If your sink gets clogged or begins to drain slowly, a plunger can help you perform a relatively easy and virtually free DIY repair that’s by far more cost-effective than hiring a plumber. This brilliantly simple tool, however, is often misused. Here’s what you need to know.
Picking the Right Plunger
Plungers are not one-size-fits-all. You’ve got to know the difference between a plunger that’s made for your sink, and one that’s intended for your toilet.
One visual difference between the two is that a sink plunger, also known as a cup plunger, is usually made of red rubber, and a toilet plunger typically consists of black rubber. Another distinction is that a sink plunger has a shallow dome with a flat bottom rim, while a toilet plunger has a tall dome and a flange (collar) that extends from the bottom edge.
Intended Uses
A cup plunger works best for sinks, showers, and tubs because those drains are usually flat and give the plunger a tight seal for sufficient suction to free-up clogs. The cup plunger won’t work well on toilets, though, because the curve of the toilet drain will hamper its ability to create an airtight seal to provide sufficient suction.
You can, however, use a toilet plunger on a sink, but only if you tuck the flange into the dome—otherwise the plunger won’t seal to the basin.
Also, make sure that your plunger is completely intact before you use it—its rubber bell should be free of splits or rips, which can impede its ability to create a vacuum seal and lessen its suction power. If the plunger has a split it’s more likely to become inverted while plunging.
When you buy a new plunger, pick one with a shorter handle. This will give you the best control while plunging.
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