Different Types of Toilet Plungers

ByLexi Fogle

You might think you know everything you need to know about toilet plungers. Are you sure though? I was in shock when I learned about how many different types of toilet plungers there actually are. It’s mind blowing that the shape of a plunger depends on the purpose it actually has for different drains in your home. Knowing the difference between them will help you know when to use the right one for optimal unclogging of your drain. 

How many different types of toilet plungers are you familiar with? Let’s go over them and find out!

Traditional Toilet Plunger

This toilet plunger is the most commonly used plunger. You can typically find one in any bathroom that you were to go into. The only difference is that there is a toilet plunger with a flange, and a toilet plunger without a flange. 

The toilet plunger that does have a flange is great when you need to unclog a toilet. The flange helps with the suction of the toilet drain. This is why you are more likely to be able to unclog the toilet completely with a plunger that has a flange rather than without one. 

Sink Plungers

The toilet plunger without a flange might be more helpful in unclogging a sink drain or another drain that has a flat surface to suction the plunger to. Just make sure that if you are using this type of plunger for your sink drain, that you only use it for your sink drain! 

Keep your toilet plunger and sink plunger in their designated spots, so you never cross-contaminate them. Your toilet plunger you should only use for your toilet and your sink plunger only for your sink. Keeping the two separate is very important. 

This picture shows a good representation of the difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger. They flange on the bottom of the toilet plunger completely changes the dynamic and the power behind it.
This picture shows a good representation of the difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger. They flange on the bottom of the toilet plunger completely changes the dynamic and the power behind it.

Bathtub and Shower Plungers 

If you are in need of a plunger for your bathtub or shower, a sink plunger or a toilet plunger could also be a good use for this. We recommend that you invest in a different toilet plunger than what you use for your toilet. Additionally, keep the two plungers separate and know which one to use for just your toilet, and which one to use for just your bathtub. 

Taze Plunger

A taze plunger is typically only effective on large pipes and drains which are not usually found in most households. These types of plungers are used by professionals, so you won’t be able to go and find one of these at your local stores. There is a disc formed to fit specific pipes with a long steel rod attached to push the disc into the pipe and create a seal. 

Modified Toilet Plungers 

Modified bellow plungers could be a great way to unclog a toilet. They give great power. You pull up and press down repeatedly with the handle and this creates a vacuuming effect in the toilet which will allow the clog to break free and flush down the toilet.

Bellows-Style Plunger

Then there are bellows-style toilet plungers. You might find this similar to a bellow that is used to draw in air to a fire and make the fire hotter. If you ever had a fire place in your home, this might be recognizable to you. 

The same idea was brought on with this type of plunger. This plunger allows you to bring extra force because it suctions a lot of water and pushes that water back down towards the clog with force allowing the clog to break free. By repeatedly doing this, the clog usually breaks free in no time.

A bellow-style plunger has plenty of room to suction up a lot of water and quickly force it back out into the drain to clear a clog.
A bellow-style plunger has plenty of room to suction up a lot of water and quickly force it back out into the drain to clear a clog.

Beehive Plunger

Last but not least, there is a beehive plunger. This is because it is in the shape of a beehive. A beehive plunger allows you to press the narrow flange part of the plunger deep into the drain to create a good seal. This works well with wide drains that have stubborn clogs and aren’t able to break free from a normal sink plunger or toilet plunger. 

You can see the reasoning behind why a beehive plunger is named after a real beehive..it looks identical to one!
You can see the reasoning behind why a beehive plunger is named after a real beehive..it looks identical to one!

How to Properly Plunge Your Toilet

Final Thoughts

How many plungers did you know about? Were there more types than you thought? In conclusion, a plunger can come in handy for many different things in many different situations. Having a few on hand in the most common areas that a clog could happen in your home is always a good idea. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need a drain cleaning service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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