If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.
You might try sucking the drain out with a shop vac and then try snaking it again, if there is debris in the bottom of the trap it can be difficult to get the snake to turn.
The combination of soda crystals and white vinegar is a great way to dissolve blockages, and best of all, you've probably already got them in your cupboards. All you need to do is pop a handful of the crystals down your toilet and follow it with a cup of white wine vinegar.
If snaking a clogged drain doesn't work there is a good chance that an old clay tile sewer has collapsed. Use a video snake to see down the sewer to find what is clogging. You may have to dig up the sewer and replace it.
We recommend you add a cup of baking soda to your blocked toilet and wait for some minutes. Next, pour two cups of vinegar slowly into the toilet. Vinegar and baking soda will typically react to form bubbles, so ensure you pour carefully and slowly to prevent the toilet water from overflowing or splashing.
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.
Try Baking Soda & Vinegar
A combination of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve toilet clogs if you pour them in correctly. The baking soda will actually do most of the work here—the vinegar mostly just makes it bubble. But those bubbles can be useful for helping dislodge whatever is stuck in your toilet.
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.
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty.
In short – yes, snaking a drain yourself can make a clog worse.
Will a toilet eventually unblock? Depending on the type of blockage a toilet can eventually unclog itself. Toilet paper may start to break down as the toilet is flushed.
If not addressed, a clogged toilet can lead to leaks or overflow, causing water damage to your home. If you see water seeping from the base of your toilet, it's time to call a professional. 4. How often should I have my sewer line inspected or cleaned?
Treatment of Snake Impaction
In some cases we might be able to give a lubricant by feeding tube, warming it up, rehydrating with the fluids, and even massaging the area to get it to pass. Placing it in warm water to soak for 15-30 minutes daily can be a big help in some cases.
It could be a bend or the clog causing the stoppage, and the standard procedure is to tighten the setscrew then crank the snake clockwise while applying moderate pressure. That should get you past the bend easily without any pipe breaks. If it does not move, then you reached the clog.
The main difference between a toilet auger vs. snake is how they remove materials clogging a pipe. A snake is designed to pull out clogs. Augers are more for forcing through a blockage and breaking it up.
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.
For stubborn clogs, a toilet auger is invaluable. Wear gloves, insert the auger into the pipe, turn the handle to extend the arm and break up the blockage, slowly remove the auger and flush to check water clearance.
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.
When you think you've hit the 90-degree angle, rotate the handle clockwise at the lowest speed to help the snake navigate the 90-degree turn. If you can't get past the bend, run your tool in reverse or turn up the crank. This will force the head to bobble back and forth until it finds the right angle.
Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.
The plunger requires a tight seal with the area around the drain. Without that seal, plunging moves water around but does not generate the suction it relies upon for its clog-fighting power. If you have trouble getting a good seal, apply petroleum jelly to the edge of the plunger.
Pour in boiling water.
The high heat will help soften compacted paper and flush small pieces away. Repeat using smaller amounts of boiling water if needed. Do not lean over the toilet during this.