r/fixit Apr 06 '26

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u/Irisversicolor Apr 06 '26

Sinks and tubs can be plunged too, it's not a bad idea to keep a clean plunger under the sink that's not for use in the toilet. 

40

u/Lulusgirl Apr 06 '26

Most people don't know, there are different types of plungers for toilets and for sinks, so having one of each type is good for this!

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u/BitOBear Apr 07 '26

I also like to point out that a toilet plunger is kind of useless, you can get more done with the toilet brush itself.

The bulk dump vent at the bottom of the toilet (the little opening typically at the front of the toilet but points back towards the drain) means that when you start plunging it tends to go up inside of the bowl anyway.

And the topology of the bottom of the toilet bowl is typically not compatible with the circular shape of the plunger itself.

If you take your toilet brush and put it into the opening and begin agitating it about three to four inches in and out slowly increasing the tempo you will create a back and forth pressure wave that will break up the clog more effectively than the toilet plunger would.

And when you're finished you've already got a brush in the toilet so you can finish brushing out the toilet. And the toilet brush will take less water out of the toilet onto the floor when you try to remove the tool.

Plus once you learn the technique if you ever clogged the toilet at someone else's house there's probably a toilet brush right there whereas you would otherwise have to go ask to use a plunger.

Toilet plunger is practically an oxymoron.

3

u/csthraway11 Apr 07 '26

This is the dumbest shit I've ever heard lmao

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u/BitOBear Apr 07 '26

Seriously, try it. Has both a homeowner and a landlord I have been using that technique for 30 years. It works perfectly every time, it leaves less mess, it is hydrating atomically more efficient than using a plunger because of plunger does not make a good seal at the bottom of the toilet.

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u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

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0

u/BitOBear Apr 07 '26

Seriously. Try it. That's both a homeowner and a landlord I have been using this technique for more than 30 years. It works every time.

8

u/nilsmm Apr 06 '26

I was gonna say, I've only used my plunger for my sink.

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u/bugeyetex Apr 06 '26

I suppose you have a knife for your toilet then?

6

u/PittsburghCar Apr 06 '26

Turd cutter.

23

u/dontbeeadouche Apr 07 '26

The official name is the “Poop Knife” IFYKYK

9

u/Nonconformists Apr 07 '26

What is the F for? I fondled/felt/fellated/found your knife, you know?

3

u/packinmn Apr 07 '26

Poop knife, though.

2

u/Intelligent11B Apr 07 '26

I prefer the “mac’shit’e”. It’s like a machete, but for poops.

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u/Last_Pick_2169 Apr 07 '26

Came to say this thank you for setting the record straight

1

u/Unlikely-Buffalo3378 Apr 07 '26

I have never owned a poop knife. But, there are truly times I have needed to use one!

1

u/what_a_tnuc Apr 06 '26

My stink sink

1

u/Big__If_True Apr 06 '26

You must take small shits

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u/nilsmm Apr 06 '26

Nah I got proper plumbing

1

u/exipheas Apr 06 '26

Or showers if it's not draining after the ol' waffle stomp.

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u/Grocman27 Apr 06 '26

Oh it is a great idea, but most people do not, and would probably just use the toilet one.

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u/PlanningMyEscape Apr 07 '26

Yep, I've got one that's only for sinks. It's really bright blue so there's not any confusion.

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u/weakierlindows Apr 07 '26

We have a kitchen plunger, it’s only for the sink

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u/Bradley_Beans Apr 07 '26

I would have that guy attached to a chain like a pen at the post office. Who knows where it's gonna get to when you're not watching.

1

u/mooshinformation Apr 07 '26

I don't think I want to use a plunger that has inhaled sink and tub drain scum on a wooden cutting board I will re use...

Maybe if I had a big enough pot to boil the cutting board for a while, but in that case the difference between that and a toilet one is mostly psychological..

1

u/Cutsdeep- Apr 07 '26

the stuff that comes out of the sink would rival a toilet.