Different types of plungers and what they are used for

Different Types Of Plungers and What Are They Used For

A plunger is one of the most common household tools. It comes in real handy when dealing with plumbing problems, such as clogged drains. Therefore, having a plunger in your home saves you from huge problems. But, did you know that there are several types of plungers?

Yes, the tool comes in various types, and each one is used for a different purpose. Let’s look at all three types of plungers to provide you with a clearer picture!

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3 Types of Plunger and Their Uses

1. Cup Plunger

A Cup plunger is the most common type. It is the type that comes to mind when you think of plungers. The reason for its name is that it’s shaped like a cup. It has a flat lip that forms tight suction. However, it is only functional when used on a flat surface.

These plungers are made of straight wooden handles. The cup part is rubber, usually found in reddish or brownish color.

How does it work? You need to lay the cup to lay flat over the drain. It creates the vacuum necessary to unblock a clog. Using a cup plunger, you can create both negative and positive pressures. The former is created by vacuuming when you pull away from the fixture. On the other hand, positive pressure refers to forcing the cup down on the area.

Cup plungers are ineffective in toilets. That’s because the toilet bowl is in a curve or circular shape. It prevents the proper seal from occurring with the cup plunger.
That said, you can use this plunger for kitchen sinks, tubs, bathroom sinks, and anything that has a flat surface. The cup plunger is also referred to as the “Common Sink Plunger.”

2. Flange Plunger  

A flange plunger is the most flexible type of plunger. It can be used for various purposes due to its construction. It is made similar to a cup plunger but has a soft foldable rubber. The flap folds out from inside the cup and fits well over curved surfaces.

Flange Plunger makes benefits from its foldable flap. It provides the necessary suction required to fix toilet drainage. Moreover, you can fold the flap into the cup and use it as a cup plunger too.

However, it is not ideal to use the same plunger for two opposite purposes, like toilets and sinks. It is unhygienic and could lead to cross-contamination.

The plunger is versatile and can be used for toilets and other purposes that require a cup plunger. This type is also commonly known as a “Toilet Plunger.”

3. Accordion Plunger

Accordion plungers are less common as compared to flange plungers. However, they are also used for unclogging toilets. The plunger is made of a single piece of molded plastic. As the name suggests, it is made flexible with accordion-type ridges. At the bottom, you will find a small cup similar to the previous two types of plungers.

An accordion plunger holds the air within its ridged area. When you press it against the toilet drain, the plunger compresses. As a result, that held air is shot from the cup to push out the clog.

However, the accordion plunger requires to be completely submerged in water. So, before you attempt to push the clog, adding more water to the toilet bowl is recommended.

Accordion plungers are more powerful in unclogging toilets than flange plungers. But, it is also a bit complicated to use them. Note that these plungers are made of hard plastic. Therefore, they can scratch your toilet surfaces, unlike other plunger types that use rubber cups. 

How to Use Different Types of Plungers

This guide will help you understand the different types of plungers. This way, you can always understand when to use which. 

• • Understand the Problem
    Before rushing to grab a plunger, it is best to understand your problem. Sometimes you might need one type of plunger and use another one. It can lead to inefficiency and even damage to your toilets or sinks.
  • Always Plunge Straight
    Many people and plumbers think that plumbing at an angle provides efficient results. But, that’s not the case. In fact, it can cause the seal to come loose. That is why it is always recommended to plunge vertically straight up and down. 
  • Submerge Plungers
    It is not only accordion plungers that require to be submerged in water. To get the best results, you should add extra water to the toilet bowl before plunging. It works for all areas, including kitchen sinks, toilets, bathroom sinks, tubs, etc. 
  • Create Optimal Suction
    How to create optimal suction? It’s quite easy. All you need is to get the air out of the plunger by slowly pressing down. This method reduces the air from the cup. It also creates a better seal, regardless of plunger-type. 
  • Maintain Plungers
    Like most other tools, plungers also require maintenance. Continuously unclogging can tear the cup or bell of the plunger. It will result in loss of pressure or a low vacuum seal.

If you want to save money by trying to plunge a clogged drain yourself but would like some guidance give our Virtual Handyman a call.

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