If you have a clogged drain, pushing through it with a plunger can easily solve the problem. When you get to the hardware store, you may find a variety of options when it comes to this useful tool. Here’s what you should know about each type of plunger.

What Type of Plunger Do I Need?

1. Flange 

This type of plunger has a wide, soft bulb with a narrow nose. Its flexibility and shape make it ideal for forming a seal in a fixture with a sloped drain, such as a toilet. For this reason, it’s also called a toilet plunger. The soft material can make it less forceful than other options, but it’s easy to use and can handle most household toilet clogs.

2. Cup 

This type has the simplest shape and is probably what you first think of when you hear the word “plunger.” It consists of a simple, curved cup shape made of semi-soft, rubbery material with a wide-open end.

It’s also called a flat plunger and is best suited for drains that are surrounded by a flat surface, such as bathtub drains, kitchen sinks, and some bathtub sinks. The wide lip makes it easy to create a seal against a flat surface so the pressure of your push goes right down the drain.

3. Accordion 

This option is made from rigid plastic, unlike cup or flange plungers. Similar to the flange plunger, it has a narrow nose and is used for toilet issues. Its flexibility comes from the accordion folds running down the sides of the bulb. The hardness of the plastic allows you to apply more force when you push, so it’s more effective at breaking past stubborn clogs.

When you’ve decided which type of plunger you need from the hardware store, you can pick it up at Black's Hardware in Rochester, NY. Serving Monroe county since 1948, they’re a two-time winner of Rochester’s #1 Hardware Store award by the Democrat & Chronicle. They offer a full range of plumbing parts, replacement glass, and key duplication, including chip keys for your car. Call (585) 544-9896 for questions, or browse the hardware store’s catalog on their website.