What are plungers made of?
What are plungers made of? |
||||
|
|
||||
 |
Although plungers may vary in size, shape and colour, they are usually made of the same basic materials. | |||
Wood |
||||
 |
The handles of cup plungers, flange plungers and suction plungers are usually made from wood. | |||
 |
Wood is used for handles, as it can be cheaply and easily machined into the desired shape, length and width, whilst still providing a sturdy and strong handle. | |||
 |
Some manufacturers may even paint the wooden handle, to make the toilet plunger more decorative and pleasing to the eye! | |||
 |
Wood is durable, versatile and weather resistant. Although the plunger may not be left outside to the elements, when used for plunging, it is likely to get wet, so it needs to be able to withstand use in water. | |||
Plastic |
||||
 |
Plungers can have a plastic handle, or the plunger itself can be made from plastic e.g. the power plunger, hydro jet plunger or the concertina plunger. | |||
 |
Plastic can be moulded into many different shapes and sizes. | |||
 |
Plastic is used for plungers, as it is durable, water-resistant, hard wearing and easily cleaned. | |||
 |
It can be used to form part of the body of the plunger, or to make up the plunger in two separate parts. | |||
 |
Occasionally, manufacturers will produce a toilet plunger with a plastic handle, decorated with novelty designs or colours.
Plastic handles on cup/flange/suction plungers do not tend to be made, as they are more likely to bend and break than a wooden handle. |
|||
Rubber |
||||
 |
The half cup end of a plunger (flat disk on suction plungers) is made from rubber. | |||
 |
Rubber is a sturdy but flexible material which has elastic properties (rubber bands are an incredibly elastic rubber), making it highly resistant to tearing and ripping during use. | |||
 |
Rubber is also weather-resistant, which allows it to be fully submerged in water without the water having an effect on its performance. | |||
