Toilet plungers — everyone needs one. They’re not the most exciting thing to shop for, but they’re necessary. We’re here to make this shopping experience a little more fun, by sharing the best toilet plungers on the current market!
With our buying guide and product reviews, you’ll find a convenient toilet plunger for your home.
- Sanitary option
- Brush & plunger combo
- Unique plunger design
- 4-step suction cup
- Lightweight with peg for hanging
- Creates tight seal on drains
- Super high pressure & suction
- Easy to use
- Multi-purpose
- Heavy duty plunger
- Strong bristled brush
- Works on all kinds of drains
- Flexible head
- Flange toilet plunger
- Unique handle for easy use
- Super powerful
- No splash back
- Easy to use
- Separate holders & drip trays
- Tight seal even on modern toilets
- Sturdy brush head
- Works with uniquely shaped toilets
- Plunges smoothly & comes up cleanly
- Powerful rubber seal
- One-handed, easy operation
- Cleans & unclogs toilets
- Durable materials
- Made for low flow toilets
- High pressure for toughest clogs
- T-shaped grippy handle
Types of Toilet Plungers
We’ll recap the four main types of toilet plungers.
Common Sink
These are the most common types of toilet plungers. They can also be used for unclogging sinks or drains.
Pros
- Widely available.
- Budget-friendly.
- Can unclog other drains.
Cons
- Works best on flat surfaces, so they don’t create a great seal on most toilets.
Accordion
These are named after their lookalike instrument: the accordion.
Pros
- Very powerful.
- Usually made of quality plastic.
- Less splash back.
- Works on other drains.
Cons
- The hard plastic may scratch the toilet.
- It’s sometimes hard to create a seal.
Toilet Flange
A toilet plunger with a flange means it has a soft rubber flap. It’s highly effective at creating a good seal when plunging a toilet.
Pros
- Creates a good seal.
- Flexible enough to work with any drain.
- Works great on curved toilets.
- Won’t get stuck.
Cons
- The flap can get dirty, so needs to be cleaned often.
- Shouldn’t use the same plunger on toilets and sinks, since the flap can be dirty.
Taze Plunger
Taze plungers are commercial and industrial toilet plunges, used for dislodging clogs in large pipes. It has a disc on the end, with a long steel rod intended for pushing the disc down the pipe. These should only be handled by a professional.
Pros
- Commercial toilet plungers.
- Dislodges clogs in large pipes.
Cons
- Not intended for domestic use.
- Not widely available.
How to Choose the Best Toilet Plunger
Here are the top details you should consider when shopping for a toilet plunger.
Handle
Consider the length and material of the handle. Metal handles are much more hygienic than wooden, since they’re easy to clean. The length matters too. If it’s too short, it can make this task pretty gross since you’re much closer to the clog. We recommend getting one with a longer handle.
Style
Toilet plungers come in a range of designs so you can find one that matches your bathroom decor.
Preferences
Since there are a few different types of plungers, choose your personal favorite.
A sink plunger is good if you want something you can use across different drains, but keep in mind it’s less effective on toilets.
Accordion plungers are very powerful and induce the least amount of flashback, but the hard plastic can scratch the toilet.
Lastly, toilet flange plungers will give you the best suction and are the most effective, but they can be quite difficult to clean.
Seal
The seal is super important. Have a look at the customer reviews, but also consider the type of plunger. The flange toilet plungers will give you the best seal.
Power
Consider the power of the toilet plunger. This varies from brand to brand, but accordion and flange plungers are the most powerful.
Budget
Thankfully, toilet plungers aren’t super expensive. You can get a decent plunger for a small price. But if you have a higher budget, we recommend going for a flange toilet plunger.
Drip Tray
Does the plunger come with a trip dray? This will catch excess water so it doesn’t go onto the floor. Just make sure to clean the drip tray very regularly.
Drain Style
Consider the style of drain on your toilet and if the plunger will work. Some toilets have a flat drain, which works with any type of plunger, including a common sink plunger. Most toilets have a curved drain, so common sink plungers will be mostly ineffective.
The Best Toilet Plungers of 2022
We’ve spent hours researching expert advice on toilet plungers, so you don’t have to! With that in mind, we’ve also applied our own expertise, as well as what we’ve learned from customer reviews. Thus, we have a comprehensive list of the top 10 best toilet plungers.
1. Neiko Toilet Plunger and Brush Set
Best Toilet Plunger With Metal Handle
Metal handles are more hygienic and easier to clean. Take a step away from wooden handles with the Neiko toilet plunger set. These slim, sleek and classy handles make a statement in the bathroom.
This plunger also comes with a toilet brush so you can tackle all bathroom incidents in one go! It’s a full dome brush with sturdy bristles. It deep cleans the toilet bowl quickly and effectively.
Both the plunger and brush have a handy drip tray to rest in between uses to catch excess water.
As for the plunger, you’ll be impressed by its supreme suction power! It has a unique design with four layers to form a gradual opening. It’s designed to securely fit over all types of drains, whether you’re at home or at work, and create a super tight seal. The plunger won’t ever flip up and it will retain all dirty water inside.
Pros
- Sanitary option.
- Brush and plunger combo.
- Drip tray included.
- Unique plunger design for ultimate seal.
Cons
- Cheap and flimsy drip tray.
- Brush unscrews easily from the handle.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 23.5 inches |
Handle Material | Aluminum |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | Yes |
2. Neiko Toilet Plunger
Best Toilet Flange Toilet Plunger
This is similar to the Neiko toilet plunger set, but just the plunger this time. But we had to include it because it is such a great toilet flange plunger!
The unique suction cup sells it for us. It has four different sized layers to create a gradual opening. This ensures the cup fits securely to all kinds of drain openings, while providing premium suction. You can use this at home, or in commercial settings.
We also love the handle on this plunger. It has a lightweight aluminum handle which is easy to clean and maintain. Unlike wooden handles, it won’t harbour mold and bacteria. It’s rust-free, so not only will it remain clean, but it also looks sleek and modern. Plus, you can hang it up when you’re not using it.
Pros
- 4-step suction cup.
- Lightweight with a peg for hanging.
- Creates tight seal on all kinds of drains.
- Toilet water won’t stay inside the cup.
Cons
- There might be some splash back.
- Handle is difficult and uncomfortable to hold.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 23.5 inches |
Handle Material | Aluminum |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | No |
3. JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger
Best Accordion Toilet Plunger
The JS Jackson Supplies toilet plunger is our top recommendation for an accordion style.
If you’re looking for optimum strength, this is the one to choose. With professional level suction, this plunger unclogs stubborn blockages using concentrated power. This plunger just might save you a call to the plumber.
The plunger uses the toilet water to provide maximum plunge power, rather than needing to plunge water up and down from the drain. This means less effort from you, with better results.
If you’ve previously had a hard-to-clean plunger, it’ll be music to your ears that this plunger has a no fold lip design. You can easily wipe it clean to prevent build up, whereas before, dirt and bacteria could easily hide in all these folds. Plus, the no fold lip design minimizes splash back.
Pros
- Six color options.
- Super high pressure and suction.
- Easy to use.
- Multi-purpose.
Cons
- Doesn’t seem to work for high-efficiency toilet bowls.
- The plastic head is very stiff.
Additional Specs
Type | Accordion |
Handle Length | 18 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Medium |
Drip Tray Included | No |
4. MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger Brush Combo
Best Stylish Toilet Plunger
Just because a toilet plunger is used for one of the most disgusting household chores, doesn’t mean it has to look that way. The Mr Siga toilet plunger brush combo is actually very classy!
It comes in this sleek grey color which will match most bathroom decors. Plus, the mini storage unit ensures your plunger and brush combo looks clean, tidy and organized in your bathroom. In fact, guests won’t even bat an eyelid that your toilet plunger is on display.
When it comes to using the plunger, you’ll notice that it has a certain professional feel. It’s made with commercial grade rubber to provide incredible plunging power. Not just for the toilet, but for all kinds of drains.
The handle has an ergonomic shape to give you security and comfort when using it. This can make all the difference when it comes to the ease of unclogging the toilet.
Pros
- Plunger brush combo.
- Heavy-duty plunger with commercial grade rubber.
- Strong bristled brush.
- Works on all kinds of drains.
Cons
- The plunger is quite small.
- It isn’t very durable.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 17 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | Yes |
5. Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger
Best Budget Toilet Plunger
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a toilet plunger, that’s okay — you’re not alone. The Liquid-Plumr plunger is a fantastic budget-friendly option.
It has a flange cup, with a heavy duty finish. You can use it on all toilets, even low-flow ones. It’s designed to clear all clogs, even the tough ones.
It comes with an included caddy to keep your floors dry and clean after using the plunger.
Customers love that this is a flexible plunger. Many flange and accordion plungers are quite stiff, but this one isn’t. That does mean the suction might not be as strong, but it’s much easier to use. The handle and shallow plunger head makes the whole process a total breeze.
Pros
- Flexible head.
- Flange toilet plunger.
- Included drip tray.
- Unique handle makes it easy to use.
Cons
- Goes back in place slowly after you’ve used it.
- Suction is not as strong as some others.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 21.5 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Medium |
Drip Tray Included | Yes |
6. Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger
Best Power Toilet Plunger
Accordion toilet plungers are some of the most powerful plungers around.
Customers are very impressed by how powerful this plunger is! Many say that it has five times the pushing power over normal plungers. We think you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to remove the most stubborn of clogs with this plunger.
It uses the toilet water to improve suction, giving maximum results with very little effort.
This plunger also works with other drain types. Several customers were pleased with the results on kitchen and bathroom sinks. The seal is tight, so you don’t have to waste time faffing around with this product. It’s quick and efficient.
Enjoy easy, lightweight, plunging with no water splash back. The no lip fold design ensures water is contained, and also makes the accordion style easy to clean.
Pros
- Works on all drain types.
- Super powerful.
- No splash back.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Particles and water stay in the plunger, so it needs deeply cleaned often.
- The plastic is stiff.
Additional Specs
Type | Accordion |
Handle Length | 18 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | No |
7. mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo
Best Toilet Plunger and Brush Set
Looking for a 2-in-1 option? This toilet bowl brush and plunger set keeps things compact and convenient. There are even individual holders for each item to avoid cross-contamination.
This is a great addition to any homes, including small apartments, dorm rooms, RVs and cabins. You can tuck it down the side of the toilet where it will remain discreet but fashionable.
The plunger head is made from durable rubber to create a tight seal on all kinds of drains, including the toilet and kitchen sinks. It’s a toilet flange style with a special narrow profile to work well with modern toilets.
Unlike some other toilet flange plungers, this one has a ridge-free design. This prevents build up in little nooks and crannies so you can easily clean the plunger.
Pros
- Separate holders and drip trays for each item.
- Tight seal, even on modern toilets.
- Sturdy brush head.
- Four color options.
Cons
- Cheap plastic material.
- Customers are disappointed by the colors of the products in real life.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 21.6 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | Yes |
8. LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger
Best Toilet Plunger With Wooden Handle
The LDR Industries toilet plunger has a handy ribbed cup to work with all toilets. It creates a powerful seal to deal with all kinds of clogs.
This flange toilet plunger has a yellow painted wooden handle. While this isn’t the most hygienic, the extra layer of paint makes it easy to maintain and keep clean. Just make sure to give it a wipe down between uses.
The handle is 20 inches long to provide you good distance from the toilet bowl while you’re using it.
Customers love that this plunger works with oddly shaped toilet bowls. The suction means you won’t have issue clearing clogs.
Please Note
Pros
- Works well with uniquely shaped toilets.
- Plunges smoothly and comes back up cleanly.
- Rubber seal is powerful and not at all flimsy.
- Long handle.
Cons
- Water doesn’t drain easily from inside the plunger.
- Rubber is hard, and makes it quite difficult to use.
Additional Specs
Type | Flange |
Handle Length | 20 inches |
Handle Material | Painted wood |
Seal | Strong |
Drip Tray Included | No |
9. ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger
Best Toilet Plunger Drain Cleaner
Ready for a revolutionary solution to unclogging drains? Meet the ToiletShroom.
This clears your clogged toilet drains by pushing out the clog in one simple push. No more plunging and squeezing and splash back. Just push the clog through.
With the flexible head, the plunger can go far down the drain, no matter what kind of toilet you have. Plus, it doubles as a squeegee to clean the inside of your toilet. This is especially useful far down the drain where other toilet brushes can’t reach.
In just seconds, you can deal with this nasty chore. Insert the plunger at an angle, push it in and out a couple of times, then pop it back in its caddy where it will remain locked away from bathroom guests. Make sure to clean it with water and bleach weekly!
Pros
- One-handed, easy operation.
- Cleans and unclogs toilets.
- Included caddy.
- Durable materials.
Cons
- Clean up can be pretty disgusting.
- If the head breaks off while in use, it can get stuck in the toilet.
Additional Specs
Type | Drain cleaner |
Handle Length | 22 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic and stainless steel |
Seal | None |
Drip Tray Included | Yes |
10. Luigi's Toilet Plunger
Best Heavy Duty Toilet Plunger
Put your mind at ease that your toilet plunger will last — because this one has a five-year warranty! It’s built to last and has a patented design, making it extra unique.
This plunger pushes water at the blockage, not just air. So the water flow serves as a powerful way to unclog toilets.
You can use the plunger normally, but it acts a little differently. As long as there is at least an inch of water surrounding the plunger, it will gather up the water and use it to help unblock the drains.
It’s been designed specifically with a wide head for American low flow, square, toilets, so keep that in mind if you have a different type.
Lastly, the t-shaped grippy handle makes it comfortable and secure to use.
Pros
- Unique design.
- Specifically made for low flow, square toilets.
- High pressure for the toughest clogs.
- T-shaped grippy handle.
Cons
- Doesn’t work without water.
- Won’t fit every toilet.
Additional Specs
Type | Accordion |
Handle Length | 11 inches |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Seal | Average |
Drip Tray Included | No |
Product | Best | Type | Handle Length | Handle Material | Seal | Drip Tray? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neiko Toilet Plunger & Brush Set | Metal Handle | Flange | 23.5″ | Aluminum | Strong | Yes |
Neiko Toilet Plunger | Toilet Flange | Flange | 23.5″ | Aluminum | Strong | No |
JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger | Accordion | Accordion | 18″ | Plastic | Medium | No |
MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger Brush Combo | Stylish | Flange | 17″ | Plastic | Strong | Yes |
Liquid-Plumr Toilet Plunger | Budget Pick | Flange | 21.5″ | Plastic | Medium | Yes |
Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger | Power | Accordion | 18″ | Plastic | Strong | No |
mDesign Toilet Bowl Combo | Plunger & Brush Set | Flange | 21.6″ | Plastic | Strong | Yes |
LDR Industries High Force Toilet Plunger | Wooden Handle | Flange | 20″ | Painted wood | Strong | No |
ToiletShroom Revolutionary Plunger | Drain Cleaner | Drain cleaner | 22″ | Plastic & stainless steel | None | Yes |
Luigi’s Toilet Plunger | Heavy Duty | Accordion | 11″ | Plastic | Average | No |
How to Use a Toilet Plunger the Right Way
Here are our top tips for using a toilet plunger correctly.
- It works best if there’s standing water in the bowl. You should have at least enough water to cover the rim of the plunger head, but if the head is fully submerged, that’s even better. Add water to the toilet bowl if there is none.
- It’s all about angles. If you push the plunger straight down, it will be full of air which minimizes the plunging power. Angle it over the drain so the cup fills with water and creates a tight seal around the drain.
- You have to maintain the seal. If air bubbles are coming outside the plunger cup rather than down the hole, the seal is loose. Reposition the plunger and start again.
- When it comes to actually plunging, here’s the best method. Pull the handle with quick firm motions for 20 seconds without lifting the plunger out the drain. You don’t want to break the seal. Usually, this method will completely clear the clog.
- Always wear rubber gloves. This can be an unsanitary job, so it’s important to protect yourself. Splash back may occur, especially when you break the seal between the plunger and the drain.
Toilet Plunger FAQs
How Do You Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?
Is it possible to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In a pinch, yes.
- Pour ¾ cup of dish soap into the toilet.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Add two cups of cold water. Hot or boiling water can suds up the dish soap and create an even bigger mess!
- Flush the toilet. The clog should be gone.
Is It Safe to Pour Boiling Water Down the Toilet?
It is not safe. Here’s why:
- You could ruin the pipes: If you have PVC pipes, as most people do, boiling water can melt the seals and cause bad damage. If you have a porcelain toilet bowl, boiling water can cause this to crack.
- Clog runs deeper: You may think boiling water could break up a clog. Wrong. It could actually just move the clog deeper.
Also — you could risk injury to yourself since boiling water splashback could cause burns.
Can Plunging a Toilet Damage the Wax Ring?
Unfortunately, plunging a toilet can damage the wax ring around the toilet. You’ll notice damage if raw sewage starts to spill from underneath the toilet. When using a plunger, place the plunger on the side of the toilet bowl, push down then slide the head over the drain. This will protect the wax seal a little better.
Do Toilets Eventually Unclog Themselves?
They might, but it’s not convenient to wait, especially if there’s only one toilet in the house.
However, the force of gravity can help unclog a toilet. Over time, the clog might resolve itself, especially if the clog itself is full of water-soluble items which will dissolve in the toilet water.
Take the Plunge
If it’s about time for a new plunger, grab one of the best toilet plungers on the market. It’s not the most exciting purchase you could make, but a good one can make this task a little less daunting.
Overall, the most important thing to consider is what type of plunger you go for. Accordion, common sink, toilet flange or what about a revolutionary drain cleaner plunge?
The choice is yours!