How To Fix A Clogged Toilet Drain

by Grace Motley

There are little things more frustrating than having a clogged toilet drain. Whether you have tried using a plunger and it isn't working, or you are looking to see what your options are, the following can help you get that pesky drain cleared.

Use a Plunger

When you are dealing with a clogged toilet drain, you should always start by using a plunger. The plunger is going to force water down the toilet, hopefully dislodging whatever might be stuck. Always use a gentle plunge for the first one, as this is going to gently blow out the air trapped in the bell of a plunger. If you use a hard thrust first, it might cause water to get everywhere.

After the first plunge, continue plunging the toilet drain in and out several times. If you have done this a dozen times or more with no luck, the plunger is probably not going to work. You may also want to wait a few seconds after every few plunges to see if the water has begun going down. Keep in mind if there is only a small amount of water in the toilet, the plunger is not going to work.

Use a Plumbing Snake

The next thing to try for clearing the clogged toilet drain is by using a plumbing snake. You can get affordable snakes at your local home improvement store. There are many types of snakes, but for a simple clog, all you need is a basic corkscrew snake. There are also electric-powered ones that use an electric drill for more serious clogs.

To use the snake, insert the screw end into the toilet drain and keep pushing it into the drain until you feel it stop. This is usually when the snake has reached the clog. Now that the snake has reached the clog, turn it slightly in a clockwise direction, allowing the screw to enter the clog. Continue turning the snake, while you pull it out. This will hopefully catch onto the plug and pull it out of the drain.

Call a Professional

If the plunger and snake are not working to remove the clog, it is time to call a professional plumber like Biard & Crockett Plumbing. They will be able to use their high-powered tools and equipment to remove the clog. This may include going through the toilet, or heading outdoors and accessing the drain that way.

It is important that you only use tools designated for toilets. Never try to stick a wire hanger or other device down the drain to attempt to pull up the clog. You should also not try chemicals for a toilet drain that is clogged.

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