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A 'plunger' (occasionally, 'plumber's helper') is a common device used to release stoppages in plumbing. The tool consists of a rubber cup with an attached stick, usually made of wood. The cup is pushed down against the drain, and either pressed hard into the drain to force air in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum. The intent is to loosen or break up a clog, excessive material, or other blockage in a sink, toilet, bathtub, shower, etc.
A plunger is much more effective when there is water in the pipe because water does not compress and will thus transmit more of the applied force than air.
When a plunger is ineffective, it is often supplemented by a chemical drain opener, or the use of a plumber's snake. If necessary, a plumber may need to be called.

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Types of plungers

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Types of plungers

There are two basic types of plungers: toilet and sink. A sink plunger, pictured at the right in the image above, has a flat rim designed to fit over a sink, bathtub, shower, or similar opening to form a seal. A toilet plunger, pictured at the left in the image above, has a flange designed to fit into the bottom of a flush toilet bowl, with the flange entering into the exit pipe, forming a seal. The flange of a toilet plunger can be flipped up inside the plunger in order to use it as a sink plunger. If one is going to have only one plunger on hand, a toilet plunger is more versatile.

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★ How to unclog a drain