No, snakes are not designed to unclog toilets. Snakes are tools used to unclog pipes and drains, but they are not designed to handle toilets or the large volume of water and waste found in them. If a toilet is clogged, a plunger is usually the best tool to use to try to free the clog.
If the plunger is not able to unclog the toilet, then a plumbing snake may be helpful. However, the plumbing snake should only be used after other methods of unclogging the toilet have been unsuccessful, as the snake may damage the toilet if used incorrectly.
Will a snake unclog a toilet?
No, a snake will not unclog a toilet. A snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is designed to clear clogged drains and toilets. It has a long, flexible cable with a coil at the end that can be threaded through the pipes to break apart built-up debris and other blockages, but it won’t be able to remove solid objects—such as toys—that are often the cause of toilet clogs.
To remove these solid objects, a plunger should be used to loosen them and a plumbing snake can then be used to ensure the pipe is completely cleared of all clogs. It is important to employ the right tool for the right job.
Using the wrong tool can do more harm than good, so if you experience a toilet clog and feel unqualified or unable to handle it, always call a professional plumber.
Why won’t my toilet unclog with a snake?
If the clog is too deep, the snake may not be able to reach it. It’s also possible that the clog is too thick for the snake to penetrate. If the clog is located too far down the drain line, the snake may not be able to reach it.
It’s also possible that the snake is stuck in the clog and can’t move. Finally, using an improper type of snake can prevent a clog from being cleared. If you’re using a metal snake, it may be too rigid to penetrate the clog and if you’re using a flexible snake, the clog may be too thick or tightly packed to move.
Does toilet snake work better than plunger?
The answer to this question depends on the situation and the level of clog. Generally, a plunger is used for minor clogs in the toilet, such as a clog caused by too much toilet paper, while a toilet snake is used for more serious and harder to reach clogs.
Plungers work best when the clog is relatively close to the surface, while toilet snakes can better reach clogs that have become lodged in the sewer pipe.
In addition, some toilet snakes come with a built-in auger which helps to break up large clogs, making it more effective than a plunger in some cases. It is also important to consider the size of the drain when deciding which tool to use.
A toilet snake is more suitable for larger drains as it can more easily maneuver around bends.
Overall, it is hard to say definitively if a toilet snake works better than a plunger since each situation is unique. It is best to assess the clog, the level of blockage, and the size of the drain before deciding if a plunger or a toilet snake will be more effective.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
Yes, snaking a drain can make the problem worse, depending on the severity of the clog, the type of snake you’re using, and the type of pipe you’re working with. If the clog is too deep or the snake is too small, then snaking the drain can potentially make the clog worse.
Conversely, if you were to use a snake that was too large for your pipe, then it may expand the diameter of the pipe and create further blockage down the line. If you’re not sure which snake to use, or how to snake the drain correctly, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional plumber to make sure the job is done properly.
How do you force a toilet to unclog?
If your toilet is clogged, there are several steps you can take to try to force the clog to clear on its own without having to call a plumber. The first step you should take is to use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
Place the plunger over the hole of the toilet and press the handle up and down several times. Once you have done this for some time, try flushing the toilet to see if the clog has cleared. If the clog still persists, you can use a toilet auger to try and break up or dislodge the clog.
An auger is a long thin device with a handle at one end and a curved wire at the other. To use it, loosen the auger and slowly wind it down the toilet until it reaches the clog. When it reaches the clog, use the handle to gently move it up and down and rotate it to try and break up or dislodge the clog.
If you have tried both the plunger and the auger and the clog still persists, then you can try pouring a chemical drain cleaner into the toilet and leaving it to sit overnight to try and dissolve the clog.
When using a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to take extra precautions when handling it as it is a caustic substance.
What do professional plumbers use to unclog toilets?
Professional plumbers may use a variety of tools and techniques to unclog a toilet. Common tools used to unclog toilets include a plunger (either a regular plunger or a flange plunger), an auger (also called a snake), and chemical cleaners.
The use of a plunger is often the first step a plumber takes in attempting to unclog a toilet. To do this, the plumber will cover the drain with the plunger and make several firm, upward thrusts and then releases of pressure.
This creates a vacuum that can help to dislodge whatever is blocking the pipe. If a plunger does not work, a plumber may attempt to use an auger. An auger is a plumbing tool with a crank handle and a corkscrew-like end.
The plumber will place the corkscrew into the toilet bowl and then feed the cable down the drain. The plumber will then turn the handle, which will draw any blockage back up the pipe. Finally, a plumber can use chemical cleaners to unclog a toilet.
Chemical cleaners are acidic liquids or gels that are designed to break down the debris that is blocking the pipe. These chemicals can be applied directly to the toilet bowl and the plumber may then flush the toilet in order to help carry away the debris.
When should you snake a toilet?
When it comes to snaking a toilet, you should do so whenever you have a clog that won’t clear with a plunger. Snaking a toilet involves inserting a tool known as an auger or a snake down the drain to remove the clog.
It can be used both to prevent and to clear existing clogs. When snaking a toilet, start by first determining the location of the clog. Use a flashlight and mirror to get a good view of the inside of the toilet bowl.
Once you’ve located the clog, turn off the water, put on protective gloves, and start pushing the head of the auger into the toilet drain. While pushing, start to crank the handle at a slow, steady pace; you don’t want to push too hard.
If you use too much force, the auger can puncture the drain or get stuck inside. When the auger gets to the clog, moving the handle slowly will help maneuver the auger around the clog to clear it. If the clog doesn’t clear with a few cranks, move the auger around it to attempt to break it up.
If you still can’t get the clog free, try twisting the auger in both directions to break it up. Once the clog is cleared, slowly retract the auger, flush the toilet and turn on the water.
How do you unclog a toilet if a snake and plunger doesn’t work?
If a plumber’s snake and plunger does not successfully unclog your toilet, there are several other methods you can try.
You may be able to unclog the toilet with boiling water. This method is usually employed when the clog is caused by a build up of grease or some type of thick organic matter. Boil 1-2 gallons of water in a large pot.
Pour the water into the bowl and wait around 10 minutes. Without flushing, try plunging one more time.
If boiling water does not work, try liquid dish detergent and hot water. Pour 1-2 cups of liquid dish detergent into the bowl and fill the bowl with hot water. Wait 10-15 minutes, then try to plunge out the clog.
If boiling water and liquid dish detergent does not clear the clog, you can try using baking soda and white vinegar. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet and let it sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl.
Wait another 5 minutes and then fill the bowl with boiling water from a large pot filled with water.
If none of these methods have worked, it may be necessary to remove the toilet and snake out the line. This is a job best done by a professional plumber to ensure that no other damage is done to the plumbing system.
How much does it cost to snake a toilet?
The cost of snaking a toilet can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Generally, a basic toilet snaking can cost anywhere between $75 to $150. More difficult and severe blockages can cost more and vary depending on the severity of the clog.
If a serious obstruction is causing the clog, then a professional plumber may need to be hired, which will likely be more expensive. Furthermore, some plumbers may charge an additional fee for a service call or have a minimum fee for the job overall.
How do you unclog a toilet fast when the bowl is full?
The easiest way to unclog a toilet when the bowl is full is to remove the standing water and objects from the bowl. Use a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If the plunger does not work, use a toilet auger.
Before using an auger, be sure to turn off the water valve at the base of the toilet to prevent water from spilling onto the floor. Insert the cable into the bowl and turn the handle clockwise until it feels like it has caught onto something.
Then crank the snake to break apart the plumbing clog. If this does not work, try using a mixture of hot water, liquid dish soap and baking soda. Let it sit in the bowl for 30 minutes, then flush. You can also try a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Another option is to call a plumber if the issue persists.
How do you snake a stubborn drain?
Snaking a stubborn drain is usually the last option for dealing with a clogged drain, as it is the most labor-intensive and time consuming. Regardless, if there are no other options, here is how to successfully snake a stubborn drain.
You will first need to try plunging. If that does not work, you can then snake the drain. To do this, you will need to purchase a hand-operated drain snake or a power snake—both of which can be found at most hardware stores.
For a hand-operated drainer, insert the snake into the drain opening. Turn the handle to ensure the coil at the end of the snake is rotating and use it to break apart any clogs. You may have to reinsert the snake a few times to get it through the blockage.
Once past the obstruction, the drain should run clear.
For a power snake, insert the end of the power snake into the drain. Turn the device on and slowly push forward until the tip of the machine is at the blockage. Turn the machine off and give the power snake rotation clockwise and counterclockwise to remove the clog.
Once the obstruction is cleared, the drain should be unclogged.
To prevent these issues in the future, occasionally use a natural drain cleaner or pour boiling water down the drain. Additionally, it is important to be conscious of what you are putting down the sink or shower drain.
Never pour oil and grease down the drain or flush items that don’t belong in the toilet. Finally, installing a drain filter can help to catch items that may cause the drain to clog such as hair and soap.
Do you run water while snaking a drain?
When snaking a drain, it is important to use water to flush out the clog. Water will help to dislodge and carry away any material that is blocking the drain pipe. Before snaking, it is important to close off any vents, such as the P-trap, so that water does not escape from the pipe entirely.
Once the vents are sealed, run some water into the sink and allow it to fill up the pipe with enough water to cover the snake auger. Running water at a low to medium pressure can help to push out any debris that the snake encounters.
Once the clog has been cleared, you can shut off the water and run the snake a few more times to make sure that any remaining material is cleared. Once you are certain that the drain is free of blockages, you can then turn off the snake, disconnect it from the sink, and then unclog the vents and allow the sink to properly drain again.
Can you damage a pipe by snaking it?
It is possible to damage a pipe by snaking it, although it is not common. Snaking a pipe, especially an older one, is a delicate process that should be done with care and caution. If the snake is not used properly or incorrectly sized for the pipe, it can cause serious damage, including gouging, denting, or even cracking the inner pipe wall.
To further compound this, if the debris in the pipe’s interior is particularly stubborn, too much pressure can be applied to the snake and the pipe itself, resulting in bending or breaking of the pipe.
It is best to perform regular maintenance on pipes to reduce the build-up of debris, or to hire a professional plumber to snake the pipe instead of attempting it yourself.
Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?
It really depends on the severity of the clog and the size of the drain in question. For small clogs in small drains, Drano can be quite effective. It’s fast-acting, easy to use, and doesn’t require any special tools or supplies.
However, for larger clogs or slow drains, snaking a drain is often the better option. It gives you more control over the size and shape of the drill bit you’re using, as well as the pressure you’re applying to the clog.
It also allows you to go deeper into the pipe and may be able to further break up the clog. That being said, if you’ve already tried snaking the drain with no success, Drano may be a better option as it often contains strong chemicals which help break down tough clogs.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of trying out whichever method you think may be more successful.