So there you are, staring into the toilet bowl and the water keeps rising, rising, and rising. You pray to the porcelain gods, the toilet angels, any deity that will heed your cries of despair and flush your anguish away.
We have all been in this embarrassing situation because plugged toilets are one of the more common plumbing problems most households face. Armed with the best toilet plunger you are fit to defend your pipes and your dignity without having to call a professional plumber for help.
However, purchase the wrong plumber’s helper and you will experience some of the most disgusting buyer’s remorse of your life! Have you ever tried to return a used plunger? I have, oh the shame and humiliation!
Pretending that I bought the plunger to use as a mute for my trombone was not believable. They could tell I wasn’t a jazz musician. I still can’t show my face around that hardware store again.
Music for your ears is that plungers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. We will quickly provide you with an overview of the
Once you have selected your porcelain pumper we will give you tips on how to properly use it and clean it when you’re done. If you are in a rush and just need to know what the ultimate
What Is A Plunger ?
The old-fashioned
Most likely the “force cup”, “plumber’s friend”, “plumber’s helper”, or my favorite “plumber’s axe” was invented in the mid-1900s and closely resembles the design we have today.
With a straight wooden handle and rubber cup on one end, it’s used to exert force against a drain to loosen or break up a plumbing blockage.
The Three Main Types Of Plungers
1. Common Sink Plunger or Cup Plunger
This is the stereotypical
2. Accordion Plunger
This revolution in
But with great power comes great responsibility. The rigid plastic needed to contain the additional force can make the
Also, the hard one-piece plastic construction could scratch your porcelain bowl if you’re not careful. And it is far less forgiving to operate than it’s rubber cupped predecessor.
Don't settle for the rest when you can have the best!
3. Toilet Plunger or Flange Plunger
Don’t let the name fool you. This style of
That being said, I don’t recommend using it to unclog your commode then immediately clear the kitchen sink, gross!
Important Toilet Plunger Features
This covers the business end of the
My go-to materials are plastic and metal. Their anti-microbial properties make them a superior choice.
Handle shape is a personal preference, I like a t-shaped grip for brute force but others may find a pommel or ribbed handle more comfortable. The classic straight handle will work but keep in mind you may need more purchase or grip if you are plunging with
Last but not least is storage. Where are you going to put this
A drip tray is a place where after some hard wet work a
If you are looking for a drip tray for your current
Maxiclean universal plunger holder drip tray is designed to fit any plunger on the market to keep in standing upright position promoting quick drying.
On to the best toilet plungers you should buy! Based on experience with dozens of different models we have crafted this list based on ergonomics, aesthetics, additional features, durability, and most importantly plunging power!
5 Best Toilet Plungers In 2020:
1. Korky BeeHive Max – BEST OVERALL
Proudly designed and made in the United States, the Beehive Max Toilet Plunger is the first plunger designed to fit both old and new high-efficiency toilets.
The best toilet plunger's t-handle and flexible, beehive shape head design, allow for an optimum grip and effective plunge in any toilet.
Hands down, this
It made quick work of paper clogs as well as organic matter, this plumbers helper is a beast! This
Not only does this
My favorite feature is T-handle which took the strain off my wrists when working the action of the
The biggest, and in my opinion the only downside with this
But if you are looking at storing this
The ribbed design also requires a little more attention to detail when cleaning and disinfecting after use.
The Korky has been a durable, lasting investment for me and I am not the only one singing it’s praises with close to 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart you will be among many happy plunging purchasers.
Pros
- Powerful plunging power
- Conforms to most bowl shapes
- T-handle for added control and comfort
Cons
- Large in size making storage a challenge
- The ribbed shape makes cleaning and sanitizing more work
2. simplehuman Plunger With Holder – BEST LOOKING
The plunger's flange is specially designed with a narrow profile to work more efficiently with modern toilets.
The simplehuman plunger has a unique magnetic collar secures the cover to the plunger so you can carry them together — without a single drip hitting the floor.
My runner up is the simplehuman toilet
The overall design and drip tray convenience set the simplehuman
Not only is the design sleek but it’s pommel handle aids in ergonomics and comfort while in use. The quality rubber cup seals to most toilet bowl styles and maintains its shape while plunging instead of collapsing on itself like cheaper models tend to do. The controllable compression of the simplehuman
When the dirty work is done clean up is a breeze with all smooth surfaces and antimicrobial materials.
With modern good looks and backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, the simplehuman
Pros
- Attractive styling
- Comfortable handle
- Easy to clean and carry
Cons
- Average plunging power
- Doesn’t fit all toilet bowl shapes
- Potential for rust if not maintained properly
3. Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger and Bowl Brush Caddy Set – BUDGET BUY
The Mr. Clean toilet bowl cleaning products are made to make your life easier and make one of life's unpleasant tasks a bit more enjoyable.
All handles are ergonomically designed with your comfort in mind.
The nylon bristles of the toilet bowl brushes are designed for repeated use and are hardy enough for the dirtiest of jobs.
The Mr. Clean
The convenience of this all-in-one package is a huge plus for most people. And it is made of the quality materials you’d expect from a big brand like Mr. Clean.
The kit combines a large round brush for easy cleaning and a matching
This
This combination set will get the job done but is not a workhorse. Its short stature means you are going to get up close and personal with the clogged toilet before it is cleared. Wear
The short handle also means you have to take extra care to maintain your seal against the bowl while stroking or you’ll squirt water all over the floor. That being said, Mr. Clean Turbo
Pros
- Affordable
- Plunger and brush combo
- Convenient caddy for storage
Cons
- Short and uncomfortable handle
- Not a lot of plunging power
4. SurePlunge Automatic Toilet Plunger – BEST PRESSURIZED PLUNGER
With the high-tech concept for unclogging toilets - powered by CO2 - now you have a safe, easy and cost-effective way to clear your bathroom toilet clogs.
This is the wildcard of our picks. Ignoring conventional construction SurePlunge has changed the way we use plungers. Instead of manually dislodging blockages this pressure
It works with both older and newer style bowls, quickly dislodging blockages with the push of a button. If you are tired of physically plunging toilets or have limited mobility or strength (like the elderly) this might be the
I would recommend stocking up on CO2 cartridges and practicing on a clean toilet first. Learning how to use this tool on a plugged toilet for the first time has the potential for a messy misfire.
The perfect size and pressure for your pressurized toilet plunger!
Although this
Pros
- Quick and convenient
- Works well on a variety of bowl shapes
Cons
- Have to purchase replacement CO2 cartridges
- On the expensive side
5. RIDGID K-6 DH Toilet Auger – BEST PLUNGER ALTERNATIVE
Provides fast and safe clearing of toilet obstructions.
I’m not going to lie, its rare nowadays that you will find me on the job stooped over a toilet toiling away with a
Closet augers are my go-to when plungers aren’t up to the task. Snaking down a steel cable with a mean-looking bulb auger head to chew up clogs. No water pressure required, simply push, pull, or bust up that blockage.
As much as I LOVE this
Given its size and shape, cleaning and storage are not as convenient as a trusty
Lastly, the price is a bit spendy for most. But heed my words, “Buy nice or buy twice”. This is an investment in your home maintenance. While you may be saying “goodbye” to a few extra bucks, you won’t be saying “hello” to a plumber’s expensive bill anytime soon.
Avoid trying to save a few extra dollars on a
If you are a serious DIY’er or find yourself facing problematic plumbing (I’m talking to you parents of small children) the RIDGID auger is the choice for you!
Pros
- Works better than traditional plungers
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Professional choice
Cons
- Steep learning curve for first-time users
- Cleaning and storage can be problematic
- More expensive than conventional plungers
BONUS: WORST PLUNGER – Supply Guru Heavy Duty Force Cup
This
This thing is a one-time-use disposable
Pros
- Excellent trombone mute
- Stereotypical look makes for a great Super Mario costume prop
Cons
- Flimsy construction
- Unsanitary wooden handle harbors bacteria
- Did I mention it doesn’t work?
How To Use A Plunger
Now that you have chosen the best toilet
Before you start vigorously pumping you
To ensure you have got the majority of the air out, seal the
Maintain the angle of the
The force from the
Cleaning And Maintaining Your Plunger
Often overlooked is taking care of your
You can do an initial “cleaning” flush after the bowl is clear of the blockage. This may take a few rinsing flushes with the
Next, is disinfecting the
If you are using cleaning wipes, let the
Maintaining a
Avoid caustic cleaning agents or drain opening chemicals. These products can cause premature wear on your
PRO TIP: Avoid using harsh drain cleaning chemicals in toilets whenever possible. If the clog isn’t dissolved by the plumbing product you used, plunging could make things worse. Plunging while there are chemicals in the bowl could result in unwanted spraying and splashing the solution onto your skin, eyes, or bathroom surfaces. Resulting in potential damages and harm to your body and bathroom.
Conclusion
Let’s face it if you are looking at buying a new plumber’s helper you’re not having a good day. But picking the best toilet
I’ve always said the best plumber is the plumber you don’t need, so invest in a quality tool now to save yourself embarrassment and money in the long run.
Happy Plumbing!
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