A snake is a plumbing tool used to break up and remove clogs in narrow pipes.The tricky curves of the toilet's lower plumbing are beyond the reach of conventional tools, thanks to the snake.It is important that you know how to properly dispose of the extracted materials, keep your workspace clean and protect your pipes, because snaking is easy and only requires one simple movement.
Step 1: Put the end of the snake in the bathroom.
Lower the metal end of the snake into the toilet bowl.Feed the snake into the drain.The curved hook at the end of the snake will help break up the debris in the pipes.If the plastic coating on the end of the snake is intact, it won't scratch the porcelain.Wrap it in duct tape if it is not.You shouldn't be able to see the cable if everything is wrong.
Step 2: The crank handle should be turned clockwise.
Start rotating the handle on the opposite end once the snake is in position.This will force the snake through the pipes.Plumbing snakes are made of metal and can bend and follow the pipes as they are unwound.If it doesn't turn, quarter turn the handle counterclockwise and try again.It's as simple as turning the crank a few times to remove a snake from a toilet.
Step 3: There's a problem with the pipes.
The snake may have encountered resistance if you notice it slowing down or coming to a stop.The shaft should be slightly touched to help loosen the pipes.The handle should be turned in a clockwise direction until the snake clears the pipe.Don't try to pull the snake's shaft out by force.Take it easy and let it wear down on its own.
Step 4: Pull out as much of the clog as you can break it up.
The handle of the snake should be turned in the opposite direction if you want to look at what it has collected.Don't try to force the clog deeper into the pipe.Continue this process until the pipe is completely free of obstructions.It can get so deep that you can no longer reach it if you push the problem further in.After each use, make sure to wash your snake.A garden hose can be used to rinse the snake off.After you add toilet bowl cleaner, you can leave the end of the snake in the toilet for a while.
Step 5: Put the floor around the toilet.
To protect the floor, place a couple of towels or a sheet of plastic on it.There is a chance that water may splash out of the toilet bowl as the snake works.The water will become dingy due to whatever is causing the problem.If you cover the floor, you won't have to deal with a second mess later on.If you use a towel, wash it immediately after you finish and wipe the floor beneath with a disinfecting solution.
Step 6: Gloves are worn.
Things are likely to get messy, so pull on a pair of rubber gloves to provide a barrier between your bare skin and the other end of the snake.If you don't keep your hands clean and protect them from germs in the toilets, you could end up getting sick.When you are done, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water.The end of the snake needs to be untangled by hand.Roll up your shirtsleeves as you work to get them out of the way.
Step 7: There is a trash bag or other receptacle ready.
You pulled out the obstruction that was blocking the pipe, but what do you do with it?If you want to avoid creating a new problem, have a trash bag or bucket on hand that you can put the icky gunk into.Drop the bag in the garbage or give the bucket a good rinse and carry on with your day.A grocery bag can be used as a means of disposal.Tie off the bag and throw it in the trash.
Step 8: The pipes should be flushed with toilet cleaner.
Once the job is done, it is a good idea to plunge the toilet a few times.Put some concentrated toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet and flush it.The chemicals in toilet cleaning solutions can be used to remove debris from the pipes.The latrine will be ready for use after it is cleaned.Don't use cleaners that are intended for toilets.Plumbing pipes can be eaten by regular drain cleaners.A homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar can be used to clear out your pipes after they've been snaked.Simply pour about a cup of baking soda into the bowl, add two cups of vinegar, and wait ten minutes and flush.
Step 9: Water-soluble items should only be put in the toilet.
Make sure that the toilet is where you want it to be.Human waste and toilet paper are the only things that can be flushed down the commode.If you want to get rid of paper towels, Kleenex tissues, makeup pads, condoms, cardboard, hair, or any other materials that aren't easily dissolved by flushing them, never do it.You will be setting yourself up for plumbing repairs later on.There are a lot of toys in households with small children.If you have kids, make sure they know that the bathroom is not a good place to play in.A garbage can with a lid next to the toilet is a good place to keep non-flushables.Chances are it isn't safe to flush down the toilet if you're not sure.
Step 10: Use less toilet paper.
A lot of plumbing problems are caused by excess toilet paper that gets stuck in the pipes before it can break down.If you know the amount of toilet paper you flush on a regular basis, you can use less of it.If you have more than one bathroom in your home, it is advisable to use a different one from time to time.If you think a single flush won't work, consider flushing twice.Be conservative.You don't need to use half a roll of paper every time you wipe.If you find yourself in trouble with toilet paper, consider using single ply.It breaks down much more quickly after being flushed.If you have a lot of toilet paper, hold half of it back and flush.Once it is done, flush again.
Step 11: Don't wait to identify the problem.
When you suspect that one might be building up, take note.If the water level in your toilet seems low, it may be a problem with the flow of water.If you have to break out the snake, you should use a plunger.Look for bubbles in the water and keep an ear out.These could be signs of obstruction.stubbornness should be reserved for snaking.Your first defense should belunging, cleaning and not putting anything in the toilet that doesn't belong.If you are careful, you will rarely find yourself in a situation that requires the use of an auger.
Step 12: The toilet and pipes should be kept clean.
Make sure you clean your potty at least once a month.Use chemicals that are specifically formulated for use in toilets and pay attention to any signs of a problem.Chemical cleaners can help melt down clumps of toilet paper that are stuck in the pipes.It will keep the place where you do your business pleasant.Cleaning your toilet's water jets will help knock out potential messes in the plumbing.