Abstract: A plunger apparatus for pumping fluid in a well having a tubular barrel, the apparatus providing an upper portion adapted to be secured on a tubing string for axial movement within the barrel, the upper portion providing a bore axially therethrough and mounting a filter element in communication with a plurality of passages communicating transversely through the upper portion from the bore to an interface defined between the exterior surface of the upper portion and the well barrel; an elongated, sleeve-like intermediate portion secured on the upper portion and providing a bore axially therethrough; and a lower portion secured on the intermediate portion and providing a bore axially therethrough and mounting a valve member internally of the bore; and a plurality of sealing members circumscribing the upper portion and lower portion and bounding the interface defined between the apparatus and the well barrel.