Getting a Good Toilet Plunger: A Must-Have

Having a good toilet plunger before you actually need it is super important. Think of those situations where you’ve needed a toilet plunger before. The gross poop water is rising, someone else needs to use the toilet, or you’re not quite done wiping that aggressive slickness off yet and need a round two flush. Now, imagine those situations without a plunger. Maybe that’s what happened to you. In that case, my condolences—that’s a rough spot to be in. Glad to know you got out of it, though I imagine it wasn’t in a way you wanted to live out that day.

Choosing the Right Plunger

Assuming you plan to get a plunger, or maybe you already have one, there’s something you should know about plungers. There are at least two main types, and many people seem to have gotten the wrong kind. This can pose some difficulties. Maybe you’ve experienced that already.

One kind of plunger is for a sink. That’s the rubber bell-shaped kind. The other kind is for the toilet, and it has a different shape and is usually plastic.

How They Differ

The main difference between these plungers lies in their design and purpose:

• Sink Plunger: This plunger has a simple, bell-shaped rubber cup. It’s perfect for unclogging sinks and bathtubs because it creates a seal over flat surfaces.
• Toilet Plunger: This plunger often features a flange or a narrow end that fits into the toilet drain more effectively. This design creates a better seal and more powerful suction to clear blockages.

Potential Problems with Using the Wrong Plunger

Using a sink plunger as a toilet plunger can lead to several issues:

• Insufficient Pressure: The bell shape of a sink plunger is too shallow to generate the necessary pressure with each thrust. This makes it less effective at clearing blockages in a toilet.
• Inversion Issues: The bell shape can invert easily, and when it gets stuck that way, it can trap toilet water. Trying to pop it back into shape can cause the water to splash out, potentially onto yourself and even your face. This creates a lot of anxiety as you try to fix the plunger without making a mess.

Proper Plunger Storage

Once you have a plunger, you probably don’t want it just sitting on the floor next to the toilet with water leaking all over. You also don’t want it tipping over, as they easily do. A solution is a very small plastic trash can. This contains the water and prevents the plunger from tipping over easily.

Recommended Products

Linked below are a sink plunger, a toilet plunger, and a small trash can to help you contain the plunger:

• Sink Plunger (Amazon)
• Toilet Plunger (Amazon)
• Small Plastic Trashcan (Amazon)

By getting the right plunger and a proper storage solution, you’ll be prepared for any plumbing mishaps and keep your bathroom cleaner and more organized.

Additional Note: There are other types of plungers that you can find and perhaps they may work better for you. Please do your research on them before you end up needing to use them.