Getting a toilet auger unstuck is a relatively straightforward process that should only take a few minutes if done correctly. Start by disconnecting the auger from the toilet – you can either do this by turning the handle of the auger counterclockwise or by carefully unscrewing the bottom of the drum of the auger.
Once it’s disconnected, you can then inspect the inner working of the auger to see what’s causing the sticking. It could be a piece of debris or something else stuck in the auger, or it could be a kink in the cable.
If the latter is the case, you can usually straighten the kink by carefully pushing the cable out of the auger drum and then stretching it out.
After you’ve identified and solved the issue, reattach the auger to the toilet and crank the handle clockwise for a few minutes. This should help loosen the auger, making it easier to turn the head. If needed, you can add a lubricant around the cable and head to help the auger turn more smoothly.
Finally, test the auger by cranking the handle and while turning the head in a circular motion. If it’s successfully unstuck, you can then use it to remove whatever is causing the blockage in the first place.
Can you flush toilet with auger in it?
Yes, you can flush a toilet with an auger in it. An auger is a great tool for clearing clogs in a toilet, so it is possible to flush a toilet with an auger in it. To do this, you’ll want to make sure the auger is securely placed in the drain first.
Then, you should open the tank lid and press down on the handle of the toilet to flush the toilet. If the auger is securely in the drain, it should cause the water to flush away the clog and avoid any resistance the auger may be creating.
It’s important to note, however, that the auger may create more of an obstruction in the drain than it did before, so it’s a good idea to remove the auger before flushing the toilet again.
Can Roto-Rooter go through the toilet?
Yes, Roto-Rooter can go through your toilet. This tool is a type of drain cleaning device that is made up of a long flexible cable with a cutting blade at the end. Roto-Rooter is designed to clear out clogged drain pipes, including the ones located in your toilet.
When the tool is used correctly, it can easily cut through and remove any blockages that are keeping you from flushing your toilet or draining properly. Although it is possible to use Roto-Rooter in a toilet, it is important to use it with care in order to avoid any potential damage to the plumbing.
Is a toilet auger better than a snake?
A toilet auger and a snake both serve the same purpose: getting rid of clogs in your drains. Both are effective tools for this purpose, though a toilet auger may be better suited for use in toilets. A toilet auger has a handle for turning the device, a flexible rod that reaches down the drain, and a curved piece of metal at the end that is designed to hook and lift out the clog.
The shape of this auger makes it easier to maneuver around the bends and corners of a toilet drain than a snake, which has no hook. Snakes also tend to be longer, making them more difficult to navigate tight toilet bends.
Although both are effective tools, a toilet auger is often better suited for unclogging toilets.
Does toilet snake work better than plunger?
The answer to this question depends on the specific issue at hand. If the issue is a clog deep in the pipes, then the toilet snake may be more useful than a plunger as the snake can reach deeper into the pipes and clear the clog.
However, if the clog is closer to the surface, then a plunger may be more effective. Plungers can create a seal around the drain, and through suction, push the clog through. Ultimately, the most effective course of action will depend on the situation.
Why is my toilet still clogged after snaking?
There could be a few different reasons why your toilet is still clogged after snaking. The most likely cause is that the blockage is further down the line than the snake can reach. Tree roots can also get into the pipes, creating blockages that the snake can’t reach.
Additionally, outdated pipes can cause clogs that a snake can’t resolve. Lastly, there may not be enough water in the tank to flush what the snake has cleared. Even if the snake was able to break through the clog, if there isn’t enough water in the tank, it won’t be enough to flush it away.
To determine the underlying cause, you may need a professional plumbing to inspect the pipes and determine the source of the blockage and what’s needed to resolve it.
What do professional plumbers use to unclog toilets?
Professional plumbers typically use a variety of tools and methods to unclog toilets, depending on the severity of the clog. For minor clogs, a plunger can be used to create a suction that will help dislodge any debris.
If a plunger is not effective, they may need to use an auger or plumbing snake. This device is inserted into the toilet drain and used to pull out any blockages. If the clog is deeper within the pipes, a plumber can use a hydro-jetting or hydro-scrubbing machine to send high-pressure water jets into the pipes to break up and flush away the clog.
Plumbers may also need to use a specialized chemical drain cleaner, such as a caustic soda or enzyme-based cleaner, to break down and dissolve the clog. In extreme cases, plumbers may need to use manual techniques such as hand-digging or disassembling the toilet and accessing the pipe with an electric power rotator.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
To unclog a toilet, you should reach for a plunger first. A plunger is the strongest and most reliable tool for unclogging a toilet. It is important to use a flange plunger, as this type is specifically designed for toilets and will create the most effective suction.
To make sure the plunger is creating an effective seal, first fill the bowl with water until it covers the plunger cup. Place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down a few times. You may need to add more water to the bowl if the water gets too low.
After a few plunges, the blockage should be cleared. If the blockage persists, try using a drain snake or drain auger to break up and remove the obstruction.
Is it worth it to buy an auger?
It depends on the individual’s needs. An auger can be a useful and cost-saving tool for those who frequently need to dig holes for installing posts and fences, planting trees, and tackling other digging projects.
If you rarely need to dig, then an auger may not be worth the cost, but if you are a professional landscaper or a keen gardener who needs to frequently take on digging tasks, then an auger could be a great investment that will pay for itself over time.
Compared to a shovel, an auger will usually be quicker and more efficient, so you can get the job done faster and with less effort. Also, it will reduce the amount of strain on your body, which makes it suitable for use by people with physical limitations.
An auger is also much more precise than a shovel, so you can be confident of producing accurate, consistent results.
Do plumbers use auger?
Yes, plumbers often use augers. An auger is a tool used by plumbers to clear blocked drains. It is a metal or plastic material with a helical blade that cuts through debris in a drain pipe. The auger works by being inserted into the drain and then rotating strongly to cut up the blockage and break it apart.
In some cases, a plunger can be used in tandem with an auger to dislodge a blockage. Augers are a common tool used by plumbers and it is an important tool to have in the plumbing trade as it helps in quickly and efficiently unclogging drains.
How do you snake a toilet without scratching porcelain?
Snaking a toilet without scratching the porcelain is possible by taking care when using a plumbing snake. When snaking a toilet, place a cloth or rag over the entry of the bowl to protect the porcelain, and insert the auger end of the snake into the bowl.
Once the snake is inside the bowl, begin to turn the auger handle in a clockwise direction. If you start to feel resistance, reduce the pressure and direct the auger down and to the side of the trap way, while continuing to turn the handle.
Once the obstruction has been located, you can use more pressure to break up the obstruction, before retracting the snake. Drain the bowl of any debris, before removing the snake and rinsing the bowl with a few buckets of water.
This should solve the issue, although if the blockage remains, an experienced plumber should be consulted.
How do I protect my toilet from a snake?
To protect your toilet from a snake, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that the toilet lid is kept closed when not in use. Snakes are attracted to water and a toilet bowl full of water can be a very inviting place for them.
Furthermore, never leave anything food-related, such as pet food, in or around the bathroom as this can attract pests and animals, such as snakes. Lastly, consider screening off the toilet area from the rest of the house with a fine-meshed screen door.
This makes it more difficult for snakes to find their way in. Additionally, you can also use a snake repellent around the perimeter of the property, as well as around the base of the toilet, to create a strong enough smell to deter snakes from entering your home.
What can I use instead of a toilet auger?
If you don’t have a toilet auger handy or cannot find one, you can use a length of stiff wire (such as a coat hanger or a twisted wire from a wire brush) to remove a clog from the toilet. Be sure to use protective gear such as gloves, eyeglasses and long sleeves when attempting this method.
Start by straightening the wire and uncoil the cloth hanger to make it as flexible and long as possible. Insert the wire into the drain and attempt to locate the blockage. Push or twist the wire from the outside edge through the clog, working it back and forth to break it up.
Once the blockage has been cleared, try flushing the toilet again to ensure that it is working properly. If it is not, repeat the above steps and attempt to remove any extra blockage. If you are still unable to clear the clog, contact a professional plumber to help resolve the issue.
How do you unclog a toilet fast when the bowl is full?
The best way to unclog a toilet fast when the bowl is full is to start by turning the water off at the shut off valve (shutting off the supply of water to the toilet). Make sure to close the lid to prevent splashing.
Then, use a plunger (or a toilet auger if you have one available) to create a good seal around the drain opening of the toilet and begin plunging (or use a toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, to clear the clog).
For a plunger, firmly and repeatedly press and release the plunger multiple times to break up the clog and work it down the drain and out of the toilet. The force of the plunger should be enough to push the clog out and unclog the toilet.
If using the toilet auger, insert the cable and twist it in a clockwise motion until you feel it make contact with the obstruction. This will break up the clog, allowing for it to pass through. Once it is clear, turn the water back on and allow the toilet to refill.
Then, you should be able to flush the toilet with no problems.
How do you get a snake out of a toilet drain?
Seeing a snake in a toilet drain can be a scary situation! Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to safely and calmly remove the snake from your drain.
First, you should try to identify the species of the snake. This will help you determine what type of snake removal approach is best. Passive removal methods such as berber loops or snake traps should be used to catch or remove non-venomous snakes.
You may need to hire a professional wildlife specialist to help with the removal if the snake is venomous.
You can also use a snake hook, which is a tool used to slowly lift the snake out of the drain. If you don’t have one available, a long stick or similar object can be used to guide the snake out of the drain.
If the stick is too short to reach the snake, you can put a stick or rubber hose in the drain first, then use it to drop a longer snake hook down.
Next, you should find a container or bag to transfer the snake in once you have been able to remove it from the drain. You should keep the container or bag at least 3-4 feet away from you when capturing the snake to avoid being bitten.
It is also important to ensure that the container or bag you are using has an appropriately sized opening so the snake cannot escape during transfer.
Once the snake is successfully transferred, you should release it into a safe area like a wooded park or open field, or have it relocated or relocated under the advisement of a wildlife specialist.
Following these steps should help you successfully and safely remove a snake from a drain. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, you should contact a local wildlife specialist for assistance.