cup needs to lay flat over the drain and create the vacuum necessary to dislodge the clog. This plunger is able to create both a positive and negative pressure. Positive pressure is created by forcing the cup down and negative pressure is created by the vacuum effect when pulled away from the fixture.

What to Use This Plunger for: Bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, tubs, or anything with a flat surface. Expect to use more human force with this plunger. Use it on the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and even the bathtub.

If this is the only plunger you have in the home, you can try using it to clear a toilet clog in an emergency, but it can be tough to create the seal required for proper suction. The curve of the toilet bowl can make it tough to create a vacuum seal. If you have a particularly tough toilet clog to clear out, you might need an accordion plunger. This type of plunger has a smaller cup, which makes it more powerful.

These ridges hold air, and when the plunger is compressed, the air is pushed out from the cup to dislodge the clog. Because this tool is made of a tough plastic, it can be hard to create the vacuum seal needed to create suction. The plunger also includes a long steel rod that pushes the disc deep into the pipe to push out a clog. The flexible rubber end also helps to create a tight seal around a drain.

A good seal is important; it helps maintain the pressure that will clear the blockage. The plunger handle is as important as the plunger head. Look for a sturdy handle that can withstand the plunging motion. Material options include plastic, wood, aluminum, and steel. Plastic handles tend to be less durable, but they are a budget-friendly pick.

Wood and metal handles are durable and easy to find, plus they can help make the plunger look a little more attractive. Generally, toilet plungers have a longer handle than sink and shower plungers that have shorter handles. A longer handle provides enough length for plunging toilet drains.

On the other hand, a long handle would be unwieldy for plunging most sinks, so sink plungers tend to have a shorter handle. The handle length also affects storage. If space is tight, consider a plunger with a telescoping handle that can be collapsed after each use. Nonslip features make handles easier and safer to hold.

An ergonomic grip can make plunging more comfortable and effective. For example, a T-handle can offer a better hold for consistent plunging power. Drips of dirty toilet water are not only unsanitary, they can cause water damage where the plunger is kept, such as in a wooden cabinet interior. No matter the type of plunger, consider this key accessory to keep a bathroom or kitchen sanitary: a drip tray. Drip trays collect excess water and can even conceal the business end of the plunger in a stylish covering.

Some plungers come as sets with a drip tray and toilet bowl brush. This offers the same benefits of cleanliness while keeping the two bathroom tools organized in a caddy. A reliable plunger is an essential tool in any home and can save an expensive call to the plumber.

Clear blockages quickly and effectively with the following top plunger picks that are among some of the best on the market. This plunger features a beehive shape designed to fit all types of toilet drain shapes. The narrowed flange fits both older, round toilet drains and narrow, elongated drains that are common on some newer, high-efficiency toilets.

The flexible beehive plunging end reduces splashback and creates excellent pressure for plunging toilet drains. A T-shaped grip provides a comfortable spot to hold the plunger, and the adjustable handle is sturdy and compact.

Although this plunger does not come with a drip tray, the handle can collapse down for easier storage after each use. Thanks to a cup with tiered flanges and heavy-duty suction, this plunger from Neiko can get the job done on most toilets. The plunging end features a four-level flanged suction cup. Each level has a different diameter, which helps the plunger create a tight and effective seal in a wide range of toilet drains. The lightweight aluminum handle resists both mold and rust, and it features a hole at the end for hanging in a supply closet with a dustpan and broom.

Durability, affordability, and ease of use—this plunger from Neiko offers all three.