Proper Plunger Utilization

• Toilet plungers are used to dislodge debris from the path of toilet water drainage so that the toilet water goes down the pipe instead of overflowing the toilet bowl. The handle serves to keep the user dry and free of sewage. The bell section at the end of the plunger inverts as it is forced down into the plumbing a few inches and then creates a strong suction as it is vigorously loosened, and the process repeats itself until the clog comes free. The mistake that many people make when using a plunger is that they do so too timidly and without vigor. But if the plunging is too vigorous, the contents of the toilet can become the new carpeting on the floor, so be careful to exercise judgment.
  
  

Bell Types

• There are two main types of plunger bells. The plunger bell is the part of the plunger that is "squishy" and usually accordion-shaped or rubber (the black part of the plunger in the picture). The generic red rubber/silicone in a bell shape is what comes to the minds of most Americans when they think of a plunger. The lowest part, or "lips," of the bell forms a seal that helps the plunger create suction and pressure. The plastic bells have an accordion shape that circle the bell, allowing room for suction, but the lips at the front of the plunger sometimes do not form a tight seal in all types of toilets. Whether the bell is made primarily from plastic, rubber or silicone, the goal is to allow the bell flexibility and strength enough for effective suction.
  
  

Leverage

• Handles also vary on basic plungers but are usually the driving force that depresses the bell and pulls it back again to create suction. The handles are plastic, wood, metal or other material that resembles a shortened broomstick. Many of the plungers with plastic bells also have plastic handles that may be formed as one piece that's contiguous with the bell. Some plungers even have collapsible or removable handles for storage. A toilet plunger is usually several feet high with the attached handle and should not be confused with the smaller version with a short stick intended for use in sinks.
  
  

Storage

• After using a toilet plunger, the bacteria-coated tool has to be put away but be easily available for the next plumbing emergency. Some people simply put the plunger on the floor next to the toilet, but that is unsanitary and can lead to illnesses in people and animals, such as e. coli. To avoid disease and illness, start putting the plunger into a container. If the container is metal, however, there is a chance that it will rust. Many people use buckets, while others use a custom plunger holder. Still, there are others that like to have the plunger in a plastic sack. Depending on the radius of the plunger, the user can cut the lid off of the top of a clean milk jug, fill the bottom with some sand to prevent it from tipping over and use that as a storage container. However, this container is neither pet-proof nor child-proof, so it needs to be in a secured closet nearby. The best bet is to use a disposable plunger that is not left out for children.
  
  

Disposables

• Some disposable plungers are exactly like normal plungers, but are considered disposable only because of their low price. One disposable plunger offers a removable handle with a bell that has a ring where the handle begins. The ring extends upwards, unwrapping a sheath to cover the handle. The sheath will drop into the trash with the bell at the push of a button.
  
  

Pneumatics

• A new series of plungers employs compressed gasses to fix clogs. A carbon dioxide cartridge is loaded into the plunger, which is then pressed firmly to make a tight seal. Disks are inserted to select the intensity of the blast before triggering the device to blow the gas down the drain. The compressed gasses are released with varied degrees of strength depending on the settings. Once the gas is fired, the water jumps and splashes a bit. The compressed gas may be disturbing to some since there is no warning before the user finds what looks like smoke coming out of the plumbing.
  
  

Conclusion

• When plungers fail, people want to immediately contact the plumber and start paying for assistance. Before that happens, try the plunger again using the proper techniques (or use a better plunger).