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.


What do plumbers use to unclog a toilet?

To unclog toilets that couldn't be fixed with a plunger, use a toilet auger. Also called a plumbing snake, this flexible coil of wire is designed to extend into pipes and clear obstructions without damaging the plumbing.

How do you unblock a badly clogged toilet?

Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

First remove half the water from the toilet bowl. Next, pour one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar down the toilet. It will bubble quite frantically, but do not panic, this is normal. Leave it to sit for around 20 minutes before trying a flush.


When should I call a plumber for a clogged toilet?

If your plunger can't break up the clog, it's unlikely that baking soda and dish soap are going to work. If, after five or so minutes, the plunger isn't working, it's time to call a plumber.

Should I flush the toilet again if it's clogged?

You should never flush a clogged toilet more than once. Instead, take the lid off the back of the toilet and close the flapper. This will prevent any more water from running into the toilet bowl while you're working.


blocked toilet drain pipe / drain cleaning machine



Should you keep flushing a clogged toilet?

The most important thing you can do in this situation is don't flush a second time. Forcing the toilet to flush again releases gallons of water into the toilet bowl and will cause an overflow. A second flush will only create another disaster, in addition your current problem. Remember: don't flush again!

Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?

Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.

How do you unclog 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.


Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.

How do you know if your main line is clogged?

Here are a few signs that it's your main line that's clogged.
  1. Multiple slow-running drains. If more than one drain is running slow, it's probably not a coincidence, but an indication that one clog is causing issues for all of them. ...
  2. Water backing up into other drains. ...
  3. Gurgling sounds. ...
  4. Sewage odors coming from the drains.


Can I put Drano in toilet?

For preventive drain cleaning, you can use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover in drains, toilets and even septic systems. Apply Drano® Max Build-Up Remover overnight or before you go to work, then wait 6 to 8 hours before running warm (not hot) water down treated drains or flushing treated toilets.


Why put dish soap in toilet overnight?

It's pretty simple — just like they do on food particles that are stuck to your dishes in the sink, the combination of hot water and dish soap help to dissolve and break up whatever it may be that is lodged in the toilet, causing a clog. This handy tip is great should you find yourself in a pinch.

Does dawn unclog toilet?

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.

Will hot water unclog a toilet?

When the water is extremely hot, but not boiling, pour into the toilet carefully. Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely.


Why put a dishwasher tablet in your toilet?

Dishwasher tablets are meant to dissolve hard water stains, so they're the perfect solution for cleaning toilets. Besides cleaning dishes and toilet bowls, you can use dishwasher tablets for a few more cleaning projects around the house.

Why can't you use liquid plumber in the toilet?

This cleaning fluid is a corrosive substance, which can disintegrate clogs rather than push them. Liquid drain products don't just dissolve clogs, but they also dissolve metal pipes, fixtures, and even clothing. Due to the strong chemicals present, it can weaken pipes and damage fixtures.

How much does it cost to unclog a main pipe?

Removing a tough blockage from a sewer line costs the average American homeowner anywhere from $100 to $900 dollars. The average cost to hydro jet a clogged sewer line is $350 to $600. If the problem is severe, the cost of hydro jetting could be $1,000 or higher.


How much does it cost to unclog main pipe?

Snaking a main line—also known as rodding or augering—costs between $100 to $250, but can leave residue or smaller debris. Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure hose for major clogs and more extensively clears out the pipe. This service runs a bit higher at $350 to $600.

How do you clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

High Water Pressure with Baking Soda and Vinegar

To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.

What is the best chemical to unclog a sewer line?

Experts agree: Drano Max Gel is the best overall drain cleaner because it works quickly to get rid of tough clogs. This reliable and effective cleaner is a thick gel that goes deep in sinks, pipes, and drains to reach the source of the clog and completely dissolve it.


What chemical can unclog a main sewer line?

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Water Pressure

Mix baking soda and vinegar in the ratio of 1:2 and add the mixture in 60 gallons of water. Use the plunger or drain snake as you pour the water into the drain. If you are wondering how to unclog main sewer line, the pressure of the water will dislodge the debris easily.

What happens when your main sewer line is clogged?

All of these lines lead to the main sewer line. This huge pipe sends all the waste from your home right to your sewer or septic system. When it gets clogged, drains all over your home are unable to work — and you could even end up with water backing up out of your fixtures, leaky pipes and other problems.

How long does it take for a plumber to unclog a pipe?

The process of pumping water through the drains (at around 20 gallons per minute) takes around an hour to complete, and after the dirt debris, roots, hair, oil, and other waste is thoroughly flushed out of the system, the technician does a final sewer camera inspection within an hour.


Can you use a snake in 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.

Is Hydro jetting better than snaking?

Snaking and hydro jetting both clear basic clogs and improve drainage speeds. However, hydro jetting is a more powerful and versatile method for sewer cleaning. Hydro jetting not only removes clogs but also reduces the natural build-up of grease and minerals lining the interior of any sewer line.