The auger won’t go down the toilet because it may be blocked. Toilets become blocked for a variety of reasons: foreign objects, tree roots, or a build-up of waste material can all cause blockages which stops an auger from working.
It could also be a problem with the rubber gasket on the auger, which is located at the end of the auger and allows it to enter the pipe. If the gasket isn’t properly sealed, or it’s damaged, the auger won’t fit snuggly into the pipe and will therefore not be able to make its way down.
Additionally, if there is a bend in the pipe the auger may not be able to navigate its way around it. This would prevent it from going down the pipe and cause it to become stuck. If an auger doesn’t move, no matter how hard you try, then it’s best to call a professional to investigate the problem.
What do you do if your auger won’t unclog the toilet?
If your auger won’t unclog the toilet, the first thing to do is to make sure the auger is inserted correctly and is long enough to reach the clog. Next, turn the handle of the auger to rotate it so that it can break up the clog and then move the auger up and down, back and forth to further break up the clog.
If this does not work, you may need to flush the toilet with a plunger to further clear the clog. The plunger should be placed directly over the drain of the toilet bowl and then push and pull it rapidly, which should cause a vacuum effect and clear the clog.
If this still does not have the desired effect, you may then have to call a professional plumber to assist you in clearing the toilet clog.
How do you get a drum auger down a toilet?
In order to get a drum auger down a toilet, first make sure the toilet is empty, as this will make the job easier. Once the toilet is emptied, use a pair of bathroom pliers to unscrew the trip lever attached to the flush valve.
Then, feed the drum auger’s cable down the flush valve and into the toilet’s drain pipe. Turn the knob of the drum auger to rotate the cable and push it further into the drain pipe. As the cable turns, it will start chewing through any objects in the drain pipe that are blocking it.
When the cable has completely passed the blockage, reassemble the flush valve and flush the toilet. The blockage should now be gone, clearing the path for water to travel freely through the drain pipe.
Can an auger damage a toilet?
Yes, it is possible for an auger to damage a toilet. It is possible for the auger to chip porcelain, crack or chip the toilet bowl, and can even cause the toilet to leak. The cistern can also be damaged by an auger if it is not inserted correctly.
If the auger is not removed carefully it can easily scratch the surface of the toilet, which will then have to be repaired. It’s important to use caution when using an auger to prevent any damage to the toilet, such as being careful not to force the auger into the toilet, and gently pulling the auger back out.
Can an auger get stuck?
Yes, an auger can get stuck. Augers are tools designed to drill into the ground and they use a rotating blade or drill bit to dig in. When an auger drills, the rotating motion of the auger can cause it to get stuck in the ground if there is a particularly hard obstruction or the hole the auger is digging is too deep.
Augers can also get stuck if the soil is too wet or too dry, or if the auger is not angled properly before drilling. To get it unstuck, one should first identify the cause of the stuck auger and address any underlying issues.
For example, if the auger is too deep, it may need to be backed out of the hole and the hole should be dug at a shallower depth. If the soil is too wet, it can help to pour some dry sand or gravel around the auger to absorb some of the moisture and make it easier to remove.
Similarly, if the soil is too dry, pouring some water around the auger before removing it can make it easier to extract. Finally, if the auger is stuck due to hard obstruction, one may need to use a chisel or crowbar to lever it out.
Will a toilet unclog itself eventually?
It is possible that a toilet may unclog itself eventually. If items are blocking the toilet, such as a foreign object or large amount of tissue and other items, they could prevent water from flowing down the drain and cause the toilet to become clogged.
Over time, these items may decay, break apart, and release from the toilet, allowing the water to pass. However, it is difficult to predict how long this process would take, as the necessary amount of time may vary depending on the type and amount of the items blocking the toilet.
It is also possible that the clog could worsen over time, and the toilet may become further blocked which could cause even longer delays in the unclogging process.
In most cases, it is best to avoid waiting for a toilet to unclog itself, as it can be difficult to predict how long this process may take. Calling a plumber may be the best option if a toilet is clogged, and they can assess the issue and help unclog the toilet quickly and safely.
Is a toilet auger better than a snake?
A toilet auger is generally considered to be better than a snake when it comes to clearing a clogged toilet. A toilet auger is specifically designed for unclogging a toilet and works by being inserted into the bowl and cranking the handle to push through the clog.
The auger’s head is equipped with an angled or curved tip that helps it access the drain better, while a snake’s head is typically flat. A snake is a multipurpose tool meant for clearing a variety of clogs in sinks and tubs, and works by pushing through the obstruction and breaking it up, but it isn’t as effective for a clogged toilet.
Furthermore, the snake is not designed for use in a toilet, so using it risks damaging the bowl or clogging the toilet even more.
Can you flush with an auger in?
Yes, it is possible to flush with an auger in. It is important to note that the auger must be fully established before you begin flushing, or else you may damage the pipes. When flushing with an auger in, start by inserting the auger into the drain and make sure that the auger’s wire bristles are fully brushed against the side of the pipe walls.
Then, turn on the water source and increase the pressure until the water is flowing through the pipe. If the flow of water stops, move the auger further up the pipe until the flow begins again. Finally, turn off the water source when the water is flowing freely through the pipe.
This should help dislodge the clog and allow the water to flow freely.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
Yes, snaking a drain can make it worse if it is not done properly. Snaking a drain requires a certain level of expertise to ensure the snake does not cause damage to the pipes and instead clears out the clog.
Additionally, attempting to snake a drain yourself without the proper equipment or knowledge could cause serious damage and make the clog worse. A professional plumber should be called if there is any doubt about snaking the drain.
Professional plumbers use the right tools and techniques to remove the clog without negatively impacting the pipes.
How long does an auger last?
It depends on many factors, such as the type of auger, the quality of the materials used, and how well it is maintained. An auger’s lifespan can range from just a few months to well over 10 years, depending on the way it is used and cared for.
The most commonly used type of auger is a bit auger, which is designed to be used on soft earth, such as sand, clay, and loam. These bits typically last anywhere from 1-4 years. Getting the most out of an auger means properly maintaining and storing the auger and its bits, as dirt and moisture can shorten its lifespan.
Sharpening its cutting edges can also extend the life of an auger. Other types of augers, such as rock augers, have a much shorter lifespan, typically around one to two years. Augers used in extreme conditions, such as mud or clay, will wear down more quickly than augers used in moderate conditions.
Properly caring for an auger will ensure it performs at a high level and lasts as long as possible.
How do I unclog my main sewer without a Auger?
If you’re unable to unclog your main sewer with an auger, you can attempt to do so without one. First, you’ll need to locate the main sewer line. This can usually be found in the basement, near the ground-level access pipe.
Once you’ve identified the main sewer line, you can try pouring a plunger of hot water down the pipe to break up the blockage and clear it away. If this doesn’t work, you can also use a coat hanger to extend down into the pipe and physically remove the debris.
If this isn’t successful, you might need to use a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a long metal tool that is shaped like a corkscrew, which you can use to reach the blockage and break it up from the inside.
If these methods still don’t work, it might be best to call a plumber for assistance, as trying to unclog your main sewer line without specialized equipment can be dangerous and might even damage your plumbing system further.
What happens if you accidentally flush something big down the toilet?
If you accidentally flush something big down the toilet, such as a toy, cloth or other items, it may get stuck in the drainpipe and block the water from flowing freely. This can cause the toilet to overflow, leading to a messy and inconvenient problem.
Additionally, the blocked drainpipe could cause the entire plumbing system in your home to back up, resulting in sewage spilling into other areas of your home and spilling into the surrounding environment.
To remedy this type of situation you should stop using the toilet and contact a local plumber as soon as possible. The plumber will be able to tell you what has been flushed accidentally and advise you on how to clear it from the drainpipe.
This may involve using a plunger or auger to remove the blockage. The plumber may also recommend the use of a camera to detect what has been flushed down the drain and identify the area of the blockage before starting any work.
It is important that any blockage is cleared as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the plumbing system.
Can you run a power auger through the toilet?
No, it is not recommended to use a power auger through the toilet. A power auger is designed to clear larger blockages in pipes, such as tree roots, and should not be used in toilets because it can easily damage plumbing components.
It’s best to use a plunger or manual auger to clear clogs in toilets. If the plunger and manual auger don’t do the job, then it may be necessary to call a professional plumber to use the right tools and techniques to repair the issue.
How far does a toilet auger reach?
Most toilet augers typically reach between three and six feet in length. The size of the toilet auger you’ll need depends on the size of your toilet and the distance between your toilet and the fixture it’s connected to.
Keep in mind that longer augers may be a bit more difficult to maneuver. For example, a 6-foot auger might not be able to easily fit into a tight space. It’s important to make sure the auger you use is long enough to reach the clog, but not so long that it becomes difficult to handle.
How do plumbers unclog main sewer line?
When a main sewer line is clogged, plumbers will typically use a sewer auger, or a mechanical device designed to remove clogs and blockages from pipes and drains. This tool uses a flexible steel cable that is extended into the sewer line and uses a power crank on the outside of the line to rotate the cable and pull the clog out of the line.
The plumber may also use a plumbing snake, a power tool that uses a rotating, cutting head to break apart the blockage and flush it out. Additionally, hydro-jetting is a technique used to unclog drains by blasting a high-pressure stream of water at the clog to break it up and flush it away.
Other methods plumbers may use are chemical treatments to eat away at the clog, or manual methods such as plunging to push the clog out of the pipe. It is important that homeowners contact a professional plumber when dealing with a clogged main sewer line since the problem can worsen if not addressed correctly.