Can you snake a toilet?

To clear a clog in your toilet without a plunger, or if plunging hasn't worked, a toilet snake can help you return to a functioning flush (sigh of relief). To get started, put on a pair of rubber gloves and make sure you've located the water supply in case you need to quickly restrict the water flow.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bungalow.com


Can you damage a toilet by snaking it?

Damaged Porcelain — The metal tip of the plumber's snake can easily scratch the porcelain of your sinks or toilets if you're not careful. This won't just affect the appearance of the toilet or sink, but it could cause your porcelain to degrade faster.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fordsplumbingandheating.com


Can you put a drain snake down a toilet?

Although technically you can use a regular snake (instead of a toilet snake) to unclog a toilet you really should not. The reason being that a regular snake can damage the porcelain of your toilet bowl. A toilet snake (aka toilet auger) is specifically designed to be used on toilets and will not cause any damage.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on atlantisplumbing.com


What is the best way to unblock a toilet?

The best way is to pour some bleach and washing liquid into the toilet bowl and swirl the plunger for a few minutes in the mixture. Then rinse it by flushing the toilet twice. This will also help move the blockage forward.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my-plumber.co.uk


How much is it to snake a toilet?

Most plumbers will charge a flat rate for a drain snake, which will likely average between $75 and $500. When it comes to simpler clogs, expect to pay no more than $150, while more extensive blockages that require dismantling the toilet's plumbing could cost between $150 and $500.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on forbes.com


Don't Use Drain Snake in Toilet. Best Way to Unclog Toilet Bowl



What can I use instead of a toilet snake?

Baking soda and vinegar
  • Make sure the toilet bowl is half-filled with water. ...
  • Add 1 cup of baking soda to the bowl.
  • Slowly pour in 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider) and the solution will begin to fizz.
  • Let sit for 20 minutes, then flush down the toilet..
  • Check that the toilet is once again draining normally.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bungalow.com


How do you unblock a toilet when the plunger doesn't work?

If a plunger or plumbing snake doesn't work, water and soap might do the trick. Boil a gallon of water and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. As you wait, pour a cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl. You can then pour the water slowly into the bowl — leave it for about 20 minutes before flushing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tubshroom.com


Will a blocked toilet eventually unblock?

When a toilet has a clog made of water-soluble materials, it has a chance of slowly dissolving in the water and freeing up the toilet to work properly again. So, clogs that are primarily made of toilet paper can clear themselves.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on plumbingsolved.com


Why is my toilet still clogged after snaking?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on punctualplumberdallas.com


Why is my snake not unclogging my toilet?

You must make sure that the thumbscrew that secures the cable inside the drum or handle is securely tightened. If it is not, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. Rotation is the action that causes the drain snake to pick up the debris; pushing into the clog will not clear it.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thespruce.com


Is it better to use a plunger or snake for toilet?

A snake is safer to use on tough clogs than a plunger, which can apply too much pressure on the wax ring at the base of the toilet, causing it to break—and it's also gentler than a liquid dissolving solution, which can corrode your pipes.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thisoldhouse.com


Can snakes slither up toilets?

Is it an urban legend, a joke, or a valid concern? According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too. However, this is not a very common occurrence, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on angi.com


Can a snake make a clog worse?

More Clogs

Surprisingly, snaking your main line can potentially make the clog worse. The snake could pack the clog in even tighter, meaning your plumber may have to remove that section of the pipe.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on monkeywrenchplumbers.com


How do you snake a toilet by yourself?

How to Snake a Toilet
  1. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl.
  2. Crank the handle clockwise and push the auger until you either snag the obstruction or break it up so it can be flushed.
  3. If you snag the obstruction, pull out the auger.
  4. Clean the auger as needed.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homedepot.com


How do you unclog a toilet without calling a plumber?

Baking Soda & Vinegar

The combination of baking soda and vinegar is an excellent way to dissolve clogs. For toilet clogs especially, add one cup of baking soda to the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, slowly pour in two cups of vinegar. Let the mixture sit again for an hour, then flush down the toilet.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cacciaplumbing.com


How do you unclog a toilet with Dawn?

Pour a half cup of dish detergent (degreasing dish detergent like Dawn works best) into the clogged toilet. Follow this with three to four cups of boiling water. The boiling water and degreasers will break up the clog, sending it right through.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on erplumbing.com


What happens if snaking a toilet 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yourguyplumbing.ca


Can you unclog a toilet by repeatedly flushing it?

If your toilet is clogged, don't flush it repeatedly. The toilet bowl can't hold much more than a tank full, so it's likely to overflow it you flush it more than once. Rather, try unclogging the toilet by plunging, lubricating or snaking.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on home.howstuffworks.com


How do plumbers unclog toilet pipes?

Using Toilet Auger:

In case the matter is more serious plungers do not work anymore and at this point of time plumbers come up with a much stronger instrument known as the toilet auger or toilet snake. This is a cable-like tool that plumbers twist in deep into the toilet to the clog.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thearchitectsdiary.com


How long should you let a clogged toilet sit?

Wait about 10-15 minutes before trying to unclog the toilet, as some water might drain on its own.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mathewsplumbing.net


Can you put Drano in a toilet?

You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drano.com


What chemical do plumbers use to unclog toilets?

Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ljmplumbing.com.au


What acid do plumbers use to unclog toilet?

Among the most common ingredients in anti-clog solutions is the Hydrochloric acid (HCI). Also known as muriatic acid, this power chemical is highly effective in dissolving any buildup in the pipes.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on blockeddrainplumbers.com
Previous question
What is the best batting position?