7 Aug

The 3 Types of Plungers for Plumbing

The 3 Types of Plungers for Plumbing

Not all plumbing is created equal, and some ports into the plumbing system need different plungers to unclog. While the different types of plungers are similar in form, and more similar in function, they have differences between them that specialize them for certain tasks. Here is a guide to the 3-different types of plungers and what their advantages are.

  1. Common Sink Plunger: When you think of a standard plunger, you most likely are thinking of a common sink plunger. These plungers work best on flat surfaces, because the red end can cup over the sink drain completely. The motion of pushing it up and down is able to create negative and positive pressure, as a clog can be pushed and pulled due to this seal. This makes it ideal for sinks, thus earning its name.
  2. Toilet Plunger/Flange Plunger: This plunger looks similar to a sink plunger, but it has a rubber extension at the bottom. Also, these are not typically the classic brick-red like sink plungers. This extra manipulatable flap allows for creating suction in tight spaces, such as a toilet. Since a toilet drain is not flat, this plunger is able to burrow deep into the toilet and unclog the toilet in the same way as a sink toilet. Since it is being used on a toilet, it is recommended you have a separate plunger for the toilet and the sink anyway.
  3. Accordion Plunger: The accordion plunger has a handle like a plunger, but on the end, has a hard-plastic accordion like end. This allows for some intense positive and negative pressure to be created, but it is also not as easy to use. The hard plastic, as opposed to rubber, is hard to manipulate to the shape of the seal it needs to create, but when it is sealed it can do some serious plunging. This plunger is not for the light-hearted.

While all plungers work the same, it is good to know what the differences between the 3 are in case you are ever trying to purchase one.