Best Plungers

Buying guide for Best plungers

A plunger is one of those items you don’t really think about until you need it, and eventually, everyone needs one.

Plungers may be a basic home product, but different types are intended for different applications. Some models come in designs meant to blend in with trendy bathroom décor, while others are unfussy and simply get the job done. If you’re not sure what kind of plunger you need, you’ve come to the right place.

You might be tempted to buy the cheapest sink plunger, but quality does make a difference. Low-quality rubber cups easily fold inside out, and you won’t be able to apply enough pressure to unclog the drain.

Types of plungers

Finding the right plunger means considering a number of factors, including the kind of clog, the shape of the drain, and the quality of the materials used to make the plunger. There are also different kinds of plungers suited to different jobs.

Sink/standard plunger

Pros:

• Common plunger with a rubber cup and wooden handle

• Various models (handle length, cup size)

Cons:

• Better for flat surfaces like sinks and shower drains, not toilets

Toilet/flange plunger

Pros:

• Added flange for better suction

• Works on most drain types

• Accordion flange to increase suction (some models)

Cons:

• Flange requires careful cleaning

Accordion plunger

Pros:

• Unique design for more suction

• Requires less effort to use

• Added flange (some models)

Cons:

• Can be hard to create a tight seal

• Stiff plastic cup hard to keep over the drain

Plunger features to consider

Drain shape

Most plungers work on round drains set in a flat surface. Traditionally, all toilet drains were round. Today, many modern toilets have oval or elongated drains, making it difficult to get a good seal with a sink plunger. Accordion plungers with a flange are a little better at getting a good seal on an elongated opening. Toilet plungers work best because the flange fits inside the drain opening, no matter the shape, and the rubber creates a strong seal.

Handle

• Straight: Straight handles may be traditional, but they aren’t the easiest to use. To create the pressure you need to remove clogs, you’ll have to press the palm of your hand on the end of the handle. Your hand can quickly get sore if you’ve got a stubborn clog.

• T-Post: T-post handles, like the name suggests, have an extra piece across the end of the handle to create a T. This design saves your hand and lets you plunge longer.

• Palm Pad: Palm pads have a broadened end that distributes the pressure as you plunge. Your hand may still get sore, but it won’t happen as quickly as with a straight handle.

Storage canister

Some plungers come with a coordinating storage canister. Spring-loaded canisters automatically pop open when you pull on the plunger handle, while others look like a bowl or small bucket in which the plunger can be placed to drain. Canisters need to be cleaned  regularly to remove dirty water. Canisters come in many designs, so you can find one to fit your bathroom décor. While you can’t completely hide a plunger, at least a canister helps it blend in.

Materials

• Plastic: You’ll find plungers with plastic handles, cups, or both. If you buy a plastic plunger, make sure it’s of good quality. Low-quality plastic may crack or discolor, and it may be too stiff to effectively plunge.

• Wood: Wooden handles are common on sink and toilet plungers. Most don’t have a T-post or palm pad, but they’re durable.

• Rubber: Rubber cups get the best seal and suction. Some models have ribbed cups to help you get a better grip on the drain. However, these models can trap water inside the cup, especially flange plungers, leading to bacteria and mold growth.

Cleaning ease

Some plungers, especially toilet and accordion plungers, get water trapped within the cup or folds of the accordion. Even with rinsing, some of these models can be hard to keep clean, leading to mold and bacteria growth and unpleasant smells.

Plunger prices

Inexpensive

For less than $5, you can find an inexpensive sink, toilet, or accordion plunger made of plastic or rubber and wood. These plungers are usually small and not meant for difficult clogs.

Mid-Range

In the $5 to $20 range, you’ll find good-quality sink, toilet, and accordion plungers. The materials are better at this price, and some come with a storage canister. Many of these models also have palm pad or T-post handles.

Expensive

You’ll spend $20 and up for plungers in different finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or stainless steel. These often come as part of a plunger/toilet brush set and include a storage canister.

Tips

• Clean the plunger after use. Storage canisters allow you to keep the plunger in the bathroom, but you’ll need to keep the plunger clean or it can start to smell.

• Plungers can make some clogs worse. Plungers are designed to break clogs into smaller pieces so the pieces can move down the pipes. Clogs that include toys or large pieces of soap can be made worse by using a plunger because it pushes the clog deeper into the pipe.

• Establish and maintain a good seal. Plungers both push and pull water through a clog. To be the most effective, you’ll need to be sure the seal is tight.

Do not use the same plunger in the kitchen sink and the toilet. There’s a high risk of cross-contamination.

FAQ

Q. My toilet has an oval-shaped drain. What kind of plunger should I use?

A. Drains with an irregular shape or with unevenly shaped surroundings make it difficult to get a good seal. Toilet plungers with flanges work best, but you still may run into some difficulties. A toilet plunger with an accordion flange gives you even more suction because each level of the accordion acts as a sealing point. You’ll need to be careful when plunging because water may squirt toward you if the seal isn’t tight.

Q. What kind of plunger should I use on a low-flow toilet?

A. The shape of the drain opening and the surrounding area affect what type of plunger you need, not the low-flow toilet itself. Toilet plungers work best on toilets in general. If the drain opening is small enough for an accordion plunger to cover it, this type of plunger can allow you to apply a lot of pressure to the clog with less effort.

Q. Does the handle length affect a plunger’s effectiveness?

A. Handle length affects your ability to plunge more than it does the effectiveness of the plunger. You might have to hunch over to use a short-handled plunger, possibly straining your back and shoulders. If you’re short, a long handle won’t allow you to apply as much force as the clog requires. Accordion plungers usually have shorter handles than either toilet or sink plungers because they don’t require as much force to create adequate suction. Toilet plungers usually have the longest handles. Look for a plunger that fits your drain so you can get the best seal, a much more important factor than handle length.