Plungers are one of those iconic tools that symbolize the plumbing profession, yet it's been quite a while since I’ve seen one in a contractor’s truck. I think that because most homeowners already have a plunger sitting behind the toilet, plumbers feel the need to lead with a more professional looking tool like a closet auger when faced with a clogged toilet. Besides, they assume that the homeowner already exhausted that option before giving up and calling a professional. If they couldn’t solve the problem with their plunger, what makes us think that we’d be more successful with one? Well, plenty — because not all plungers are created equal. 

Most older style plungers have two design limitations that prevent them from being more successful unclogging a toilet. First, the end has the wrong shape and flexibility to make an effective seal in all types of toilets. There's a tremendous amount of variation in the size, shape and placement of the drain opening found in today's toilets, and older, cup-style plungers are simply not up to the challenge. If the plunger can’t make an effective seal, then it’s impossible to force enough liquid down the drain to unclog the pipe. Worse, you’re likely to get wet in the attempt. 

Second, there is the simple fact that air compresses, but water doesn’t. If the cup or reservoir of your plunger is filled with air when you give it a vigorous push, it will not transfer enough energy to push the obstruction down the line. Plus, to make matters worse, if your plunger hasn’t formed a good seal with the drain opening, it can produce a “bubble splash” that, again, can get you wet. 

Newer plungers, like General’s VersaPlunge, have built-in features that address both flaws found in traditional plungers. They will keep you dry and clean while doing an exceptional job opening the toilet. The VersaPlunge is not your father’s plunger. 

The first thing that you will notice about the VersaPlunge is that it has a patented VersaFlange that can mold most shapes and sizes. The VersaFlange’s unique flexibility gives it the ability to form a seal with virtually any shape toilet opening, drastically reducing the risk of splashback. 

Plus, the VersaPlunge’s handle has a built-in valve that easily lets you purge the air from the device before thrusting. Since water doesn’t compress, that means that the blockage gets 100% of your efforts, with less chance of ‘blowback.” 

So, keep in mind that all tools are not created equal, and bring a cutting-edge VersaPlunge plunger along on your next service call. This new technology is much more effective at opening toilets and having one can save you time and money over the course of your day.   

For more information, visit www.drainbrain.com/versaplunge, or call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.