If your toilet isn’t working even after you’ve snaked it, chances are there is something more serious preventing it from working correctly. It’s possible the clog is too deep and the snake was unable to clear it, or maybe the clog is too far down the line and the snake wasn’t long enough to reach it.
It could also be that the snake didn’t have the appropriate size head or perhaps the snake itself is defective. In these cases, the best course of action is to call a licensed plumber who can identify and fix the issue.
They have the proper tools and expertise to diagnose and repair your toilet. In the meantime, you can try a plunger to generate and suction the clog.
How do you unclog a toilet if a snake doesn’t work?
If a snake doesn’t work to unclog a toilet, there are a few other options that you can try. Firstly, you can attempt to plunge the toilet to dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. You can buy a plunger from a hardware store, fill the toilet bowl with water, place the plunging cup over the toilet drain and press down.
Pump up and down a few times to buildup pressure, breaking up the blockage.
Another method you can use is taking a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage. A wet/dry vacuum is a powerful suction that can create tremendous force to suck out blockage. Make sure the vacuum is powerful enough for the job, and also ensure that you have the correct attachment for a toilet.
If neither of these methods are successful, you could try pouring a closet auger down into the toilet. It’s very similar to a snake, but instead of a cable it has a large auger wheel which can be rotated to get rid of the blockage.
Finally, if none of these methods work you may need to call a professional plumber to help you unclog the toilet. A plumber will have the right tools and expertise to successfully unclog the drain.
Do snakes work for clogged toilets?
No, snakes are not typically used for clogged toilets. Plungers are the most common tool for clogging toilets and are typically found in any household. While there are specialized tools that can fit inside the pipes of a toilet to help break up clogs, these should generally only be used by a professional plumber.
Snakes usually won’t fit inside the essential parts of the toilet and can cause damage to the pipes if used incorrectly. Additionally, they cannot reach the areas where the material is clogging the pipe.
A plunger is typically the most effective and safe way to unclog a toilet.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
Snaking a drain can actually make it worse in some situations. If the clog is caused by a broken or collapsed pipe, snaking will not solve the problem. It is also possible for a clog to become more strongly entrenched if too much force is used when snaking the drain.
For example, if the clog is caused by a buildup of soap scum and a heavy-duty snake is used, the clog could become even more tightly packed, making repairs more difficult. Additionally, if the pipe is too small, the snake can cause further damage in an attempt to dislodge the clog.
It is usually recommended to contact a plumber if snaking the drain is unsuccessful. A professional will be able to identify the problem and repair it correctly. Furthermore, a plumber can use professional-grade equipment to snake a drain and will also be able to use alternative cleaning methods if necessary.
What to do when plunging a toilet doesn t work?
If plunging a toilet doesn’t work, try other methods to fix the clog. Start by determining if it is a hard or soft clog. Soft clogs are usually made up of paper or other material that can be removed by using a plunger.
If you have a hard clog, you may need to use a toilet auger and snake the line to remove the obstruction. Along with this, you can try pouring boiling water down the toilet to break up the clog. You can also try using a plunger specifically designed for toilets.
If these methods do not do the job, you may need to call a plumber.
How do you snake a stubborn drain?
Snaking a stubborn drain is a process that requires both patience and the right tools. The first step is to identify the issue causing the drain to be blocked. This can often be done by visually inspecting the drain or running a drain auger down the pipe to see if any debris can be dislodged.
If a clog or debris can not be identified, then a manual snake will have to be used.
The manual snake is a long, flexible rod that is fed down the length of the pipe in order to dislodge any material that might be causing the blockage. To use a manual snake, begin by disconnecting the U-bend from the drain and locate the pipe’s inlet.
Insert the snake head into the drain, and slowly turn the handle as you work the snake down the pipe. As you turn the handle, the snake’s head will either be cutting through the blockage of wrapping tightly around it in order to dislodge it.
As you continue to turn, if you feel resistance, then it is likely that the snake has found the source of the blockage.
When the blockage has been dislodged, pull the snake back up to remove any debris and run water down the drain to clear away any residual material. Reattach the U-bend and the drain should now be cleared.
If the problem persists, then a professional plumber should be consulted.
Does toilet snake work better than plunger?
It really depends on the severity of the clog. Generally speaking, a plunger works best for small clogs that can be cleared with a little bit of pressure. However, if a clog is more severe, then a toilet snake may be more effective.
Snakes are meant to be inserted into the drain, so they can access deep blockages that the plunger’s suction force cannot reach. The snake can actually manually break up the clog and push it through.
Of course, if you are experiencing a really difficult clog and neither of these tools are working, then you should call a professional plumber to clear it for you.
How do you unclog a sewer line without a snake?
If you are trying to unclog a sewer line without a snake, there are several methods you can try. First, make sure your pipes are visible and clear out any debris surrounding them. Once the area is clear, use a plunger to try and clear the blockage.
Be sure to start with a good seal and plunge strongly several times to try and break up the blockage.
If the plunger fails, mix up a solution of hot water and an enzyme-based drain cleaner, and pour it down the pipe. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush the pipe with hot water. The enzyme-based cleaner should help break up the clog without the need for a snake.
If the clog is still present after trying the two above methods, try using baking soda and vinegar. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar, and pour it down the pipe. Follow up with a bowl or two of boiling water.
This combination should help to clear any remaining debris in the pipes.
If none of these methods are successful in unclogging the pipe, you may need to hire a professional to take a look at the pipes and use a snake to remove the clog.
Can a drain snake break a PVC pipe?
Yes, a drain snake can break a PVC pipe if too much force is applied. If the snake is too stiff or the user does not know what they’re doing, it can cause the snake to exert too much force on the pipe joints and fittings.
This can lead to the snake pushing too hard and breaking the PVC pipe or joint. This can cause a great deal of damage like water leaks and an increase in the plumbing bill. To avoid breaking the PVC pipe, ensure that the drain snake is of an appropriate size and stiffness for the job and the user is familiar with proper technique and knows how to control the pressure being exerted by the snake.
Can drain cleaner make clog worse?
Yes, using drain cleaner to unclog a drain can sometimes make the clog worse. This is because many chemical drain cleaners use strong acids to break down debris and dissolve clogs. These chemicals can react with other items within the pipe, such as wax or plastic, and create an impenetrable blockage.
Additionally, if a clog is caused by a solid material, chemical drain cleaners may break it into smaller pieces that can further block the drain. Thus, it is important to be sure of the cause of the clog before attempting to use a chemical drain cleaner, or it may make the clog worse.
Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?
This is a difficult question as it really depends on the individual situation. In some cases, it is better to snake a drain in order to clear any blockages and remove any debris that is causing an obstruction.
If the blockage is caused by a build up of grease, hair, dirt or soap scum, then snaking the drain can provide a more thorough clean compared to using a chemical drain cleaner such as Drano.
However, in other instances, using Drano may be more appropriate. If the blockage is caused by tree roots, mineral deposits or foreign objects, then using a plunger or snaking the drain may not be effective and a chemical drain cleaner may be the best option.
It should be noted, however, that Drano should not be used in toilets as it can cause damage to the porcelain or plastic.
In conclusion, it is best to determine the cause of the blockage before making a decision on whether to snake the drain or use a chemical drain cleaner.
What do plumbers recommend for unclog drains?
Plumbers recommend a few different solutions for unclogging drains. One of the most effective ways to unclog drains is to use a plunger. Simply insert the plunger into the drain and move it up and down vigorously until the clog is removed.
Another option is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a half cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a natural cleaning process that can help loosen and break up clogs. If these remedies don’t work, you may need to use a mechanical device like a plumbing snake.
The snake will help break up the clog and clear the pipe. If none of these solutions are successful, you may need to call a professional plumber to identify and resolve the issue.
What’s the strongest thing to unclog a drain?
The strongest thing to unclog a drain is a combination of mechanical and chemical means. A mechanical solution involves using an auger to physically break apart the clog and remove it from the drain.
Chemical solutions usually involve pouring a special drain cleaner down the drain and then flushing the pipe with hot water. These solutions are usually very effective at removing clogs, however, they can be caustic and should be used with caution.
In cases where a clog is very difficult to remove, it may require professional assistance. If a simple mechanical or chemical solution does not work, a professional plumber may be needed to free the clog.
Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?
Plumbers typically do not recommend using Drano because it is a powerful chemical drain cleaner that can cause more harm than good if not used correctly. Drano is a strong alkaline solution that can corrode metal pipes and fixtures and cause significant damage if not used cautiously.
Additionally, Drano can create a strong and dangerous reaction when combined with certain other cleaning products, such as vinegar and ammonia, making it hazardous to use. Furthermore, Drano often doesn’t work on tough clogs, such as those caused by tree roots or grease, and it can also create toxic fumes and irritate your skin and eyes.
In these cases, it is often much more effective and safer to use an alternate method of clearing the clog, such as a plunger, plumber’s snake, or hydro-jetting.
Should I snake my own drain?
The answer to this question depends on the situation and your level of expertise. If the drain is blocked by small debris and you feel comfortable doing the job, then snaking the drain yourself is an option.
You should first use a plunger or a drain auger to see if the blockage clears up. If it doesn’t, then you might need to snake the drain yourself. Make sure you have the right tools and safety equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and a face mask.
You should also make sure you know exactly where the pipe leads and that you have a way to plug the end of the pipe. If you don’t feel comfortable snaking the pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber who is trained to handle these types of issues.