Clogged drains and toilets are the most annoying problems for every homeowner. The foul smelling water stagnant in your kitchen sink, bathtub, or bathroom isn’t something to be ignored. But are you aware that clearing clogs is one of the most uncomplicated DIY household repairs? You heard that right! All you need to do is have the right tool to remove clogs in a heartbeat- a household plunger. You won’t be disappointed.
What is a Plunger?
A household plunger is a tool made of a rubber suction cup that is attached to a stick usually made of plastic or wood. This tool clears blockages in pipes and drains through suction and is among the must-have tools in your home, even though all it does is unclogs drains. The plunger is very affordable and easy to use and a potent tool despite its simple design.
How Does a Plunger Work?
A plunger works by forcing air into the drain. It increases the pressure when pressed down over a clogged drain. Due to the pressure, the clog is pushed down the drain and air continues to flow through the pipes. When the plunger is pulled back up, it creates a vacuum, forcing everything upwards and out. This motion unclogs the drain.
How to Use a Plunger Correctly?
Do you have a plunger in your home but lack the skill to use it correctly? Don’t fret; below is a step by step guide on how to use a plunger the right way.
01. Take your plunger and place it on the drain opening to ensure that it’s fully covered.
02. Run some water in the sink, enough to cover the plunger’s cup.
03. Thrust the plunger down and up in a smooth motion. The suction is as significant as that of a downward stroke.
04. Throughout the process, maintain the seal between the rubber plunger cup and the sink’s surface.
05. When the clog loosens, you’ll feel the handle getting easier to pump.
06. After about six pumps, pull the plunger away from the drain opening and wait to see if it will drain away. If it does, you have succeeded in dislodging the clog. If not, repeat the process.
07. Once you’ve removed the clog, flush any debris down the drain by running hot water for a few minutes to prevent new clogs and soap scum from forming.
08. In case you’re having difficulty getting a good seal between the sink and the plunger’s cup, apply a little petroleum jelly around the cup’s lips. The jelly will help it get sealed to the sink’s bottom.
How Many Types of Plungers are Available in the Market?
There are three common types of plungers available in the market-
01. Common Flat Sink Plunger:
Flat Plunger
When people hear the word ‘plunger’, the common flat sink plunger is the first thing that comes to their minds. It’s prevalent and available in almost every home. They have a rubber cup at the end of a straight handle and work best in both the kitchen and bathroom. However, it can also be used in bathtubs. This plunger works well when used on a flat surface where the cup can easily form a seal when placed on the surface.
02. Toilet Flange Plunger:
Flange Plunger
Even though it is called a toilet plunger, it can be used on any drain. It has a cup at the end of the handle, just like the sink plunger, but inside the cup there is a soft rubber flap that folds outward. The fold-out flap is made to fit the curved toilet drain quite well, making it easy to create the necessary suction to clear a clog. The good thing about the toilet flange plunger is that it is versatile, although it’s not wise to use the same plunger in both sink and toilet, since it can lead to cross contamination.
03. Accordion Plunger:
Accordion Plunger
The accordion plunger is less common than the other plungers and is mostly used to unclog toilets. It is made of hard plastic with several flexible accordion-style ridges and has a small cup at the base. Many people find it challenging to use this particular plunger as it is difficult to form a vacuum seal on the drain. Also, unlike the other plungers, an accordion plunger can scratch your toilet’s surface as it is typically made of plastic, while the other plungers are made of rubber.
Are there other Alternatives to a Plunger?
Yes, chemical or enzymatic drain cleaners can also help unclog drains. They come in different types, depending on the severity of the clog. For instance, one that works for the complete blockage cannot work for slow-flowing drains. Below are a few chemicals you should have no doubts about when dislodging clogs from the drains and toilets. They are manufactured according to the type of the clog they are meant to remove.
- Overall drain cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover
- Drain cleaner for Hair clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator
- Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio-Clean
- Best Single-Use Drain Cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs
Although chemicals can be a great alternative to plungers, they are not recommended most of the times. They contain many abrasive chemicals that can destroy your piping. Also, they don’t differentiate between the pipes and clogs and they eat everything that comes in their way. The chemical which sits within the pipes can eat through them, leading to leakage.
Another option is the plumber snake, which is often used to clear blockages in pipes and drains. For more information,
Different Types of Plungers Available on Amazon and Their Prices
In case you want to buy a plunger from Amazon or other stores, here are the best ones based on reviews;
01. Neiko 60166A Plunger:
Neiko 60166A Plunger is used to dislodge clogs in toilets. It has a long aluminum handle, which provides plenty of leverage and keeps your hands away from debris and water. It is also fitted with a graduated suction cup that fits a variety of toilet drain openings. For a tight seal, the suction cup is made with a pliable rubber. This plunger is available for just $11 on Amazon.
02. OXO Hideaway Toilet Plunger:
OXO Hideaway toilet plunger usually comes in white color, which makes it blend with almost every bathroom décor. If you don’t like putting away a plunger in toilet after using it, the OXO Toilet plunger is perfect for you. It has a white holder where it rests while not in use. The holder prevents eyes from seeing the unpleasant parts of the plunger by folding around the its soiled lower section. On Amazon, you can get it at $35.
03. E-Z Bellows Plunger:
E-Z Bellows Plunger is a heavy-duty toilet plunger with a suction cup that is 7 inches long. The cup’s design makes it draw in more water with each stroke. This makes it exert more pressure into the toilet trap, clearing out the blockage. With only $11, you can get it at Home Depot.
04. Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger:
Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger includes a compact toilet plunger, and a bowl bush. Both are contained in a holding caddy with a non-slip base. The kit is a convenient and small, all-in-one cleaning solution for your bathroom. It uses a simple round suction cup which delivers water pressure into the drain or toilet to dislodge any blockages and debris. You can get it on Amazon for $15.
05. Sendida Plunger:
The Sendida plunger is not an ordinary plunger. While the ordinary ones cover the toilet bowl opening, the Sendida Plunger is inserted into the toilet’s trap way to clear a blockage with the direct force of the tool and the water. If you’ve issues with the ordinary toilet plungers, the Sendida Plunger is worth a try. In case you need one, you can get it on Amazon for $ 11.
Choosing the right plunger can be overwhelming, especially now, as they have been awash in the market. As reviews of some of the best choices in the market are easily available, you can conduct an extensive research and read through what other buyers are saying. Make your own choice depending on the information and bring home a tool that will take care of your drains and toilets needs.
Clog in the plumbing line is a troublesome homeowner’s problem. Refer to some helpful tips here that will help you clean the choked or clogged drain –
Tips to Clean Clogged Drain (Toilet, Sink Sewer Pipe)
Clog Protection Basics: 10 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Drain
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Author Bio
Fidelis Kinai – Fidelis Muti possess a bachelor’s in English and Journalism and have over four years of professional experienced writing and proofreading materials for print and online platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, and social media accounts. He also have over three years of experience as a marketing assistant and social media manager.
He is versatile and diligent and will produce exemplary content within time to meet your deadline.
He can deliver most work within 2-3 days; rush orders are accepted whenever possible. He is based in the Kenya but travel often and work for clients all over the world.
