The 4 Plunger Types: How to Choose the Right One
Sinks, showers, and toilets can clog for many different reasons. A plunger often gets things flowing again. To get the job done correctly, you need to choose the right plunger for the job. Here, we’ll define the different types of plungers and when to use each. But if visuals are more your thing, watch this video to know which plunger is the right one!
How Plungers Work
All plunger types dislodge clogs by creating pressure within the pipe drain. The plunger makes an airtight seal over the drain. Once in position, you generate pressure by pumping the plunger up and down. The pressure of each downward plunge forces the clog downwards. As you pull the plunger back, suction pulls debris out of the sink. Repeated plunging breaks up the clog and restores proper water flow.
Types of Plungers: Sink vs. Toilet
Standard/Cup Plunger (Sink Plunger)
A standard sink plunger has a cup-shaped end designed to create seals on flat surfaces, such as sinks, tubs, and showers. The handle of a cup plunger is often shorter than a toilet plunger to make it easier when working with sinks.
Flange Plunger (Toilet Plunger)
The most common toilet plunger is a flange plunger. Unlike the flat cup of a plunger for sinks, a toilet plunger has a rubber flap that folds out from inside the cup. This narrower flap, or flange, allows for a snug fit in a toilet drain opening. Toilet plungers typically have longer handles to improve leverage when plunging.
Accordion Plunger
An accordion plunger is the best type of toilet plunger. The plunger has a smaller cup than a standard toilet plunger, with a large, accordion-style stem that collapses and expands to increase pressure and suction during plunging. While effective for toilet clogs, accordion plungers work poorly on sinks or other drains with flat surfaces.
Taze Plunger
Taze plungers are specialized plumber’s tools and are not available for general use. The plunger resembles a steel rod with a small disc attached to one end. The plumber snakes the disc end of the plunger down the drain to create a seal. Taze plungers are intended for large pipes like commercial lines and are not for household drains.
Choosing the Right Plunger for Your Job
For most homeowners, you’ll have your choice of a sink plunger vs. a toilet plunger. The classic flat-bottomed plunger is meant for flat surfaces like sinks. In contrast, the more curved bottom of a toilet requires a protruding flange plunger.
Plunger Maintenance, Hygiene, and Tips
Proper maintenance of your plunger will increase its lifespan and prevent hygiene problems. Follow these simple tips:
- Use a separate plunger for your toilet and sinks to prevent hygiene problems.
- Rinse plungers with fresh water after using them.
- Disinfect plungers with bleach and water for ten minutes to kill bacteria. Switch the plunger in the solution and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Let it air dry.
- Store plungers in cool, dry places. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, which weakens the rubber.
- Stone on a hook to prevent the spread of germs to the floor.
- Regularly check the plunger for cracks, tears, and other signs of damage. If damage is found, replace the plunger.
When a Plunger Isn't Enough
Plungers are effective tools, but they have their limits. Call a professional plumber if:
- DIY attempts fail.
- Water backs up in sinks, showers, or toilets, indicating a severe blockage.
- Persistent sewage smells come from the clogged drain.
- You hear gurgling or bubbling sounds from the drain, even with the water turned off.
- Water is slow to drain even after plunging.
- Your toilets keep running after flushing.
- You dropped a foreign object into the toilet and suspect it’s the cause of the clog.
- You’re experiencing low water pressure throughout your home.
- The flooring around the toilet is loose, suggesting water damage.
Plunger or Plumber?
Plungers are an essential tool for any homeowner. When used properly, all plunger types can resolve minor clogs. Large, resistant clogs require a more powerful solution. Roto-Rooter’s drain cleaning service does more than clear the clog—we clean the entire drain line from end to end for long-lasting results. If your sink or toilet plunger isn’t doing the job, call us, and we’ll get your pipes flowing freely again!