this toilet unclogging tool has a handle attached at the proximal end of , a shaft , either straight or bent , and a bullet shaped head portion , attached at the distal end of the shaft , which head is made of a semi - rigid material such as closed cell polyethylene foam . the head has a series of grooves , usually four of a v - shape , along the length thereof to permit fluid to pass there through when one attempts to push a blockage forward over the trap of a toilet . a rigid cap having a flat face is disposed into the forward end of the head to enhance the ability of the device to push a clog without deforming the head .