Fighting That Tough Clog: Why Not All Plungers Are Created Equal

There’s nothing more embarrassing than, when finishing up with your business on the toilet, you go to flush and nothing actually goes down. Immediately, you get that sinking feeling inside when you see the water barely move, so you reach for your trusty plunger to get things flowing again. Chances are, you’re probably still using that old school plunger – you know the one, it has the rubber red or black base and is attached to a wooden handle. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that plunger, but we’re here to tell you that there are other options out there.

Are You Even Using The Standard Plunger Correctly?

That rubber red plunger is actually called a standard plunger, or cup plunger. This style, best used on sinks, is available in different sizes and meant for a flat surface, where the cup has the ability to lay flat over the drain and create the vacuum necessary to dislodge any blockage. Keep in mind that, while best used in sinks, the standard plunger can be used for other fixtures such as toilets, if you’re in a pinch, even though it can be challenging to get the right suction.

Made For A Toilet But Versatile Enough To Use On A Sink

If you need to do battle with your toilet, you’ll probably want to grab the toilet plunger – that’s the name, to avoid any confusion here. Better known as the flange plunger, this specific model has a cup with a soft rubber flap that folds out from inside. That flap gives it the ability to fit over virtually any drain in your home and creates a seal allowing for strong vacuum suction. This plunger might be the best all-around option, with the ability to be used in your home’s sinks and toilets – keep in mind, it’s unhygienic to use the same plunger on both your sink and toilet.

It Might Look Like A Little Strange, But It Packs A Wallop

The accordion plunger might look the most interesting, but it’s the strongest when it comes to breaking up tough clogs. Thanks to a smaller cup, it’s perfect for any toilet – but not so much for other drains – and can produce a ton of force, though some find it a little tricky to use. Since it’s made of plastic, creating the appropriate vacuum seal might take a few attempts and that harder material could potentially scratch your fixture. The power is there, but you’ll have to work for it.

It Doesn’t Matter The Toilet Type, This Plunger Can Handle It

Aptly named the beehive plunger because of its shape, this tool is narrow towards the top, wide in the middle and then tappers back down to a narrow flange. The benefit of the beehive plunger is that the unique shape allows it to fit in any toilet type, meaning it can fit into traditional types as well as newer high efficiency toilets (HET), which use less gallons of water per each flush.

You’ve Got The Right Plunger, But Are You Using It Effectively?

Now that you have selected the perfect plunger type for your specific situation, it’s important to make sure you’re using it properly, for the best chance of eliminating your clog. Here’s just a few tips to better maximize your plunger use and, perhaps, even avoid a visit from the professionals:

• Before you begin, assess your plunger! Any cracks or tears will impact the vacuum seal and the pressure. Keeping it clean and dry when not in use can prevent these problems.
• Start with a couple of gentle slow plunges, because there’s air in the cup that needs to escape. Getting as much out creates a better seal and better suction.
• Make sure the plunger is submerged in water, if not add water to the area.
• Always plunge straight, doing so on an angle won’t allow for the proper force and can actually cause the seal to loosen. Pumping up and down, vertically, works best.
• Alternating between powerful strokes and steady strokes can work to your advantage.
• Avoid using a plunger after adding toxic chemicals because of potential splashback.

Is your plunger not eliminating your drain clog problem? Don’t waste more time dealing with that headache, instead trust the experts – we have all the equipment to quickly get any drain flowing its best again. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online at your nearest location today!