Household Plungers: Decoding The Difference

Clogged drains are arguably the main cause of plumbing problems in homes. That is why it is a good idea to have a plunger in your home at all times. But with many different types and designs of plungers available on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be confusing.

Household Plungers: Decoding The Difference

You have likely been using the wrong plunger for your needs. When most people think of plungers, they think of the classic red rubber plunger. But this plunger is not designed for unclogging toilets. That’s probably why you haven’t had much success using it for that purpose. To save you the headache in the future, we have decoded the difference between plungers so that you can make an educated purchase next time!

If you have clogged drains, RooterMan Plumbers can help. Give us a call, and we will be there to take care of the problem quickly and efficiently.

3 Types of Plungers

1. Cup Plunger or Common Sink Plunger

Sink plungers are great for sinks, tubs, and shower drains because they create a tight seal ideal for clearing hair and other debris from drains. If you have a constantly clogged toilet, you need a different type of plunger. Sink plungers work well on flat surfaces because the cup has to stay flat and completely cover the drain in order for it to be effective.

To use a cup plunger, simply place the cup over the drain and push and pull the plunger up and down. The suction from the plunger will help to dislodge the clog so that water can flow through freely again. It creates positive pressure when the cup is forced down and negative pressure when it is released, which helps break up the clog.

2. Toilet Plunger or Flange Plunger

The toilet plunger is slightly different from a sink plunger because it has an extended flange that fits snugly into the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. This design allows for a better seal to exert more pressure on the clog. When the flange (soft rubber flap) is withdrawn into the cup, the plunger can also be effective as a cup plunger. However, to avoid cross-contamination, we do not recommend using the same plunger for both the toilet and sink.

To use a toilet plunger, place the flange into the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and push and pull the plunger up and down. The suction from the plunger will push the clog away so that water can flow through without restriction.

3. Accordion Plunger

This plunger is made from hard plastic. It can produce plenty of force, but it is not so easy to use. Because the plastic is hard, it is difficult to create the vacuum seal necessary for the plunger to be effective. This plunger is ideal for unclogging toilets because of its long handle which allows you to apply more pressure to the clog.

You should be aware that because the accordion plunger is made of hard plastic, it can scratch the surfaces of your toilet. Therefore, unless you’re used to this plunger, we recommend using a toilet plunger instead, since it’s made of rubber.

Plunging Tips For Effective Unclogging

Select The Right Plunger

If you’ve read this far, you now know that there are different types of plungers, and each one is designed for a specific type of clog. Be sure to select the right plunger for your needs so that you can apply the necessary pressure to dislodge the clog.

Engulf The Plunger

Another critical factor in unclogging drains is making sure that the plunger is completely covered by water. This is necessary in order to create the vacuum seal that will help to break up the clog.

Always Plunge Straight

If you don’t plunge straight, you won’t get enough force behind the plunger to dislodge the clog. Plunging at an angle will also make it more difficult to keep the plunger in place. Plunge straight using an up-and-down movement at a vertical angle.

Create Suction

To get a strong seal, make sure to push air out of the plunger cup by slowly depressing the plunger to get suction. This will help to create a vacuum seal so that you can apply more pressure to the clog.

Maintain Your Plungers

When you’re not using them, ensure your plungers are clean and dry to avoid ripping, cracking, mold, and mildew growth. If your plunger has cup or bell tears, you won’t get a proper vacuum seal which means you won’t get enough pressure to dislodge the clog.

Safety Tip

Do not use a plunger not long after using harmful cleaning chemicals. If you do, the chemicals can be pushed back up by the plunger and into your face and bathroom or kitchen floor. This can cause irritation and burning. You should always exercise caution while using toxic cleaning chemicals.

If you feel that your plunger isn’t powerful enough to unclog the drain or you can’t handle the task, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for drain cleaning. They have the training and experience required to fix your clogged drain safely.

Contact Us For Help With Your Clogged Drains

If you’re still having trouble unclogging your drain after trying these tips, contact a professional plumbing company like RooterMan Plumbers for assistance. We have the knowledge and experience to unclog even the most stubborn drains. We’re here to help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Give us a call today at 281.351.4422!

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