What Style of Plunger Is Most Effective

Plungers are likely the tool most people look for when they have a clogged drain. However, a lot of people probably don’t realize that there are different types of plungers. There are actually three types of plungers: the cup plunger, the accordion plunger, and the flange plunger.

Plungers are relatively cheap and generally work well for clearing clogs. But, you are more likely to succeed at clearing a clog if you know which plunger you should use for different types of clogs. So, here are how plungers work, the different types of plungers, and when each type should be used.

How Plungers Work

Plungers work by creating a seal over the opening of a drain and then increasing the pressure in the pipe by pushing the plunger down. The pressure then pushes the water down. Next, when you pull the plunger up, the suction causes a reduction in pressure, and the water rises. As you continue to plunge, these motions will generally dislodge the clog.

Cup Plungers

A cup plunger is likely what you picture when thinking of a plunger. These plungers consist of a straight handle with a rubber cup attached to the end. This is the most common plunger found in homes. However, it is not the best plunger for all clogs.

A cup plunger needs a flat surface in order to create a seal. The seal is necessary to create pressure changes that help to clear a clog. Because of this, cup plungers work well for sinks and tubs but not so well for toilets.

Accordion Plungers

Accordion plungers were designed for clearing toilet clogs. These plungers are made of hard plastic and have a small cup made to fit over the drain inside of a toilet. Above this small cup, the plunger has an accordion shape. This shape allows a person to create enough pressure to dislodge even very tough clogs.

But, although accordion plungers can be very effective, non-professionals often have trouble using them. The hard plastic can make it difficult to fit them over the drain. This plastic also makes it easy to scratch or even damage a toilet. So, if you have a really tough clog, you may want to consider a plumber.

Flange Plumber

A flange plunger tends to be easy to use. It looks similar to a cup plunger. However, it has a longer handle and a flange that folds out from inside the cup. This flange helps the plunger to fit over the drain inside the toilet and creates suction. Also, because the flange folds into the cup of the plunger, it can work as a cup plunger on sinks and toilets. So, a flange plunger makes a nice all-purpose plunger.

Final Thoughts

It can be handy to have all three of these plungers around in case they are needed. However, if you only want to keep one plunger in your home, the flange plunger would probably be the most useful since it can create a seal in a sink, tub, or toilet.

Contact Us

For help with a clogged drain or other plumbing issues, contact J Griffin Heating and Plumbing. Our licensed and experienced plumbers have more than 30 years of experience helping home and business owners with heating and plumbing services. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.