Homeowner Emergencies – Plumbing Problems
Clearing a Clogged Toilet
Method #1: Plunger
You can generally clear a clogged toilet with a plunger. Make sure that there’s enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the rubber suction cup, then work the handle of the plunger up and down. If there isn’t enough water in the bowl, do not flush the toilet; flushing a clogged toilet will just cause the bowl to overflow. Instead, bring a pan or pot of water from another source to supply the water you need to cover the plunger cup.
Usually, whatever is blocking the toilet drain is not very far away. If the plunger’s action doesn’t dislodge the clog, you may need a toilet snake.
Method #2: Snake (aka Auger)
The snake has a long sleeve or tube to guide the snake and auger hook into the trap. A crank on the end enables you to turn the hook in the drain or trap.
Step 1: Insert the snake into the toilet trap and turn the crank until it feels tight. This means that the snake has twisted its way to and into the blockage.
Step 2: When you pull in the snake, you should be able to remove whatever is clogging the toilet. If you aren’t successful, try the snake several more times.
Clearing a Clogged Drain
Method #1: Plunger
Fill the clogged basin with enough water to cover the head of the plunger. Slide the plunger's cup over drain opening, then rapidly pump the plunger up and down. You should feel water move in and out of the drain. It is this back-and-forth water pressure that can eventually build up enough force to dislodge whatever is blocking the drain. After about a dozen firm strikes, jerk the plunger up quickly. Water should rush out. If it doesn't, try the same procedure two or three more times before attempting another method.
Method #2: Drain Chemicals or Snake (aka Auger)
If the plunger doesn't remove the clog, consider using a chemical drain opener. For a drain that's completely blocked, however, it's best not to use chemicals, as they contain caustic agents that can actually harm some fixtures. Instead, use drain-and-trap auger or “snake.”
Step 1: Remove pop-up stopper or strainer from clogged drain and insert snake wire into opening.
Step 2: As you feed flexible wire in, crank handle of device, loosening and then tightening thumbscrew on handle as you advance wire. If wire encounters something, move it back and forth while you turn snake handle.
Step 3: Continue to turn handle while slowly withdrawing snake.
