Toolbox: Plungers

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-513 -- More Projects »
Click here to view a larger image.
Few things can have your running for help faster than a clogged sink, tub or toilet. Most of the time we'll reach for a plunger to solve the problem. The three basic types of plungers are the standard force cup plunger, combination plunger and bellows-type plunger. The plungers differ in the amount of water each can push against a clog.

A combination plunger will push about twice the amount of water than a standard plunger, and the bellow plunger pushes as much as seven times the amount of water than the standard plunger. The combination plunger features two cups, one inside the other, and is used mainly for toilet clogs.

Also pay attention to the construction of the plunger. A quality plunger uses thick, rigid rubber on the business end. Generally combination plungers using black rubber are better quality than ones using red rubber plungers, which are best used in sinks only.

Immerse the end of the plunger in water first to get a good seal. Rub the edges with a bit of petroleum jelly for an even tighter seal. Use plungers with caution, particularly when unclogging toilets. Overuse will eventually weaken the toilet seal and lead to bigger problems.