Plunger
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A plunger, force cup, plumber's friend, or plumber's helper[1][2] is a tool used to clear blockages in drains and pipes. It consists of a rubber suction cup with an attached stick (shaft), usually made of wood or plastic. A different bellows-like design also exists, usually constructed of plastic.
Use
For the common plunger, the cup is pushed down against the drain opening, either pressing hard into the drain to force air in, or pushing down until the rubber cup is flattened and then pulling out, creating a vacuum that attracts material. The intent is to loosen or break up a blockage caused by excessive material in the drain.
Shape and function
The cup of a kitchen plunger looks like a rubber ball cut in half with a flared edge, while the toilet plunger's cup looks more like a distorted ball, tapered on one half, with a large hole on the bottom.
A plunger is much more effective with water in the pipe because water does not compress and will thus transmit more of the applied force than air.[3] When a plunger is ineffective, it is supplemented by a chemical drain cleaner (in the case of sinks and tubs) or a plumber's snake (for stubborn clogs or clogs of the main line or toilet). [4]
References
- ↑ Random House Dictionary
- ↑ American Heritage Dictionary
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
The dictionary definition of plunger at Wiktionary
Media related to Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. at Wikimedia Commonsnl:Gootsteenontstopper
