Because of its shape, the nose of the accordion plunger actually fits into the toilet drain, not above it, and sucks the water up to create a vacuum. Accordion plungers are specially designed to fit into elongated or oddly-shaped bowls, allowing you to reach and clear clogs more effectively. While it has the extra flap at the bottom like the flange plunger, instead of a cup at the top it has an accordion shape which allows for greater pressure to push out. This flange fits well over the toilet drain, making it easy to form the necessary suction to clear a clog. You can, in fact, get by with just having a flange or accordion plunger, since these versatile plungers can do double duty for both sink and toilet.

There are different types of toilet plungers available, so it's important to know what type you need and how to use it properly.Editor’s note: This article first appeared on the Strategist in October 2016, and nearly four years later, it remains an example of a product that does what it’s supposed to do — exceptionally well. Why the hell do all you blogger plumbers swear up and down that the glorious flange plunger is the perfect match for a toilet? Read more about the condition New: A brand-new, unused, unopened and undamaged item in original retail packaging (where packaging is applicable). It's a bit more difficult to use than the flange until you get the hang of it, and can cause more splashback if you're too gung-ho, but I find it's the most powerful of the three by far. This seal is necessary to provide enough pressure to dislodge the clog and is the key to successful toilet plunging.

We only recommend products we genuinely like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on AoM. The flange plunger can also double as a cup plunger by folding the flange back, although you may want to keep a separate plunger for the toilet and one dedicated for the sink. Using a back-and-forth motion while plunging will provide a highly concentrated stream of air and water directly where it’s needed while minimizing splash back.

So hopefully I can spare some of you the effort and frustration of trying to unclog a drain with the wrong tool for the job. To use it properly, you must ensure that the plunger's cup fits snuggly in the toilet bowl and creates a tight seal. The standard rubber-cup plungers are prone to buckling, and they don’t always create the perfect vacuum seal around the toilet drain that you need to truly get the job done.

The cup is sealed over the opening and the movement of the handle then forces the water pressure up and down eventually dislodging blockages. It takes up no more room or aesthetic annoyance than a regular plunger (and actually, comes in some nice colors). The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links. The flexible flange's design fits perfectly into the bowl's trapped shape and creates a better seal. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels .I’ve clogged and subsequently unclogged toilets in hotels around the world, in friends’ houses, in strangers’ houses, and in the many homes and apartments I’ve lived in during my life. If the water is still not draining properly, you may need to repeat these steps a few times until the clog is completely removed. I'm assuming the issue is bowl size vs plunger size, but how the hell am I supposed to know what size plunger to get? After trying so many brands for my rental properties, they have proven the most durable and functional sinks on the market.