Maybe a curious child flushed a clump of paper down the toilet. Or maybe someone ate something that didn’t agree with them.
Whatever the case, you’re now staring down at your toilet that’s refusing to flush because it’s clogged. And you know – it’s time to get out the toilet plunger.
You might not think there’s much to a toilet plunger, but the right type can make the unclogging process more efficient and less messy.
Here’s a round-up of the best toilet plungers in Australia – plus a handy guide to the different types, what to look for, and how to maintain them. So grab some rubber gloves and plunge right in!
Types of Toilet Plungers
Yes – there are different types of plungers! You’re probably used to traditional plungers with a cup, but there have been some recent innovations to toilet plunging.
- Standard plungers: This is the most basic type of plunger, with a rubber cup at the end of a straight handle. They can be used to plunge a toilet, but are more efficient as sink plungers since the cup shape works best on flat surfaces.
- Flange plungers: These are (arguably) the best type of toilet plunger – the head has a lip, with the cup (or flap) folding out from inside. That fold-out cup fits neatly into a toilet drain opening with the lip helping form the seal. That creates better suction. Flange designs also work for many other drain types.
- Accordion plungers: Accordion designs are less versatile than flange ones, and work best only on toilet bowls. An accordion plunger features a narrow cup opening from a head with accordion flaps. These help create more powerful force, but the plunger itself is a bit unwieldy.
A toilet plunger is better for your toilet than chemical drain decloggers. Chemical products could cause corrosion or other damage to your plumbing systems – and even the toilet itself.
Whichever type you choose, make sure to get a caddy with a drip tray. This will prevent cross-contamination and collect excess water from the plunger cup.
What to Look For in a Toilet Plunger
When picking a toilet plunger, there are a few factors to consider:
- Type: Cup types are more commonly sold, but flange and accordion types are better suited for toilets. There are even specialised designs such as beehive heads or ones for elongated toilets.
- Handle: Make sure the plunger has a long, durable handle with a comfortable and secure grip. You should be able to hold the handle firmly and plunge or thrust with ease.
- Cup size and shape: The cup needs to fit into your toilet and (depending on the type) form a seal around the drain to create suction. You can find a cup that covers the drain hole, buy a plunger with changeable heads, or go for a style that doesn’t need a seal.
- Storage: Your plunger will need a caddy for storage. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps the plunger out of sight. A drip tray with ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture build-up.
The Best Toilet Plungers in Australia
A good plunger does one job: clear clogs. But the best plungers can get to even the toughest of clogs in your plumbing without making a mess of your bathroom floor.
Here’s our rundown of the top toilet plungers you can get in Australia.
Best Toilet Plunger Overall: Neiko Toilet Plunger (All-Angle Design)
What sets the Neiko Toilet Plunger apart from the competition is its “unique 4-step graduated suction cup” that makes it a universal fit for toilet shapes.
That special cup design creates an ultra-tight seal that won’t flip up or splash water.
Moreover, instead of a wooden handle, the Neiko plunger features a lightweight and rust-proof handle that’s easy to grip. There’s also a peg hole so you can hang the plunger and let it air dry.
That aluminium handle means the entire plunger is easy to clean after using it on clogged toilets.
Best Toilet Brush and Plunger Combo: MR. SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush Combo
Get a bang for your buck with this plunger and brush combo that comes with a sturdy holder.
The MR. SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush combo allows for convenient storage for two crucial items in your bathroom’s cleaning arsenal.
The plunger itself is made with commercial-grade rubber. It features a flange design, with a cup width of 8cm, and an ergonomic handle.
The accompanying toilet brush has the standard rounded head with dense nylon bristles.
Both the plunger and brush can be stored neatly in a corner of your bathroom. The holder comes with drip trays
Best Flange Plunger for Toilets: OXO Good Grips Toilet Plunger
OXO took our top spot for the best toilet brush, and they stand out for their toilet plunger too! The flat top handle allows for a secure and ergonomic grip, while the cup has a flanged design for an airtight seal.
One key feature of the OXO toilet plunger is the canister with a built-in drip tray. The canister easily pops open when you lift the plunger, while the drip tray has cut-out ventilation slots for water evaporation.
This means the canister won’t collect excess water, which would lead to mould or bacteria hazards.
Moreover, the OXO Good Grips plunger works even on low-flush models.
Best Heavy-Duty Toilet Plunger: Clorox Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush with Caddy
When it comes to cleaning tools, you can’t go wrong with Clorox. And the Clorox Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush combo is a great weapon for your cleaning arsenal.
The heavy-duty plunger with caddy can tackle even the toughest of toilet clogs. The black rubber cup has a flange design and anti-microbial protection to prevent odour-causing bacteria and mildew.
That same anti-microbial protection is also on Clorox toilet brushes.
Moreover, the plunger handle features a rubber grip for more secure and comfortable use.
As a plus, the neutral colour design and stylish caddy mean it’ll fit any bathroom decor.
Best Accordion Toilet Plunger: Luigi’s The World’s Best Toilet Plunger
It may look unusual, but yes, it actually works! Unlike other plungers, Luigi’s Big Bad Powerful Unblocker is designed especially for toilets with a flexible accordion head that can bend and fit into the drain – even on elongated toilets.
(And yes, this is the best plunger for elongated toilets.)
Unlike a regular plunger, the Big Bad Powerful Unblocker uses both air and water to tackle a blockage. If you use the plunger correctly, you won’t even need to form a seal.
According to Luigi’s, their plunger performed 8x better than cup-type plungers – clearing everything from “man-made” blockages to excess toilet paper. Simply fit the plunger into the toilet bowl and blast away!
Best Plunger for Low-Flow Toilets: Master Plunger MP1600 Low-Flush Toilet Plunger
The Master Plunger MP1600 is designed for low-flow toilets – up to 2.2L flushes. It has an extended funnel “nose” with accordion flaps that can bend up to 90º.
The accordion nose forms a solid seal that prevents backsplash while creating “8-cup water displacement” that can take out even stubborn clogs along your drain line.
Just make sure to clean the plunger thoroughly afterwards, as dirty water could get stuck inside the bellows-style nose.
Best Toilet Plunger for High-Efficiency Toilets: Korky BeehiveMAX Toilet Plunger
If you’ve never heard of a beehive plunger, here’s something new. The Korky 96-4AM BeehiveMAX Toilet Plunger has a unique beehive shape for a more effective plunge.
Korky’s beehive plungers feature plunge heads that can compress to fit any outlet shape. This optimised design can work on everything from low-flow to elongated toilet bowls.
This beehive plunger also features an adjustable, telescopic handle with a T-shaped end for better grip and easy storage.
TIP: The Korky BeehiveMAX is the best plunger for square toilets!
Best Plunger for Rectangular Water Traps: THRUSTER Toilet Plunger
Many modern Australian toilets feature rectangular water traps, which means circular plunger cups may not be optimal.
The THRUSTER toilet plunger is specially designed to fit into that rectangular trap for a good seal. That means less mess from splashing dirty water.
THRUSTER’s plunger is made from durable EVA material that’s easy to clean – but the plunger head is still gentle on your toilet and won’t scuff or scratch the surface.
Best Force Pump for Toilets: Rothenberger Ropump Super Plus Force Pump
With great power comes great suction and pumping force. This Rothenberger Ropump Super Plus may seem a bit overkill, but it will take care of almost any blockage in your pipes (up to 10cm).
It even comes with adaptors for sink drains, baths, and shower drains!
This force pump combines suction and a pressure piston to remove obstructions in pipes and drains. Simply align the seal with the toilet drain and use the ergonomic handle as instructed.
Best Electric Toilet Plunger: Aiment Electric Toilet Plunger
If you want to unclog the toilet with minimal effort, try an electric toilet plunger! This model by Aiment features a rechargeable battery that makes it more powerful than manual pumping.
The Aiment Rechargeable Toilet Plunger is an investment, but it’s well worth it. The compressed air pressure can reach 0.4MPa and can take out any blockage.
It also comes with 4 different plunger heads to fit different drain sizes and shapes. The plunger also works on tubs, sinks, drains, and more.
Best Toilet Auger: Ridgid K-6P Toilet Auger
Want a more powerful unclogging tool? Go for a toilet auger. This is a flexible coiled wire that gets pushed in and out of a sleeve. A rotating handle turns the wire.
Push the wand (and the wire at the end) down the drain and rotate the handle until it reaches the clog.
Ridgid got our pick for the best toilet auger thanks to the drill attachment, which will let you power through even the most stubborn obstructions.
Moreover, the heavy-duty Tri-Wrap cable can extend to about 2m and is corrosion-resistant.
How to Use a Toilet Plunger and How It Works
Whenever we use the toilet, we may not actively wish that we don’t have to use the plunger… but it’s definitely in the back of our minds.
But in the event of an unfortunately clogged toilet, it’s important to know how to use the plunger.
Why use a toilet plunger? It’s less likely to damage your toilet and plumbing system versus chemical drain cleaners, which could cause corrosion or wear and tear.
The plunger cup forms a vacuum seal around the drain opening, and the plunging motion will create suction. This will break up the clog and remove the blockage from your pipes.
Wear gloves when using a plunger, and lay down some towels or old newspaper. Remove some of the toilet water – leaving just enough to submerge the plunger.
Insert the plunger at a 45º angle and position the flange to form a seal over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Straighten the handle and gently “thrust” the plunger back and forth until the water starts receding.
Once the water starts to drop, the plunger has done its job. Remove the clogged object or flush the toilet.
You can opt to clean the toilet afterwards.
Don’t forget to wash your hands as well!
Maintaining Your Toilet Plunger
It’s essential that you keep your plunger clean! Given the, er… nature of its work environment, the plunger is a ready breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew.
Clean your toilet plunger immediately after use.
You can use alcohol-based wet wipes to clean the plunger’s handle.
Then to clean the plunger’s cup or head, opt for one of the following:
- Oxygen-based liquid bleach
- Antibacterial disinfectant spray
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
Never combine cleaning products unless listed on the packaging instructions. Bleach cannot be mixed with anything but water.
Rinse the plunger thoroughly afterwards, then let it air dry or wipe it with some paper towels.
If you have a house cleaner regularly cleaning your bathrooms, you can also ask them to give your plunger a once-over every once in a while!
As for replacing the plunger, it depends on how much it’s used. Frequently used plungers should be replaced every 6 months. Otherwise, you can get away with keeping yours for a year or two.
