Sink Plunger vs Toilet Plunger: What’s The Difference?
When you’re faced with a clogged toilet or sink, it’s tempting to grab whatever plunger you can find. However, there are some important differences between these two plungers that make each type suitable for different jobs. So let’s dive in to sink plunger vs toilet plunger!
You can spot the difference between sink plungers and toilet plungers from their design differences. Sink plungers are usually rubber cups on a plunger stick, while toilet plungers tend to be larger, have a bell shape and a flange that attaches to the base.
There are more differences between a sink plunger and a toilet plunger than just their designs.
Most importantly, the two plungers are designed for different uses, but what size, shape, and material makes a plunger perfect for your drain or your toilet?
Do they even work on both sinks and toilets? We’ve created a quick guide to answer all of these questions so that with the right plunger, you’ll be able to clear any clog in no time!
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Sink Plunger vs Toilet Plunger – Which Is Better?
When you are in search of the best plunger to clear a clog, you should buy a sink plunger or toilet plunger depending on where the clog is located. People usually buy the wrong type of plunger when they are faced with a clogged sink or toilet, which is often because people buy plungers only when the situation arises.
So, do you need a sink plunger or do you have to buy a toilet plunger? Well, the answer depends on which is better suited to clearing the clog.
Let’s weigh out sink plunger vs toilet plunger on some factors and find out which is better for your clog!
When To Buy Sink Plunger?
This one will surprise you. The plunger for the sink is better suited to clearing clogs in sinks!
A sink plunger is also known as a drain plunger, sink plunger, or a plumber’s helper. The cup of the plunger is designed particularly to fit into corners and curves, which makes it perfect to unclog the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and laundry sink.
You can identify the plunger as a perfect fit for sinks if it has a rubber cup with a wooden or plastic stick attached to it. The bell shape of the plunger is what makes it perfect for sink drains.
Sink Plungers: What Size, Shape, And Material Is Best?
A sink plunger is designed to unclog kitchen and bathroom sinks. It will not work effectively on a toilet drain. So, if you are looking for a plunger ideal for sinks, consider buying the one with a rubber cup that is 4″ to 6″ wide and comes with a wooden or plastic stick.
Make sure that the rubber cup of the plunger has an inward curve, which makes it perfect for plunging into the corners and along the curves of a sink. It should also have a thick flange for sturdy suction.
The material of the cup is also important. Rubber cups are perfect for plunging into grease, and wooden sticks will help you apply effective force to clear the blockage.
When To Buy Toilet Plunger?
If you want to unclog a toilet, buy the plunger with a bell-shaped flange attached to its rubber cup. The special design of the plunger allows it to fit perfectly inside a toilet drain, which makes it effective at clearing clogs.
You can identify the plunger as a perfect fit for toilets if it has a rubber cup with a metal or plastic flange attached to it. Make sure that the flange is sturdy and has holes for maximum suction.
Bathroom Plunger: What Size, Shape, And Material Is Best?
Toilet plunger and sink plunger are both different, but most people don’t know how exactly they differ in terms of size, shape, and material. Understanding these differences will let you pick the plunger that is best suited for your needs and requirements:
Size: Toilet plunger is larger than the sink plunger. A toilet plunger has a 6″ to 12″ wide cup, while the sink plunger has a cup that is 4″ to 6″ wide.
Shape: Toilet plunger has a bell-shaped cup while the sink plunger comes with a cup that fits into curves.
Material: Most plunger cups are made of rubber, but toilet plungers come with a cup that is made of silicone. The bell-shaped flange of the toilet plunger is made of plastic or metal.
Misconceptions About Plungers
There are many misconceptions associated with plungers, which make people buy the wrong product when they are trying to clear a blocked drain. For example, when it comes to sink plunger vs toilet plunger, many assume they are interchangeable when they aren’t!
Here are some of the most common misconceptions about plungers:
Misconception 1: Using A Plunger Is A DIY Job
While using a plunger is easy, it should be done with proper care to avoid causing damage. Plunging can unclog the blockage, but it may also push the blockage further down the drain line. This can cause more serious problems in the future, which is why you should call a professional plumber for assistance if you are unable to clear the blockage.
Misconception 2: Plungers Work Like Magic
Plunging may clear the blockage in one attempt, but it depends on how quickly you start plunging. The clog can get deeper if you don’t start plunging immediately upon reaching the bathroom.
Misconception 3: Plungers Are Designed To Unclog Every Drain
Plungers are designed to unclog sinks and drains with perfectly round openings. It will not fit inside a toilet drain, which has an oblong opening. If you try to use the plunger on the toilet, it will push the blockage deeper inside the drain line.
Misconception 4: You Can Use Toilet Plunger For Sinks And Drains
A toilet plunger is designed to unclog a toilet drain. It will not work properly on sinks and bathtubs. So, use the plunger only if it is designed for sinks and drains.
For more, check out this video on sink plunger vs toilet plunger!
Sink Plunger vs Toilet Plunger: Final Thoughts
The toilet plunger and sink plunger look similar, but there are many differences between them. The size of the plunger cup is different, and so is the shape of it. The material used for creating plungers is also different, which makes them perfect for only certain types of jobs.
If you are looking for a plunger to solve your drain clog problem, make sure that you know what the product is designed for before buying it. This will help you avoid wasting money on a plunger that does not work well for your needs.
If you are still unable to find out what type of plunger you have to buy for your needs, contact a plumbing professional. The plumber will inspect the drain and tell you what kind of plunger you have to use. Or if you’re lucky, he’ll have both with him to fix your clog!
