Toilet Plunger vs Sink Plunger
If you’re looking for a plunger, it’s important to know whether you want a toilet plunger vs a sink plunger. Each serves a different purpose so choose one that best fits your needs.
- A toilet plunger has a longer handle and a flange at the bottom to fit over the drain hole of the toilet. The flange creates a tight seal which applies pressure to the clog.
- A sink plunger has a shorter handle and a cup-shaped head. It’s ideally used to unclog drains in sinks, tubs and showers.
How to Choose the Right Plunger
Choosing the right plunger involves considering a few important factors.
- Whether you want to unclog the drain of your toilet, sink or tub determines which type of plunger is best for you.
- The handle length can determine how easy it will be to use it.
- When it comes to toilet plungers, the flange size is important. The flange should be large enough to cover the drain hole of your toilet. But, it shouldn’t be too large that it becomes difficult to use.
How to Use a Toilet Plunger
Once you’ve decided on whether you need a toilet plunger vs sink plunger, knowing how to use a toilet plunger correctly becomes essential.
- The first thing you need to do is create a tight seal around the drain hole.
- Plunge up and down while applying adequate pressure.
- Release the pressure after a few minutes to check if the drain is unclogged.
- Repeat if the drain is still clogged.
Types of Plungers
A good plunger is necessary to deal with stubborn clogs and save on time and money. Choose the type of plunger that matches your drain type for the best results.
Flange
A flange plunger is the most common type of plunger with a wide and flat flange at the bottom. This is meant to fit over the drain hole completely. It’s ideal for unclogging toilets and is easy to use. This type is effective for most clogs, but might not work as well for hair clogs.
Beehive
This type of plunger has a wider, beehive-shaped head and is best for unclogging hair clogs in showers and tubs. Its rubber cups also have a flange on it. It can also be used for toilet clogs and fit toilets of almost any size. This makes a beehive plunger an essential item to own.
Cup
This simple plunger with a cup-shaped head is best for unclogging sinks, tubs and showers. It has flexible rubber cups with flat bottoms making it ideal for sinks. A cup plunger is versatile and can be used for any drain hole. But it may not be as effective for deep clogs or toilets. This is because they can’t form tight seals in toilets with curved bowls.
Tiered
A tiered plunger consists of multiple tiers of different sizes. This makes it ideal to unclog drains of various sizes. Its tiered design creates a strong suction to dislodge clogs. But it can be more difficult to clean compared to other plungers.
How to Clean a Plunger
It’s important to regularly clean your plunger to maintain its effectiveness and hygiene.
- Ensure that you clean your plunger once a week by soaking it in soapy water for about an hour. Then scrub it gently with a brush or sponge, focusing on the head and flange. Rinse thoroughly and air dry it to prevent mold growth.
- To deep clean the plunger, create a bleach solution by mixing one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Submerge the plunger for 30 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly.