You’re Probably Using the Wrong Plunger to Unclog Your Toilet
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Nobody wants to admit it, but it happens to the best of us—we've all clogged a toilet at least once in our lives. Thank goodness for our handy-dandy sidekick: the beloved toilet plunger. With a few swift pushes and possibly a splash to the face, you can make quick work of unclogging your toilet. But, did you know you're probably using the wrong plunger in your bathroom? What type of plunger should be used for toilets, anyway?
Not to fret—you're not alone in using the wrong plunger to unclog your toilet. Thanks to a viral TikTok from creator, @sidneyraz, many folks quickly found out they were using the wrong plunger too.
Have you ever even used a plunger to unclog a sink or drain clog? Because I sure haven't. However, there are a few plunger variations, some of which are better served for unclogging toilets than others. Ditch that old plunger and find out exactly what type of plungers should be used for toilets.
Related: 35 Funny Names for the Toilet
What Are the Different Types of Plungers?
As pointed out in the above TikTok, there are different types of plungers for our household items that occasionally suffer clogs. The most popular one is a cup plunger, which is likely what you're using to unclog your toilet.
Cup plungers are actually meant to be used for sink and drain clogs, not toilets. Why? Well, remember those water splashes to the face last time you were unclogging your toilet? That's because the design of cup plungers works best on a flat surface to place over the drain, creating the vacuum necessary to unclog. The curve of a toilet bowl doesn’t allow for a cup plunger to properly seal.
There are also flange plungers and accordion plungers, both of which are effective for unclogging toilets. At a quick glance, you may think the flange plunger looks the same as a cup plunger. However, at the bottom of the cup is a narrow flap that properly fits into a toilet bowl.
Using context clues, you can probably guess exactly how an accordion plunger looks. This one stands out from its plunger counterparts, typically being made of a hard plastic material.
Related: Some People Are Putting Toilet Paper in the Fridge—Here's Why
What Type of Plunger Should Be Used for Toilets?
It's time to stop using a cup plunger to unclog your toilet. Instead, use a flange plunger or accordion plunger for all of your toilet unclogging needs. Either one will cost you about the same as your cup plunger did, and they will serve much more effectively when called to serve.
Flange plungers are far more user-friendly, with one subtle difference from the coveted cup plunger. The flap at the bottom of the cup (also known as the flange) fits much better over the toilet drain, allowing for better suction.
Folks either love or hate the accordion plunger, but that doesn't change the fact that it's meant to be used for toilets. While the multiple accordion layers allow for more force, it can be tough to create a sturdy seal over the drain. Not to mention, the plastic material can scratch the surface of your toilet bowl if not used properly. Accordion plungers are best for stubborn, deep clogs.
