Home Repair Workshop

Every household is equipped with at least one plunger, a handy cup-like
device that has been used for generations to unclog sink, shower, bathtub
and toilet drains. It was originally referred to as the " plumbers best
friend" because it was the first tool plumbers used to unclog a drain.  Now,
plungers are the "homeowners best friend"  because anyone can master its use
and save an expensive visit by a licensed plumber.
The first plungers were molded from rubber, were usually red in color and
looked very much like a cup. Attached to a wooden rod, you vigorously pushed
and pulled it over the drain. Since the rim of the plunger was flat over the
drain, by pushing down you forced  water in the cup down the drain, and
usually moved the clog. By pulling upward, a slight partial vacuum develops
in the cup and atmospheric pressure in the sewer line also pushes the clog,
usually forcing it free so it can float down the sewer line.
While the old generation cup-like plungers are still being sold, present day
molding methods and plastic (polyethylene) formulations have resulted in a
line of plungers that do a better job. Pioneered by G.T.Water Products, Inc.
, these plungers work on the same principle as the red cups but the end is
molded for a tighter fit around the drain.  More importantly, the air volume
in the plunger is much greater because the cup is elongated in shape and
works much like an accordion.  On the downward thrust, more water can be
pushed against the clog and on the upward thrust additional pressure is
exerted at the other end.
Figure A illustrates the G.T.Water Products Model MPS 4, which has a
flexible flat ring at the bottom that fits over just about any sink, shower
and bathtub drain.  When pushed over the drain, the plunger compresses over
three  inches  - exerting water pressure on the clog - and when released the
accordion shaped cup springs back to also exert pressure on the clog. Every
kitchen and bathroom  should have one tucked under the sink for immediate
use!
Figure B, Model MP 1600, is designed expressly for toilets and has a
flexible nose that fits in just about any toilet.  Once the nose is in the
toilet , pushing it as far as it will go compresses the accordion wall cup
over five inches, forcing the water forward.  When a toilet is clogged, the
usual reaction is to flush it again. If the added water does not nudge the
clog, the water level will rise, approaching the top of the toilet.
Inserting an ordinary plunger with water at the brim will cause an overflow
- but not with the Model 1600 which has a built-in valve in the handle.  A
quarter counter clockwise turn will open the valve so water will push the
air from the plunger and not cause the toilet to overflow. Then the first
push is made.  Of course, chemical drain cleaners have a place in the home,
but with these two plungers they are rarely needed.  You will also save time
and money - and the environment!   Most important, when you have a clog you
want IMMEDIATE action - and you don't want to wait for a chemical to work!