Plungers

Plungers are common fixtures of the bathroom. They’re useful bathroom tools, particularly when a drain gets clogged. Nearly all toilet problems can be solved with the use of plungers. Plungers are simple devices that use an easy “pump” mechanism, which often solves clogged drain issues.

So What Is A Plunger?

A plunger, more officially known as “hydroforce blast cup”, is usually made of a rubber cup connected to a wooden stick. It is “pushed down” into a drain to produce a vacuum or suction-like method that’ll break or loosen a clog. Plungers are often more efficient when there’s water within the pipe, as water doesn’t compress and helps transmit better the force applied rather than just air.

In the case of more serious clogs, where plungers just don’t do the job, it can be combined with the use of chemicals that help melt or soften clogs. Sometimes plumbers may use a “plumber’s auger” or commonly known as snake, to reach into the object blocking the drain.

Some plungers are called “power plungers” as they have very long handles, which allow the user to apply more force to the process.

Common Types Of Toilet Plungers

It’s helpful to know that plungers have two main styles: the “classic” design and the more complex “snaking” design. But, these two designs are very alike and used in similar ways.

The classic design has been around even before World War II, and is made up of a plastic or wooden handle with a huge “rubber suction cup” attached to its bottom end. The cup makes a seal, even above curves, and lets its user to “push and pull” on clogs to loosen it. They’re typically good for all-purpose use, but can have problems in creating good seals for some sinks and toilets.

The “snake” design is similar but has a short and flexible tube-like addition on the bottom of its suction cup. This type allows for better suctions, as its tube can “snake” into a toilet drain’s rim. These plungers’ suction unit is collapsible that provides more pressure when plunging, and more effective for unclogging blockage.

How To Properly Use Plungers

There’s nothing worse than having a clogged toilet. Unfortunately, there are other plumbing problems that you may come across with, and won’t really know how to “inexpensively” handle. Plungers may be among the simplest tools that’ll solve lots of unpleasant toilet situations. On the other hand, using plungers may appear easy, but similar to any tool, toilet plungers may be ineffective if they’re not used in the right way.

Step 1

Simply place a plunger’s suction end above the drain of sink or toilet. Check and ensure that its rubber ring found at the bottom of its suction cup, touches the drain and allows an airtight seal or as close to it as possible.

Step 2

Push the plunger into the drain with the use of its handle. Do this slowly. Then, pull the plunger up quickly and carefully, so that the seal between the plunger and the drain is not broken. The process needs to be performed a number of times or until its clog breaks up.

Step 3

If the plunger alone does not do the job, one alternative is to add small amounts of a “chemical” clog remover. The combination may solve the clogging problem. Even just adding baking soda or vinegar to the drain may also help, and is less hazardous in case some water is splashed-out during the process.

Plungers are useful bathroom tools, and it’s always advisable to have one for every toilet in the house. Additionally, showers, bathtubs, and sinks may at times need the help of plungers, so it’ll be handy to have one ready for this places.