Can a toilet auger make it worse?

Can a toilet auger make it worse?

These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.

How does a drain auger work?

Plumber’s snakes work by entering the drain directly to physically contact and then clear away the obstruction causing the clog. You manually insert the auger head into the drain and then begin uncoiling it by rotating the handle.

What is the difference between a drain auger and a toilet auger?

If you’ve got a clogged toilet, opt for a toilet auger. They’re specifically designed to handle tough clogs in plumbing. You should only use a drain snake if an auger just isn’t an option. But if you’ve got a sink or bathtub clog, put the auger away.

What happens if a toilet auger doesn’t work?

If your auger isn’t unclogging a clog, it could be because: The old clog is still attached. Are you using a drain snake that has been used before? Make sure the old clog isn’t embedded in the corkscrew end.

Can snaking a drain damage pipes?

Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.

What if snaking a drain doesn’t work?

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, for example. A drain snake (also known as an auger) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner. But a broken or faulty auger can be extremely frustrating.

Is it safe to use a toilet auger?

Safety Considerations Any drain tool can pick up bacteria from drain pipes, and this is especially true of any tool used in a toilet drain. Make sure to wear gloves when using a toilet auger, and rinse off the tool when you are finished using it.

How do you use an electric toilet auger?

To use a cable auger, take the following steps:

  1. Align the end of the snake into the drain and push it inside.
  2. Keep turning the handle until you feel that the snake has reached an obstruction.
  3. Keep on rotating the snake so it breaks the blockage apart.

Why does my toilet keep clogging?

Below are the most common reasons a toilet keeps clogging: Toilet is an older low flow model. Too much toilet tissue is flushed. Non-flushable items are flushed.

Can I snake my own 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. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl.

Will a toilet eventually unclog itself?

A clogged toilet will typically unclog itself over time. Most things that clog a toilet are water-soluble which means they will eventually dissolve in the toilet water. When the clog is given enough time to break down, the pressure of a flush should be enough to clear the pipes.