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Snaking Out A Backed Up Toilet
by Fred Linson
Many problem toilets can be cleared using a plunger, but occasionally you
can get a super clog. The only solution then is to break out the snake.
The majority of clogged toilets can be cleared by using the old pumping
action of a plunger. Every once in awhile, there is going to be a clog that
resists. The next step is to apply a snake or auger. The snake is a tightly
coiled piece of spring steel with an auger tip on one end and a cranking
handle on the other. There are two basic types. One is called a drain auger.
The other is a closet auger.
The closet auger is shorter and has a stiffer coil. It is actually designed for
use in the toilet. Many closet augers come with a protective, rubberized
collar over the insertion part of the tool. This prevents scratching of the
enamel of the toilet bowl when inserting it. The drain auger can come in
many different sizes and also can be powered. On some, the crank handle
can be attached to an electric drill to provide the turning power. Other
models, designed for the use of professional plumbers, are self powered
and can be quite expensive.
The coil of the snake is inserted into the mouth of the toilet drain. Slowly
insert the coil into the drain. It is important to move the grip of the snake as
close to the opening of the drain as possible. Continue to reposition the grip
as the coil moves deeper into the drain. Eventually, the tip should reach the
clog. When the clog can be felt or the coil will go in no further, you can begin
to turn the handle, rotating the coil.
The rotation of the coil causes the auger tip to chew into the clog. It is
usually necessary to move the auger tip back and forth during the part of
the operation. In some cases, the clog might be broken up. You will be able
to tell this because the tip will advance further into the drain. In other cases,
the clog might be snagged on the tip. In this case, it will be possible to pull
the clog back out of the drain. This is the preferred method. When the clog
is not removed, it may reform deeper in the drain clogging it again.
If you do manage to pull out the clog be prepared for a mess. A toilet clog is
not going to be the most pleasant thing. It is a good idea to prepare the
bathroom, and yourself, for this mess. Make sure there is an ample supply
of old towels and rags handy to protect the bathroom floor and to clean the
snake coil as it is withdrawn from the toilet. Snaking a toilet is not a job that
is done best in your best clothes either.
Fred Linson is with PlumbingStop.com - providing basic plumbing
information and more resources.
This article is provided by Amazines.com - The ULTIMATE Article Database
by Fred Linson
Many problem toilets can be cleared using a plunger, but occasionally you
can get a super clog. The only solution then is to break out the snake.
The majority of clogged toilets can be cleared by using the old pumping
action of a plunger. Every once in awhile, there is going to be a clog that
resists. The next step is to apply a snake or auger. The snake is a tightly
coiled piece of spring steel with an auger tip on one end and a cranking
handle on the other. There are two basic types. One is called a drain auger.
The other is a closet auger.
The closet auger is shorter and has a stiffer coil. It is actually designed for
use in the toilet. Many closet augers come with a protective, rubberized
collar over the insertion part of the tool. This prevents scratching of the
enamel of the toilet bowl when inserting it. The drain auger can come in
many different sizes and also can be powered. On some, the crank handle
can be attached to an electric drill to provide the turning power. Other
models, designed for the use of professional plumbers, are self powered
and can be quite expensive.
The coil of the snake is inserted into the mouth of the toilet drain. Slowly
insert the coil into the drain. It is important to move the grip of the snake as
close to the opening of the drain as possible. Continue to reposition the grip
as the coil moves deeper into the drain. Eventually, the tip should reach the
clog. When the clog can be felt or the coil will go in no further, you can begin
to turn the handle, rotating the coil.
The rotation of the coil causes the auger tip to chew into the clog. It is
usually necessary to move the auger tip back and forth during the part of
the operation. In some cases, the clog might be broken up. You will be able
to tell this because the tip will advance further into the drain. In other cases,
the clog might be snagged on the tip. In this case, it will be possible to pull
the clog back out of the drain. This is the preferred method. When the clog
is not removed, it may reform deeper in the drain clogging it again.
If you do manage to pull out the clog be prepared for a mess. A toilet clog is
not going to be the most pleasant thing. It is a good idea to prepare the
bathroom, and yourself, for this mess. Make sure there is an ample supply
of old towels and rags handy to protect the bathroom floor and to clean the
snake coil as it is withdrawn from the toilet. Snaking a toilet is not a job that
is done best in your best clothes either.
Fred Linson is with PlumbingStop.com - providing basic plumbing
information and more resources.
This article is provided by Amazines.com - The ULTIMATE Article Database
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