Let’s face it: a clogged toilet or sink is a real pain in the drain. And when it happens, most of us will grab any plunger within arm’s reach and hope for the best. But what if we told you that not all plungers are created equal?
That’s right, folks – using the wrong plunger for the job can leave you feeling like a total DIY dud, when in reality its the plunger that’s to blame.
In this article, we’re going to give you the scoop on sink plungers vs toilet plungers and what makes them so different.
The Flange Factor
When you compare these two plungers, you’ll notice that the only major difference is in the flange. The flange is a fancy term for a rubber piece that sits inside the rubber cup of a toilet plunger and comes in all sorts of shapes. It may not look like much, but it serves a crucial purpose: to seal the drain pipe and create a more powerful suction force.
Now, the flange is something you’ll only find on toilet plungers. Why? Because its what prevents the plunger from getting filled with toilet water. And let’s be real, nobody wants that. If you’ve ever turned a flange inside out after a few pumps, you were actually using a sink plunger.
Sink plungers don’t have flanges, but their design allows them to form a seal on a flat surface, making them perfect for sinks but not so much for toilets.
Plunge Like a Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to keep multiple plungers on hand. Sink plungers won’t do the job for a toilet, and using a toilet plunger for a sink isn’t exactly the height of hygiene. Plus, having separate plungers for each job will prevent any accidental mix-ups. Bonus points if you buy them in different colors – your future self will thank you.
Read more about flanges here.
Unclog Sinks & Toilets Using a Plunger
We know that clogged sinks and toilets are no laughing matter, but let’s face it, plungers can be funny-looking things. So, while we’re here to help you learn how to properly use a plunger, let’s have some fun with it, shall we?
Sink Clogs
The good news is that unclogging a sink with a plunger is pretty straightforward.
Find the overflow opening, which is that small hole near the sink. Now, let’s be real, we’re not talking about an emotional overflow (although that could be a contributing factor to a sink clog, right?).
Cover that hole up, so your plunger gets a good suction, and place the plunger over the clogged drain. Get some water running until the rubber cup is fully covered, and then start plunging.
A few up-and-down strokes should do the trick, but keep at it until the water starts draining smoothly. To make sure everything’s clear, run hot water for a few minutes.
Toilet Clogs
Let’s face it, no one wants to deal with a toilet clog, but it happens to the best of us. Here’s how to unclog your toilet with a plunger like a pro.
First things first, turn off the water supply to the toilet to avoid any nasty overflow situations. Now, position the plunger over the drain, making sure to cover the rubber flange with water.
Make sure you’ve got a good seal, and then start plunging. Don’t be afraid to give it some force, but make sure you don’t break the seal. The suction should do the trick and eventually remove the clog.
Repeat this a few times until the water drains freely. If you used any chemicals to help unclog the toilet, make sure to wear some gloves and safety glasses.
After a few rounds with the plunger, flush the toilet to make sure it’s working properly.
Learn more about toilet clogs here.
Accordion Plungers
Okay, let’s talk about accordion plungers.
They may look fancy, but they’re not always the best option. The plastic material doesn’t fit as snugly as rubber does, and it could even scratch up your toilet bowl. So, be gentle with it and don’t force it.
Final Words
Remember, the sink and toilet plungers may look alike, but they’re not interchangeable. It’s a good idea to have both on hand, and to keep them in separate colors to avoid any mix-ups.
Follow the steps above, and you should be able to fix any clog with ease. And, if all else fails, just remember that the sound of a plunger is basically just a funky beat waiting to happen.