What to Look for When Buying a Plunger

by Sarkinen Plumbing | Oct 08, 2019

Plungers: almost all homeowners have them, but rarely do we think about their level of quality. These devices have become synonymous with the plumbing profession, yet ironically, if you’re calling a plumber, you’re probably past the point of using a plunger. That said, any experienced plumbing professional will also tell you that not all plungers are the same. Keep reading to learn what to look for when buying a plunger, and make sure to call our skilled Vancouver plumbers at Sarkinen Plumbing for more tips and tricks.

3 Things to Look for When Buying a Plunger:

• Flat-Bottomed vs. Flange: Making sure you have the right tool for the job at hand is half the battle when it comes to selecting a plunger. Basically, there are 2 main types of devices you may be in the market for. If you are looking for something to plunge sinks and showers, you will want to purchase a flat-bottomed plunger—as you will be using it to plunge flat surfaces. Meanwhile, the common type of plunger you would select for toilets, as well as other curved surfaces, is known as a “flange plunger.” This type of model will look like a flat-bottomed plunger, except with a flange, aka a projected flat rim at the end, used to fully plunge your curved toilet.
• A Tight Seal: A plunger creates a vacuum with the drain it is being used on to unclog material. Yet it is impossible to create a vacuum, without a tight seal around your drain. When plungers get old, cracked, and worn down, they lose their effectiveness—because they can no longer create an adequate seal. We suggest that if possible, you test out your new plunger before buying it, so you know it can form a tight seal around whatever drain you need to use it on.
• Good Grip: In addition to its seal, the other thing that makes a plumber effective or ineffective is your comfort level using it. You will have to put in a fair amount of strength to plunge nasty clogs, so if your plumber doesn’t have a good grip, or is awkward to use in any other way, chances are it will not work as well as it should.

For all clogs you can’t get rid of with a plunger, call Sarkinen Plumbing for drain cleaning at (360) 369-3586. Remember, you can also contact our experienced Vancouver plumbers online for commercial and residential services.