Whether a toilet snake or plunger is better for unclogging a toilet really depends on the type and severity of the clog. A toilet snake is a slim tool with a long cable that has a corkscrew-like tip.
The snake is normally used to break up clogs further away from the entrance of the drain. The snake isn’t great for clogs at the entrance to the drain since the corkscrew can’t reach around the bend.
The best way to clear this type of clog is with a plunger. Plungers use suction to loosen and clear clogs. Plungers are also better for clearing sturdy clogs like thick masses of hair or toys. While the snake can help break them up, they are often too rigid to be completely cleared with the snake.
In general, a plungers offers the most versatility for clearing all types of clogs, but once in awhile a toilet snake may be the better choice depending on the type and severity of the clog.
Will snaking a toilet unclog it?
Yes, it is possible to unclog a toilet using what is known as a “snake. ” A snake is a plumbing auger (or large flexible cable) that is lowered into the toilet’s drain line to break up any obstructions.
This is often done in conjunction with a plunger to ensure the obstruction is completely cleared. When using a snake, it is important to be careful and make sure the auger is properly inserted into the pipe to avoid damaging the toilet.
Additionally, make sure to keep the head of the snake from touching the porcelain bowl. Once the snake has been inserted, start turning it in a clockwise direction to snag the clog and then slowly pull it out.
After a few tries, the toilet should be unclogged.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
The strongest thing to unclog a toilet is a auger, or a special “toilet snake. ” An auger is a long metal cable with an angled head that is used to break up and dislodge clogs including those in a toilet.
To use the auger, insert it into the toilet and turn the handle clockwise to bore into the clog. Push it down until you feel the auger move past the clog. Then, turn the handle counterclockwise to pull the clog out.
In some cases, the clog may need to be pulled up or broken down further by the auger before it’s fully dislodged. Be sure to stay aware of the location of the toilet bowl’s S-trap as you work so as not to cause any damage.
Are toilet snakes effective?
Toilet snakes, also known as augers, are an effective tool when it comes to clogged drains and toilets. They are hand-operated devices consisting of a flexible metal cable attached to a crank and handle.
The other end of the cable is a spiral-shaped auger that can break apart the clog in your pipes and toilets when it is inserted into the drain. The auger works by breaking apart the clog and pushing it through the pipes and out of the system.
It can be a great solution for clearing out clogs that are caused by things like hair, soap buildup, and other small debris. You should be careful to not force the auger too forcefully into the drain or toilet, as it can cause serious damage to the pipes or blockages to form.
If used correctly and carefully, however, a toilet snake can be an effective and affordable way of clearing out a clogged drain or toilet.
How do you unblock a badly blocked toilet without a plunger?
The first step is to determine the source of the blockage, as different blockages will require different approaches. If the water remains low, it is likely that a foreign object is caught in the toilet bowl.
First try using tongs, or a rubber-tipped grabber, to try to remove any visible items from the toilet bowl.
If the blockage is not visible, you can also try using a wire hanger to unblock the toilet. Take a hanger and straighten it out. Make a loop at one end of the hanger and insert this into the toilet hole.
Try to wiggle the loop and jiggle the hanger in a circular motion to try to free the blockage. Be careful not to push the hanger too far down the pipe, as this could cause further damage. Make sure to wear gloves while doing this.
Another option is to create a vacuum in the toilet bowl. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and then place a plastic bag over the toilet hole. Try to bond the plastic to the hole as well as possible.
After that, take a vacuum cleaner and attach the pipe to the plastic bag. Switch on the vacuum cleaner for about one minute and this should create a vacuum in the toilet bowl to dislodge the blockage.
Finally, if none of the above techniques are successful, it is best to call a plumber if you are unable to unblock the toilet without a plunger. A plumber will be able to dislodge the blockage professionally and safely.
How do you unclog a toilet that will not unclog?
If a toilet is not unclogging, it can be frustrating to figure out what the problem might be. Luckily, there are a few ways to attempt unclogging a toilet. The first option is to use a plunger. If the plunger is not successful in unclogging the toilet, then you could try using a toilet snake.
A toilet snake is a long, flexible piece of material with a coiled spiral shape on one end. Insert the snake into the toilet’s opening and turn the handle on the snake to let it spin. This will help break up any clogs.
If the plunger and snake do not work, you may have a clog in the sewer line. If this is the case, you should contact a professional for assistance.
Why is my toilet still clogged after snaking?
The most likely cause is that the obstruction wasn’t cleared by the snake. This is usually because whatever was blocking the line was too large or too difficult to remove with the snake. You may also have reached the end of the snake’s reach, meaning that the obstruction is further down the line beyond what the snake could reach.
In this case, you may need to rent a plumbing auger to clear the line. Alternatively, the clog may have been caused by something that the snake wasn’t able to remove, such as a broken piece of plastic, a non-disintegrating tissue, or a small toy.
In these cases, you may need to use a specialized tool, such as a specialized toilet auger. Finally, it is also possible that the snake itself damaged the pipe in some way, which would require professional plumbing services to repair.
Why doesn’t my toilet work when I snake?
When you snake your toilet, it’s possible that you are not snaking it correctly or are using the wrong type of snake. It’s best to use an auger that extends and retracts, as these are designed to reach out and catch hair, clogs and debris that can prevent your toilet from working properly.
If you’re using the wrong type of snake, it may not be reaching the source of the blockage. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are inserting the auger into the bowl opening correctly, as it needs to pass through the trap for it to work properly.
If the auger is not correctly inserted, the snake may miss the clog completely. Lastly, some blockages may be too far or too powerful for a snake to properly remove, and in these cases a plunger or professional assistance may be necessary.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
Yes, snaking a drain can actually make it worse. Snaking is a process that requires shoving a spiral drill down a pipe in order to break up clogs. If the clog isn’t completely broken up, the snaking process can push the clog further down the drain, causing an even bigger blockage.
Additionally, snaking can cause damage to the pipes, including cracking and breaking, which will only exacerbate the issue. If a pipe has already sustained extensive damage, snaking it can cause even more damage, thus making the clog even worse.
Therefore, it is important to always consider the condition of your pipes when considering snaking. If you feel the pipes are already in an compromised condition, it may be best to contact a professional for assistance in order to avoid any further damage.
How often do snakes end up in toilets?
Snakes ending up in toilets is a relatively rare occurrence, and it is impossible to ascertain an exact number or percentage. Fortunately, this type of occurrence is not a common one, as the pipes and other parts of a toilet can present serious harm or even death to a snake.
Generally, if a snake is found in a toilet, it is because it made its way into the pipes, either through a crack in the pipes or due to plumbing work having been done at some point in the past. The snake may then end up in the bowl of the toilet.
The best and safest way to proceed, if you find yourself in this situation, is to contact your local animal services or a wildlife rescue center and have them come to remove the snake from your toilet.
Do drain snakes always work?
No, drain snakes don’t always work. Depending on the type and severity of the blockage, a drain snake may not be able to effectively clear it. For example, if the blockage is located far down the drain line or is composed of a material the snake is not designed to dislodge, then a snake may not be effective.
If the clog is caused by scales, calcium deposits, grease, sludge, or other hard materials, a mechanical auger may be better suited. In addition, depending on the size of the pipe, a drain snake may not even be able to navigate it.
In such cases, a hydro jetting machine powered by pressurized water may be most effective for clearing a blockage.
Do toilet augers work?
Yes, toilet augers work effectively and are designed to help you unclog a toilet that has become blocked. Toilet augers are long metal rods with a coiled cable or spiral auger at the end. This tool is inserted into the toilet bowl and the spiral at the end is used to safely push through and break through the clog.
As the auger is twisted, it will push the blockage out of the drainpipe, allowing the toilet to clear. Once the blockage has been cleared, running water should then be able to flow through the drainpipe.
It is important to note that toilet augers should not be used to force through hard objects, as this could cause damage to the inside of the toilet.
Can a toilet auger damage pipes?
Yes, a toilet auger can damage pipes if not used correctly. Augers are designed to be inserted into toilet plumbing, particularly where they may be clogged, and will use a revolving coil that can break up and remove the blockage.
However, because an auger is an extremely powerful tool with sharp blades, it is possible for it to cause damage to the pipes if it is used too aggressively. The auger should be inserted and used carefully and correctly, as there is always a risk of the blades scraping or gouging the surface of pipes, or even puncturing them.
If a toilet auger is used it should be done cautiously and with full understanding of the potential risks involved.
How do you use a snake to unblock a toilet?
Using a snake to unblock a toilet is a relatively simple process. Before you start, make sure you wear protective equipment (e. g. gloves and safety glasses) and assemble the necessary tools, such as a plunger, drain snake, gloves, and bucket.
1. Start by turning off the water supply. To do this, find the shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply. This should prevent any further blockages and make it easier to use the snake.
2. The next step is to connect the snake to the end of a long pole. This will give you greater reach and control.
3. Now you will need to feed the snake into the toilet. Have a bucket underneath the toilet before you start, as there may be some water that drains out. Slowly feed the snake into the toilet, making sure to turn the crank clockwise as you go.
4. As you keep feeding the snake in, you should feel it break through the clog and start to move around freely. Make sure to keep the crank turning clockwise, and push the snake further in if it gets stuck.
5. Pull the snake back out slowly and carefully. This should bring up any debris that was clogging up the toilet, so be sure to have the bucket ready.
6. Finally, flush the toilet to see if the clog has successfully been cleared. If the water doesn’t empty out quickly, you may need to repeat the process.
Using a snake to unblock a toilet is a relatively easy process if you have the right tools and know-how. By following the steps above, you should be able to unblock your toilet in no time.
What do plumbers use to unblock toilets?
Plumbers often use a variety of tools and techniques to unblock a toilet. Commonly they will use a plunger, either a cup plunger or a flange plunger, to loosen and dislodge any blockages. They may also use an auger, also known as a plumber’s snake, which is a long flexible tube with an auger at the end.
This can help to reach blockages that are further down the drain and break them apart, allowing the water to flow again. Another tool used to unblock toilets is an electric eel, which is a motorised auger that can drill through tough blockages.
Lastly, plumbers may opt to use powerful chemicals and cleaners to help clear a blockage.