Have you struggled to unclog a pesky toilet? Are you always dealing with sink clogs, but unable to find a plunger that can cut it? If this sounds familiar to you, you may be using the wrong type of plunger. While a lot of homeowners don’t know it, there are actually different types of plungers for different jobs. Keep reading to learn the four main type of plungers you need to know about, and make sure to call our experts at Smith’s Plumbing Services for professional drain cleaning and more.
The Main Types of Plungers:
- Flat Plunger: The flat plunger, more commonly known as the “sink plunger,” is the most common type of plunger on the market, and the one you are likeliest to find next to the toilet in most households. Ironically, the flat cup on these devices is more effective at dislodging clogs in bathtub and sink drains, rather than toilets. For that, you would be better off with…
- Flange Plunger: The flange plunger, aka “toilet plunger,” is one of the more versatile plunging tools. These flexible devices include a cup with a soft, rubber flap, creating effective suction not just for toilets, but for sinks and tubs as well (of course, the flange plumber you use on your toilet should not be used anywhere else, for sanitary reasons.)
- Accordion Plunger: While most plungers are designed for flexibility, this is not the case with the accordion plunger. These devices are manufactured using hard plastic, allowing them to generate more force, but also making them more difficult to use. Accordion plungers may scratch the surface of your toilet, and do not always make an effective vacuum seal with your drains, so they should only be brought out for severe toilet clogs. Most of the time, these devices are used by professional plumbers, though if you frequently deal with tough toilet clogs, you might want to purchase one (or just call a plumber to replace your toilet altogether.)
- Taze Plunger: Taze plungers are specialty devices, almost exclusively used by professional plumbers. These tools have a steel rod connected to a small disk that can be snaked down your drain to remove serious clogs. Again, the only time you should see one of these devices is if you call a qualified plumber for drain cleaning.
Learn How to Plunge Today!
Once you have selected the right plunger for your task, make sure you are using the device appropriately. In most cases, you will want to slowly press your plunger straight down. Going in on an angle will prevent you from using maximum force, and interfere with your seal. If you are plunging a sink or a tub, try to keep the plunger in the water as much as possible. Keep your plunger clean to ensure it lasts as long as possible, and if it tears, just throw it out, as it will no longer be able to create an effective seal once this happens. And remember, never put fats, grease, oils, or other tough materials down your drains, in order to avoid clogs.
For all blockages you can’t get rid of with a plunger, call the professionals at Smith’s Plumbing Services! We are available by phone at (901) 290-1110, or you can contact us 24/7 online.