Taking the Plunge

Wanting to take a break from writing about the wildfires, I’ve been wanting to post this product review for a while, but under the best of conditions it’s offbeat to post here…and it’s totally weird to post now.  But then I realized, hmm, no, a review of a toilet plunger actually fits as we’re days away from Trump taking office.

And I’m serious about the product.  It’s extremely good, the best toilet plunger I’ve ever used.

A couple months ago, my old plunger had seen better days, and my spare wasn’t doing a great job – same as my old plunger.  That’s because, what I didn’t realize until I began looking for a new one, the new-style toilets have a different design.  And old style plungers (made to fit over a round hole) don’t create a good seal for suction on the more oblong holes in new toilets.

Checking Amazon, the plunger that was getting the best raves was the Korky BeehiveMAX Heavy Duty Plunger, which costs $20 (or $25 with a plastic stand).  It’s called that because, unlike old-style plungers, it’s shaped sort of like a beehive.

I thought it looked a little too odd, and questioned its efficacy, so instead I bought another model that was made for the newer-model toilets and was also a better price.  It was lousy, so I returned it.  And since the Korky did have that higher rating, paid a bit more.  (It's not really expensive, after all.)

I tried it out when the opportunity presented itslef (which happens more often than ideal with the water-saving, high-efficiency toilets) – and I was amazed at how great it worked, the very first time.  I thought maybe that was an exception – but every time I’ve used it,  maybe four times overall, it’s been the same.

With my old plunger, there was always a lot of aggressive pushing and pulling – and far too much splashing.  With the Korky, it’s 3-5 gentle pumps…usually no splash…and perfect.  (Actually, most of the time for me it’s only been 1-3 quick pumps – but user comments suggest sometimes a couple more.  I suspect that might depend on the clog.)

A very few user reviews have complained it didn’t work well, but I’m sure that’s because they didn’t use it correct (as others pointed out).  That’s because you have to use it differently.

You first angle the plunger in the water, to fill the rubber device, then you tilt it to cover the toilet hold and create a seal.  (I suspect some people didn’t read the instructions and don’t know to do that.)  Then, keeping the seal, you don’t “yank” like with old plungers, but just pump it quickly a few times, as I mentioned.

It’s really good.  Otherwise, believe me, I wouldn’t have written a product review for a toilet plunger.  Even days before the Trump inauguration.

And yes, I know this was weird doing so.

I'll just mention, too, that the handle length is adjustable, which some may like for storage.  My only quibble is that I find the plastic stand a little flimsy.

If you do find that you need a new plunger and decide to buy this, my request is that you use this link here (or the one above), because -- as I note in that "badge" on the top-right of my website -- I get a very tiny commission as an "Amazon Associate."

Here's a 45-second video that shows what I mean about how it works a bit differently.  And as easily as this guy pumps the Korky, it's not only slightly more effort, but also a couple more pumps than I've usually (thus far...) needed.  

Happy plunging!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWrFk-Wi4eA