Does a toilet snake work better than a plunger?

Author: Mae Connelly  |  Last update: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Plungers are effective for minor blockages and should be your first approach. However, if plunging doesn't resolve the issue after several tries, reach for a snake. Toilet snakes can go deeper into the drain system and are better suited for breaking up or removing stubborn clogs that a plunger can't budge.

Is it better to plunge or snake a toilet?

Plumbing snakes (also called drain cables) that are used to unclog sinks can actually scratch your porcelain toilet bowl. If plunging did not work, you want a toilet auger (also sometimes called a closet auger). The auger is a plumbing snake, but it has a protective sleeve that protects the bowl from damage.

What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?

One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.

What is the best tool to unblock a toilet?

Plungers are the go-to tool when it comes to plumbing and blocked toilets. These easy-to-use and effective tools can be used to unblock all kinds of toilet waste pipes.

When not to use a drain snake?

Sometimes, using a drain snake can push the clog deeper into the pipe, making the blockage even worse. This often happens if the clog is caused by mineral buildup, like hard water deposits, that can be scraped off and further block the drain.

How To Use a Toilet Snake Properly | Clogged Blocked Toilet Repair using Toilet Auger

Can a drain snake make a clog worse?

In short – yes, snaking a drain yourself can make a clog worse. When someone without plumbing expertise tries to use a drain snake, they can make the clog worse or cause damage to their drain pipes. While many clogs are caused by objects stuck in your pipe, they can also occur due to mineral build-up.

What is the best drain cleaner according to plumbers?

Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover

The best drain cleaner overall. A thick gel that descends through standing water to the source of the clog and starts to work melting soap scum, grease, and other gunky obstructions, is safe for plumbing and septic systems.

What is the best technique for unclogging toilet?

Solution 3: Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

Allow this solution to sit for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the hot water and dish soap are hard at work softening and lubricating the clog in your toilet. After about 15-20 minutes, give the toilet a test flush to see if the hot water and dish soap did the trick.

Why can't you use Mr. Muscle drain Gel in the toilet?

Mr Muscle Drain Gel is not recommended for use in toilets because the powerful chemicals in the gel can damage the porcelain and the flush mechanism, leading to costly repairs. Instead of risking damage, consider using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear toilet blockages.

Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.

Is it okay to leave a clogged toilet overnight?

Letting a clogged toilet sit too long can result in more severe problems. Beyond the risk of overflow and water damage, the clog could also cause toilet water to back up into other parts of your plumbing system, affecting sinks, showers, and even your home's main sewer line.

How to unclog a toilet when a snake doesn't work?

If you can't unclog the toilet using a plunger or a snake, your next best option is to use boiling water. Boiling water can help to dissolve the clog and free up the pipes. To use this method, bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it into the toilet. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush the toilet.

What dissolves toilet paper fast?

Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl water surrounding the blocked toilet. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar down the inside of the bowl to avoid splashes. Stand back as a fizzy foam reaction occurs, potentially breaking apart paper. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it repeatedly.

Should the water be on when plunging a toilet?

First, Stop the Water Flow

If your toilet has a water shut-off valve, this is the easiest way to stop the water flow and give yourself time to plunge. It's usually located near the wall where the toilet connects. Once you find the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

What is the best snake to use to unclog a toilet?

When toilets get clogged, a hand-crank toilet snake or auger is the ideal solution. The best toilet augers feature a vinyl coating over the cable. The vinyl coating will help protect the bowl against scratches and marks as you work.

What is the best toilet clog remover?

One of the most compelling reasons why Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is considered the best toilet unclogger liquid and Drano's commitment to safety. Despite its potent formulation, Drano is safe for all types of drain & sewer pipes and septic systems when used as directed.

What happens if you leave Mr Muscle drain cleaner in too long?

Leaving Mr Muscle Drain Unblocker in your pipes for an extended period of time can cause damage to your plumbing system. The harsh chemicals in the solution can corrode the pipes, leading to leaks, cracks, or even complete pipe failure.

How to unblock a toilet full of tissue?

If the blockage is a build-up of tissue paper, pour 3-4 cups of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the toilet bowl. Give the hot water around 20 minutes to breakdown the blockage.

What do plumbers recommend for clogged toilet?

To clear a toilet clog, the auger is inserted into toilet and twisted by hand, or by machine, to help break up the obstruction. Typically, an auger or drain snake would be used if a plunger is not resolving the clog.

Is a plunger or snake better for a clogged toilet?

Plungers are effective for minor blockages and should be your first approach. However, if plunging doesn't resolve the issue after several tries, reach for a snake. Toilet snakes can go deeper into the drain system and are better suited for breaking up or removing stubborn clogs that a plunger can't budge.

Why is my toilet clogged with nothing in it?

The Short Answer Is: A toilet can repeatedly clog due to several reasons, including inadequate flushing power, an obstructed trap or drainpipe, or an accumulation of non-flushable materials like toilet paper, hygiene products, or foreign objects.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.

Can I leave Mr. Muscle drain Gel overnight?

Using innovative drain unblocking technology, Mr Muscle's new biodegradable formula delivers the power to unclog bathroom drains in just 5 hours. Use it at night, let it work its magic and wake up to freely flowing drains.

What is the best product for a slow flushing toilet?

There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow.

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