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A drain snake is a long, retractable metal cable that you wind down into a drain to either grab the material causing the clog, or force it through. You use a toilet snake the same way that you use a drain snake, but toilet snakes are made specifically so that they don’t damage the porcelain of your toilet bowl.
Why shouldn’t you use a regular snake in a toilet?
Damaged Porcelain — The metal tip of the plumber’s snake can easily scratch the porcelain of your sinks or toilets if you’re not careful. This won’t just affect the appearance of the toilet or sink, but it could cause your porcelain to degrade faster.
When should I snake my toilet?
To clear a clog in your toilet without a plunger, or if plunging hasn’t worked, a toilet snake can help you return to a functioning flush (sigh of relief). To get started, put on a pair of rubber gloves and make sure you’ve located the water supply in case you need to quickly restrict the water flow.
What is the best snake to unclog a toilet?
BEST OVERALL: Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin Drain Cleaner. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Liboyixi 6+1 Drain Clog Remover Tool. BEST FOR TOILET CLOGS: RIDGID 6 ft. BEST FOR HAIR CLOGS: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner. BEST EXTRA LONG: VEVOR 50FTx1/2Inch Drain Cleaner Machine.
Do I have to remove toilet to snake drain?
Snake Machine Simple clogs only involve the toilet trap which is attached to the fixture and does not require disconnection of pipes or removing the toilet from the floor. You can buy an auger tool from just about any hardware store. Snaking a toilet trap with an auger tool is doable for most homeowners.
Will a toilet eventually unclog itself?
A toilet will eventually unclog itself if normal things like toilet paper and feces are stuck in it. It will take as fast as an hour for a toilet to unclog itself if the thing clogging it is easily degradable, or as long as over 24 hours if an abundant amount of organic matter clogs it.
Is snaking a drain bad?
When a drain snake is inserted into a pipe, the end may flop around, scratching the pipe. A drain snake used with too much force being can scratch a zinc pipe and damage the coating. This can lead to cracks or rusting in the pipes opening the door to a major problem in the future.
What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?
Make your own drain cleaner by pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet and adding a half gallon of hot water. Dish soap can also help loosen some obstructions. When using either method, allow the solution to sit overnight and then flush the toilet to see if the obstruction has cleared.
Will bleach unclog a toilet?
Bleach Can Break Down Clogs And Help Unclog Your Toilet Bleach is very high in chlorine, which can break down and destroy organic material like toilet paper, hair, and some kinds of fats and grease. To try this for yourself, pour about 2-3 cups of bleach into the toilet bowl, and allow it to sink into the drain pipe.
How do you unclog a toilet when a plunger doesn’t work?
As an alternative to using dish soap, try this all-natural solution: Pour 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups vinegar into the toilet. Allow it to fizz for a half hour. If the clog doesn’t dissipate, try the hot water trick to unclog a toilet without a plunger.
How do you snake a drain without a snake?
Put in your drain stopper, turn on the hot water and let it pool in the sink. Add one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar to the water and remove the stopper. The hot water, baking soda, and vinegar will flow down the pipes and help eliminate minor clogs.
How do you snake a toilet with a wire hanger?
Option 1: A Wire Coat Hanger To unclog your toilet this way you’re first going to need to completely unwind the hanger until it is completely straight with the exception of the hook at the end. Next, completely wrap a rag around the hook end of the wire to prevent any scratching or minor damages to your commode.
How do you clean a toilet snake?
To clean up, dump any waste collected in the bucket back into the toilet in small amounts and flush to make sure it all goes down without causing a new clog. Then, thoroughly clean the bucket and the auger with very hot water and bleach or vinegar before returning it to the store.
Is it bad to let a clogged toilet sit?
Worsening Clog The longer you leave a clog, the more opportunities there are for the clog to get worse. The most water-soluble parts of the clog will dissolve, and the rest will fill in the gaps, making the clog worse. There is also the possibility that human error could come into play.
When I flush the toilet water comes up?
Several plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time. If your toilets, kitchen sink and tub or shower are all backed up, you probably have a clogged sewer line. When you flush the toilet, water backs up into or comes up in the tub or shower. When your sewer line is clogged, the water can’t go down the drain.
Will toilet paper clog the toilet?
Though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the drain without issue, using too much does lead to recurring toilet clogs. The tissue simply does not dissolve quick enough, so matter becomes stuck in the toilet or the sewer line. Do not wad toilet tissue for use, as doing so contributes to toilet clogs.
When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?
If you have more than one drain in your home that is backing up or there is a scent of sewage in the air, it’s time to call the plumber out to snake your drain line as soon as possible. If you have tried the plunger and it isn’t clearing the drain with vigorous plunging, you will need a plumber.
How much does a snake for a drain cost?
It costs an average of $228 to get a drain snaked professionally. That price can land anywhere between $145 and $334 depending on the simplicity or severity of the issue. Stubborn blockages or damaged parts can increase your repair bill.
