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- High-quality toilet plungers are easy to use, keep messes to a minimum, and they can unclog even the most difficult drains.
- The simplehuman Toilet Plunger and Caddy is our top pick because it feels comfortable in your hands, cleans up effortlessly, and is an attractive addition to any bathroom.
- See more: The best scrubbing brushes
The first couple of toilet plungers I purchased were in emergency situations where I had recently moved into a new place and, well, gave the toilet more than it could handle. In these situations, I picked up whatever the store had: the classic flat cup plunger that resembles a ball cut in half and put on the end of a broomstick. You might be able to unclog a toilet with this type of plunger, but it's mainly designed for use on drains located on flat surfaces, such as sinks or showers. There are much better plungers for forming a seal on your toilet drain.
The plunger cup is arguably the most important feature of a toilet plunger. The shape will determine whether it can form a good seal on your drain and therefore produce the water pressure necessary to clear out debris. In our guide, we look at flanged, tiered, and beehive cups. Accordion cups are also popular, but they tend not to be as effective at forming a seal.
For the most part, plungers are inexpensive. The priciest option on our list is still under $50. For this reason, you might want to have a few plungers at your disposal for a variety of different clogs. This is especially true if you have several bathrooms. If you decide to purchase multiple models, we recommend that you purchase at least one toilet auger. We will explain augers in more detail below, but basically, it physically removes debris rather than water pressure. This is a good option to have on hand for the tougher clogged drains.
Lastly, let's talk about how to use a conventional toilet plunger. Before you start jamming it up and down, fill the cup with water by angling it to the side. Do a couple small plunges to make sure all of the air is out, which will help you avoid making a mess. Then, slowly pump the plunger with increasing force to get the water moving back and forth in the drain, loosening the debris.
While researching the best toilet plungers, we looked at hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of several models. Our guide features plungers that are effective at unclogging toilets, require minimal effort on your part, and have a track record of durability.
Here are the best toilet plungers you can buy:
- Best toilet plunger overall: simplehuman Toilet Plunger and Caddy
- Best affordable toilet plunger: Neiko Toilet Plunger
- Best ergonomic toilet plunger: Korky Beehive Max Universal Toilet Plunger
- Best automatic toilet plunger: SurePlunge Automatic Toilet Plunger
- Best toilet auger: Ridgid 3 ft. Toilet Auger
- See more: The best scrubbing brushes
Updated 10/29/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.
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