A plumbing snake is a useful tool for unclogging a toilet. There are other alternatives, such as a wire hanger or a plumbing auger. Regardless of what method you use, it is vital to use the correct equipment and follow proper directions. To use a snake properly, follow the steps below.
Unclogging a toilet with a snake
To unclog a toilet with a snake, you need to first remove any debris that’s blocking the drain. Once you’ve done this, you can use a drain cleaner. Add the solution to the bowl and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. After that, you can pour hot water with a solution of vinegar or dish soap into the bowl. Then, turn the crank a few times. If you’re not able to turn the snake because of the clog, you can try jiggling it.
Alternatively, you can use a coat hanger to clear the drain. The metal wire is thin, but sturdy enough to clear the drain. Once you have it unwound, you can bend the wire into a hook. This will ensure that the wire doesn’t damage the drain.
Toilet clogs can be a hassle and can occur at any time. However, many people don’t want to call a plumber every time they have a clog. Luckily, there are several ways to unclog a toilet without a plumber.
Using a snake should be used only when all other methods have failed. Instead of trying to remove the clog by hand, you should hire a professional plumber. These plumbers have the equipment and know-how to handle clogs without causing any damage to the system.
Using a plumbing auger
If you’ve tried using a regular snake to clear a clog from your toilet but still aren’t having any luck, consider using a plumbing auger instead. A plumbing auger is essentially a long cable wire that you feed down the toilet drain. You then turn a handle to force the wire down until it breaks through the clog. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber to help you.
Before beginning, make sure that you’re wearing rubber gloves and place a large bucket near the toilet. Next, insert the auger into the toilet drain, making sure to leave about four to six inches between the cable and the handle. Carefully guide the auger down the drain, keeping in mind the direction of the clog. Once it reaches the back of the toilet, feel for resistance. Once the clog has been broken up, turn off the auger and flush the toilet.
While using the snake, make sure to keep the snake handle as close to the drain pipe as possible. The less slack the snake has, the better. As you move the snake head up and down, you’ll notice resistance, which means there’s a clog in the pipe. Once the snake has been able to pass the clog, uncoil it fully.
While the plumbing auger is generally used for larger plumbing pipes, it is also effective for smaller drains. This tool is usually powered by a hand crank and features a rubber shield to protect the toilet and drain from damage. It’s a great choice for bathroom and kitchen sink drains, and it can even be used for external plumbing.
Using a wire hanger
A wire coat hanger works well as a substitute for a toilet snake. You can find one in your closet or supply closet. To use this tool, unspool the wire hanger and remove the hook. You can also use an old rag to cover the end to avoid scratching your toilet’s porcelain.
If you do not have a wire hanger, you can also use a hot bath water to dislodge a clog. You should leave the water in the toilet for at least five minutes. Afterward, use a wire coat hanger to push the obstruction out. Ideally, the clog will flow with the water down the drain.
If you are unable to snake the toilet drain using a wire hanger, you can also use a plumbing snake. However, this method can damage the toilet bowl’s porcelain. Therefore, it is recommended to contact a professional drain cleaning company instead. Once you have successfully cleared the blockage, it is important to prevent any further blockages in the future.
When using a wire hanger to snake a bathroom drain, make sure that you use gloves while using this method. To prevent injury, you should put on rubber gloves before using this method. Once you have reached the drain, you need to push the wire hanger into the drain and twist it as it moves. You should be able to push the wire hanger through the obstruction without too much resistance. If the clog is very hard to remove, you can also use enzyme waste removal tools that are available in most grocery stores.
