Best Toilet Plunger

All the information you need to know when looking to buy the best toilet plunger

Introduction

Sure, you don’t want to use a toilet plunger, but there are sometimes where you simply have to. When dealing with a major clog, this is possibly the only item which can resolve it. But, not all toilet plungers are the same. Some have longer extension poles, while some have stronger plunger heads.

Depending on where you plan on using the plunger, whether it is at home, or in a business (restaurant, store, etc.) you want something built to last, and durable. So, you have to take some time to compare a few plungers, prior to choosing one for the location which it is intended to be used in.

Anyone can and will eventually use a toilet plunger. Whether it is your weekly chore at home, or whether you are stuck doing this chore one month at work, it is a tool which will make your job easier. So, finding the right one is also important when it comes to purchasing a plunger.

About Toilet plungers

They are basically intended to be used in toilets, in order to help you eliminate or remove clogs and build up. Over time, things get messy, and you need to clean it up. A toilet plunger, is the simple solution to do so, when the toilet is overflowing, or at capacity, and is close to doing so.

However, when the time comes to purchase a toilet plunger, you have to know which one to buy. Sure, you know about the traditional toilet plunger, but how about an accordion or a taze plunger? Can these plungers be used in a toilet? Apart from this, you want to know their capacity to remove clogs. Some are obviously larger, have more suction power, and can easily get rid of a clog, where others can’t.

Before you choose a plunger to use in the toilet, you have to know what to look for. So, consider a few of these features, in order to ensure you choose the right plunger, the one which will remove the clog, and the one which will help keep your hands (and clothing) as clean as possible, when you get stuck doing this job.

FEATURES

Suction capacity

Pole

Pliability

Caddy

Easy Installation

  1. Suction capacity - Some toilet plungers are simply better than others. Even if the suction cup on the end looks the same, it might not be. It is important to understand the capacity, and what type of clogs the plunger can eliminate. A plumber, or anyone who works in a plumbing store, can give you a little more in-depth information in how to choose the right plunger, and how much force it can apply.
  2. Pole - You don’t want to get your hands dirty. So, you want to choose a plunger with a longer pole grip. You can also choose different materials, such as plastic, which won’t gather nearly as many germs as that wooden-handle will. Make sure you can still apply enough force when removing a clog. But, the longer the pole, usually, the cleaner you will stay when plunging a toilet.
  3. Pliability - A super-pliable rubber cap. This is a good way to ensure you can fit any toilet size, get deeper to remove clogs, and easily apply more force once you are in the toilet, to really get the job done. You need force and you need something which allows you to easily work, without having to get dirty. So, choose a plunger which gives you more force and ability to get into the toilet, without actually having to put your hands deeper in to clean up.
  4. Caddy - You need a place to keep the plunger, so you might as well look for one with a caddy/holder. It is still dirty and will collect germs. But it is better than under the sink, or sitting next to the toilet, where air is simply going to cause the germs to float (and odors to collect). So, look for something that is simple to store, and comes with a designated storage location for you to keep the plunger in, while it is not being used to remove clogs.
  5. Easy Installation - If your plunger doesn’t come assembled, which many don’t, you will have to put it together. It really shouldn’t be difficult to connect one piece to another. So, keep it simple in this manner. Look for something easy to assemble, and easy to work with.
The Best Budget: SamShow

This manual, multi-drain plunger, is capable of doing many things, not only for toilets, but also for sink or bathtub clogs. A natural rubber is both tough and durable, and will effectively remove the clog.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • The easy push-system, will help you work quickly and efficiently, and eliminate tougher clogs.
  • The multi-use variety. You can use it in bathtubs, sinks, or toilets.
  • It comes with 2 plunger heads.
Pros

The plunger handle is longer, and it is a rubber-finish, so it is far more sanitary than wood. It is durable, it has various pressure settings, and it comes with different plunger heads, so you can find the right fit, for any toilet.

Cons

It uses a vacuum system. So, for some drains or clogs, it might require you to use more force, in order to attack and remove a clog. Unlike other traditional plungers, it is not simply a push force. You are going to rely on the pump-drain mechanism, which is going to require you to apply more force, in order for the plunger to actually lift, and to remove the clogs you want to remove

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The Cheapest Product: Neiko

If you seek affordability this plunger will deliver. It also has a patented push-system, so it can quickly and easily help you in the clog removal process, and it has a stainless-steel handle, which is sanitary for clean-up purposes.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • A stainless-steel handle, which is much cleaner than wood.
  • A graduated suction-system. This gets deeper, into any drain or toilet opening.
  • Simple push-system for quick and easy plunging, of even tougher clogs.
Pros

This plunger works on a vacuum system. It has an integrated, graduating suction base. So, no matter how thin the entry, it can get deeper, and it is going to work harder, in order to remove the clogs in your toilet.

Cons

This has a larger handle than most traditional plungers. So, you are going to have to apply more force, in order to remove clogs. It is also a cheaper plunger than most. This means it is not as durable, and may require you to replace it every so often, or at least have to replace the plunger head more frequently, in order to ensure it is going to function, and provide sufficient force in the toilet.

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Best of the Best: Oxxo Grips

With a caddy for storage, you can at least keep all the germs in one place in the bathroom. It is also housed in a plastic storage container, so it is far more sanitary than simply hanging it, or leaving it next to your toilet in the open.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • A hide away system, so you can put the plunger away (and out of sight) when not in use.
  • Expansive rubber suction cup, which can get deeper into most traditional toilets and drains.
  • A rubber-grip, which is easy to hold onto, and will afford you more power when plunging.
Pros

The suction system is powerful, and the cup is narrower towards the entry. So, when you place it in the toilet, it is going to allow you to apply more pressure when plunging, so you can easily loosen and remove build up and clogs.

Cons

The plunger has a rubber handle. So, unlike the steel, or a reinforced material, it is not as sturdy. A longer handle also means you have to do more work, and you have to apply more pressure when cleaning a toilet, in order to eliminate the clogs.

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Simple Human

Stainless-steel is just about as clean as it gets when it comes to bathroom and cleaning. So, this caddy as well as the handle on the plunger, are both made of stainless-steel, making them more durable, and far more sanitary for clean-up needs.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • The caddy is a hide-away system. So, it fully closes when the plunger is stored.
  • Deep rubber-grip suction. It can reach deeper, and get to tougher clogs.
  • Durability. A stainless-steel finish is strong.
Pros

A unique-magnetic collar will secure this caddy when the plunger is placed in it. So, when not in use, it won’t allow for harsh odors, or germs to float through the room. It is durable, and all stainless-steel, is more sanitary for cleaning.

Cons

The plunger is made of superior quality material, and features additional design features, which means you are going to pay a much higher price than you will with a simpler plunger system. It does have a caddy for storage. However, this does not eliminate the need for continual cleaning, in order to help minimize the number of germs which are going to present themselves in the bathroom over time.

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LDR Plunger

This system has a single piece design. So, you do not have to put it together as is the case with other plungers. It is also made of a solid rubber finish, so it is cleaner than wooden handles, or other material finishes.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • A single piece system. This won’t minimize force when removing clogs.
  • It uses water to aid in the removal of clogs, so it will help the toilet naturally eliminate clogs with continual use.
  • An accordion-style head. It can easily fit any toilet, and it can get deeper for suction power.
Pros

It is highly affordable. It is a single-piece system, so there is no setup or having to connect pieces. It is more sanitary as well, if you are used to the dirty old plungers, which have a wooden-grip handle at the end of them.

Cons

It is not as powerful as something which allows you to apply more force when plunging. As it is one piece, rather than two, you simply can’t apply as much force when placing it in the toilet, limiting its ability to remove clogs.

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FAQ
  • 1. Are all plungers the same?
  • No. Some are cleaner than others, some have a wooden grip while others have plastic. Some are longer/shorter than others. Different features will greatly differentiate one plunger from the next, so compare a few prior to choosing one.
  • 2. Is wood a good option?
  • A wooden grip handle is one of the worst options you can choose. Sure, it is the cheapest, but also the dirtiest. Just think of how many germs will collect, penetrate, and can’t be easily cleaned (as plastic can).
  • 3. Can I use any plunger in my toilet?
  • No. There are toilet plungers (sink plungers, etc.) for a reason. If you use the wrong designation, it can be tougher to remove a clog, and you can even cause potential pluming issues down the drain.
  • 4. How much do plungers cost?
  • It depends. Yes, material will greatly influence the price. You can find something as cheap as $5, but how good do you expect it to be? Compare a few, use reviews, and online sites, to help you find something that is durable, and which will actually help you easily unplug your toilet when you actually have to use it.
  • 5. Can I just call a plumber?
  • Sure, but a service call will end up costing you $200 (plus) for a simple job. It might not be the cleanest of jobs, but if it is not a major clog, which a household plunger can eliminate, why not do it yourself and save a few hundred dollars?