Plungers are perhaps the best known and most common of basic household tools for dealing with drain clogs of all sorts. Since drain clogs are such a common plumbing problem, dealing with them can become expensive if you call a plumber to clear every stoppage. Fortunately, drain plungers are not only inexpensive and easy to use, but are extremely effective and clearing many drain clogs.

A plunger works its magic by simple suction and pressure. When the rubber cup of the plunger is sealed down over the drain opening and the handle is moved up and down, the pressure of water forced up and down will dislodge most clogs and allow them to continue on through the drain pipes.

There are various types of plungers; each designed to be used on different types of drains. There is also a range of quality in plungers. When selecting a new plunger, make your choice based on how and where it will be used, and also on its quality. Selecting the right plunger can make using it correctly that much easier. And these are such inexpensive tools, that there's no reason you shouldn't have several on hand.

Here are the four basic types of plungers and how to use them.