How To Snake a Toilet 

Sometimes, a clogged toilet needs more than just a plunger to fix. When you’re faced with stubborn blockage, knowing how to snake a toilet can save you time, money, and the hassle of calling a plumber. This guide will walk you through using a toilet snake to clear clogs and get your toilet back to normal.

What Is a Toilet Snake?

A toilet snake is a specialized plumbing tool designed to clear blockages in toilet drains. Sometimes known as a drain auger, this tool consists of a long, flexible cable with a coiled tip at one end and a handle with a crank at the other. The cable is typically sheathed in a protective rubber tube to prevent scratching the toilet bowl or pipes.

The snake extends the cable into the toilet drain, where it can either push through a clog or grab onto it for removal. As you crank the handle, the cable moves deeper into the drain, navigating bends and reaching obstructions that a plunger can’t access. This makes it an effective tool for dealing with more serious clogs.

When To Use a Toilet Snake vs. Other Unclogging Methods

A toilet snake is a mid-level solution to a clogged toilet. Generally, we recommend trying a plunger first. Here’s how to decide.

Plunger vs. Snake

A plunger is often the first tool people grab when they have a clogged toilet. They work by creating suction and pressure to dislodge clogs close to the bowl’s opening. Plungers are effective for minor blockages and should be your first approach.

However, if plunging doesn’t resolve the issue after several tries, reach for a snake. Toilet snakes can go deeper into the drain system and are better suited for breaking up or removing stubborn clogs that a plunger can’t budge. They’re also safer for your plumbing, as excessive plunging can sometimes damage the wax ring at the base of the toilet.

Chemical Cleaners vs. Snake

Chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy solution, but they have several drawbacks. These harsh products can corrode pipes over time, especially if used often. They’re also not always effective on solid obstructions and can be harmful to the environment.

A toilet snake, on the other hand, is a mechanical solution that doesn’t rely on chemicals. It’s safer for your plumbing system and can effectively remove solid objects that chemical cleaners can’t dissolve. Using a snake is a more targeted and environmentally friendly approach to unclogging your toilet.

Essential Tools and Materials for Snaking a Toilet

There are several types of toilet snakes, each good for different situations:

• Manual toilet auger: This is the most common type for home use. It’s hand-operated and typically 3–6 feet long.
• Electric auger: These tools are more powerful and often used by professionals for tougher clogs.
• Closet auger: This type is specifically designed for toilets, with a protective rubber coating to prevent scratches.
• Drum auger: For heavy-duty jobs, a drum auger is a longer snake stored in a drum that is useful for reaching deeper backups.

For most household clogs, a manual toilet auger is an affordable and effective tool. You can buy a basic model for less than $30 at most hardware stores.

Additional Supplies Needed

In addition to the snake itself, you’ll need these supplies:

• Rubber gloves
• Old towels or newspapers
• Bucket
• Disinfectant spray
• Plunger (as a backup)

Preparing To Snake Your Toilet

Safety always comes first. Here are a few precautions we recommend before snaking your toilet.

1. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and dirty water.
2. Ensure good ventilation in the bathroom.
3. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
4. Have a clear path to exit the bathroom quickly if needed.

Next, you’ll need to set up your workspace. Here’s how to do it:

1. Clear the area around the toilet of any items that might get in your way.
2. Lay old towels or newspapers on the floor around the toilet to catch any water that might splash out.
3. Place your bucket nearby to hold the debris you’ll remove.
4. Ensure the toilet snake’s rubber sleeve is fully extended to protect the porcelain.

Step-by-Step Guide To Snaking a Toilet

With your workspace prepared, you’re ready to begin unclogging your toilet. Here’s how.

Step 1: Insert the Snake

Position the snake’s head at the bottom of the toilet bowl, angling it towards the drain opening. Slowly feed the cable into the drain by turning the crank clockwise. Apply gentle pressure as you feed the snake, allowing it to follow the natural curve of the drain pipe.

Step 2: Maneuver Through the Drain

Continue cranking the snake, feeling for any resistance that might indicate the location of the clog. If you encounter a bend in the pipe, gently work the snake through it by alternating between pushing and cranking.

Be patient and avoid forcing the snake, which could damage your pipes.

Step 3: Dislodge the Clog

Once you feel resistance, you’ve likely reached the clog. Stop cranking, but maintain pressure.

Gently push and pull the snake and crank on and off. This action can break up the clog or hook onto it. If you feel the clog breaking up, continue cranking to push it through the pipe. For solid objects, try to hook them with the snake’s coiled tip so you can pull them out.

Step 4: Remove the Snake and Debris

Slowly retract the snake by turning the crank counterclockwise. As you pull the snake out, be prepared for debris to come with it. Have your bucket ready.

Clean any debris from the snake’s tip and dispose of it properly. Flush the toilet to check if the clog has been cleared. The water should drain quickly and completely.

If you’re dealing with a leaking toilet, tackle that issue after clearing the clog.

Troubleshooting Common Issues While Snaking

Even with careful technique, you might encounter some challenges while snaking your toilet.

Dealing with Stubborn Clogs

If the clog won’t budge after your first attempt, try these fixes:

• Try reinserting the snake and repeating the process, focusing on different angles.
• Consider using a longer or more powerful snake if available.
• Alternate between snaking and plunging to create more force.
• For extremely stubborn clogs, you may need to remove the toilet for better access.

Avoiding Damage To Your Toilet

To prevent damage while snaking, take these precautions:

• Always use a snake with a protective rubber sleeve.
• Don’t use excessive force when cranking or pushing the snake.
• If you feel significant resistance, stop and reassess, rather than pushing harder.
• Be cautious around the toilet’s curve, as it’s more susceptible to scratches.

After Snaking: Cleaning and Maintenance

Thorough cleaning and maintenance after snaking your toilet are vital for good hygiene and preventing future clogs.

Sanitizing Your Tools

1. Clean the snake thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
2. Disinfect the snake and any other tools used with a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant.
3. Allow all tools to dry completely before storing.
4. Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, and surrounding area.

Preventing Future Clogs

Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of future clogs:

• Avoid flushing nonbiodegradable items like wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products.
• Use toilet paper sparingly and consider switching to a more easily dissolvable brand.
• Consider installing a toilet paper holder that dispenses one sheet at a time to prevent overuse.

If you find yourself dealing with clogs often, it might be worth learning how to unclog a toilet without a plunger for those times when a snake isn’t immediately available.

When To Call a Professional Plumber For Snaking

While many toilet clogs can be resolved with DIY methods, some situations require professional help:

• If you’ve tried snaking multiple times without success
• When you suspect a problem deeper in your plumbing system
• If you hear gurgling sounds in other drains when flushing
• When there’s sewage backing up into your tub or shower
• If you notice foul odors coming from multiple drains

A professional plumber has specialized equipment and expertise to handle more complex plumbing issues safely and effectively.

Cost Considerations: DIY vs. Professional Snaking

Even if you need to buy a basic toilet snake, you can DIY the job for under $50 and less than an hour or so of work. However, professional services may be worth the investment for complex issues or if you’re uncomfortable performing the task yourself.

A professional plumbing service typically charges between $125 and $300 to unclog a toilet, according to Angi. If you need emergency service, though, you might pay double that. The job will typically take a plumber less than an hour.