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How to Snake a Toilet Like a Pro (YouTube Taught Me This!)

So, you’re staring down the porcelain bowl, the water level stubbornly high, and a sinking feeling in your stomach? Don’t panic. You’re about to learn how to snake a toilet, and I promise, it’s not as daunting as it seems. YouTube, bless its endless stream of DIY wisdom, is actually a fantastic resource for this. Here’s the breakdown:

How to Snake a Toilet (YouTube Style):

Preparation is Key: Before you even think about plunging, gather your supplies. You’ll need a toilet auger (also known as a toilet snake), rubber gloves, a bucket, old towels or rags, and potentially safety glasses (splashes happen!). Put on the gloves – trust me.
Assess the Situation: What do you suspect is causing the blockage? Is it a small item, like a toy or excessive toilet paper, or something larger? This helps you determine if snaking is even the right approach. For seriously stubborn clogs or suspected plumbing issues further down the line, calling a plumber is always the wisest decision.
Protect Your Porcelain: Lay down the towels or rags around the base of the toilet. This will prevent scratches and make cleanup easier.
Insert the Auger: Carefully insert the toilet auger into the toilet bowl opening. The goal is to guide it down the drain opening. Avoid forcing it.
Crank and Conquer: Once the auger is in place, start cranking the handle. As you crank, gently push the snake further down the drain. The auger’s flexible shaft will navigate the bends of the toilet trap.
Feel the Resistance: When you encounter resistance, that’s likely the clog. Continue cranking and applying gentle pressure. The auger’s head is designed to break up or grab onto the obstruction.
Retrieve the Offender: Once you feel the clog has been broken up or hooked, carefully retract the auger. Pull it out slowly and steadily, being mindful of any water or debris that comes along with it.
Inspect the Auger: Examine the head of the auger to see what you retrieved. This will give you a clue as to what caused the clog in the first place. Dispose of the retrieved material properly – don’t just flush it back down!
The Flush Test: Now for the moment of truth. Flush the toilet to see if the clog is gone. If the water flows freely, congratulations! You’ve successfully snaked your toilet. If it still doesn’t drain properly, repeat the process or consider calling a plumber.
Clean Up: Clean the toilet bowl, the auger (thoroughly!), and the surrounding area. Wash your hands thoroughly.

FAQs: Mastering the Toilet Snake

Alright, now let’s dive into some common questions to elevate your toilet-snaking skills from novice to near-pro.

What if the Auger Won’t Go Down?

Check for Obstructions: Make sure there isn’t something already stuck in the toilet bowl that’s preventing the auger from entering the drain opening.
Lubricate the Auger: Try applying a small amount of dish soap to the auger’s cable to help it slide more easily.
Gentle Wiggling: Gently wiggle the auger back and forth as you push it down. This can help it navigate tight bends.
Avoid Forcing It: Never force the auger. This can damage the toilet or the auger. If it’s truly stuck, consider a different approach or call a plumber.

How Do I Choose the Right Toilet Auger?

Type Matters: There are two main types: closet augers (the standard toilet snake) and drain snakes. Make sure you’re using a closet auger specifically designed for toilets. Using a drain snake can scratch or damage the porcelain.
Cable Length: Consider the length of the cable. A longer cable can reach deeper into the drain, but it can also be more difficult to maneuver.
Head Design: Look for an auger with a head that’s designed to both break up clogs and retrieve objects.

Can I Use a Wire Hanger Instead of a Toilet Auger?

Absolutely Not! While tempting, using a wire hanger is a terrible idea. It can easily scratch the porcelain of your toilet bowl and is not flexible enough to navigate the bends in the drainpipe. You’re more likely to damage your toilet than fix the clog.

What if I Retrieve Something Unexpected?

Identification is Key: Try to identify what you pulled out of the toilet. This will help you understand why the toilet clogged and prevent it from happening again. Common culprits include toys, feminine hygiene products, and excessive amounts of toilet paper.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of the retrieved object properly. Don’t flush it back down the toilet!

How Do I Clean a Toilet Auger?

Rinse Thoroughly: After each use, rinse the auger thoroughly with water.
Disinfect: Disinfect the auger with a disinfectant cleaner to kill any bacteria.
Dry Completely: Allow the auger to dry completely before storing it. This will prevent rust and corrosion.
Lubricate: Lightly lubricate the cable with a rust preventative spray or oil.

When Should I Call a Plumber?

Persistent Clogs: If you’ve tried snaking the toilet multiple times and it’s still clogged, it’s time to call a plumber.
Suspected Pipe Damage: If you suspect there’s damage to the drainpipe, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Call a plumber immediately.
Sewage Backup: If you experience sewage backup in your toilet or other drains, this is a serious issue that requires professional attention.
If You’re Uncomfortable: If you’re uncomfortable working with plumbing, don’t hesitate to call a plumber. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?

Use with Extreme Caution: Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh and corrosive. They can damage your pipes and are harmful to the environment. Use them as a last resort and follow the instructions carefully.
Consider Alternatives: Before using chemical drain cleaners, try using a plunger or a toilet auger. These methods are safer and often more effective.

How Can I Prevent Toilet Clogs?

Be Mindful of What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, and other items that can clog the toilet.
Use Less Toilet Paper: Excessive amounts of toilet paper can also cause clogs. Use only what you need.
Flush Twice if Necessary: If you’ve used a lot of toilet paper, flush twice to ensure that everything goes down smoothly.
Regular Plunging: Plunge your toilet regularly, even if it’s not clogged, to help prevent buildup.

My Toilet Keeps Clogging – Is There a Bigger Problem?

Ventilation Issues: Sometimes, inadequate venting in your plumbing system can cause toilets to clog frequently. A plumber can assess your ventilation system.
Old or Damaged Pipes: Older pipes can corrode or develop mineral buildup, reducing the diameter of the pipe and making clogs more likely.
Sewer Line Issues: In rare cases, the problem could be in the main sewer line. A plumber can use a camera to inspect the sewer line for blockages or damage.

What if I Drop Something Valuable Down the Toilet?

Immediate Action: Act quickly! Turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent the item from being flushed further down the drain.
Use Gloves: Put on gloves and reach into the toilet bowl to try to retrieve the item.
Consider Disassembly: If you can’t reach the item, you may need to disassemble the toilet to retrieve it. This is best left to a plumber if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

How Often Should I Snake My Toilet?

As Needed: You only need to snake your toilet when it’s clogged. There’s no need to do it on a regular basis.
Prevention is Key: Focus on preventing clogs in the first place by being mindful of what you flush and by plunging regularly.

Where Can I Buy a Good Toilet Auger?

Hardware Stores: Your local hardware store is a great place to buy a toilet auger.
Home Improvement Stores: Big-box home improvement stores also carry a wide selection of toilet augers.
Online Retailers: You can also buy toilet augers online from retailers. Just make sure to read reviews before you buy.

So there you have it! With a little patience and the right tools, you can confidently snake your toilet and avoid the costly expense of calling a plumber for every minor clog. Remember to prioritize safety, be gentle with your porcelain throne, and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals when things get too complex. Now go forth and conquer those clogs!