How to Use a Plumbing Snake on a Toilet

Sometimes plunging isn't enough to fix a clogged toilet, and a plumbing snake is needed to clear the clog. Plumbing snakes are long, metal cords with a special head on the end designed to break up any blockage in hard-to-reach pipes. They range from $30 to $60 in price, and can be purchased from home improvement and plumbing stores.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Plumbing snake
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Cover the floor surrounding the toilet with old towels to absorb any water from a back splash or overflow. Insert the head of the plumbing snake into the toilet.

2. Guide the end of the plumbing snake into the siphon (hole in the toilet bowl) and begin cranking the handle until you meet resistance. This is most likely the clog causing the blockage.

3. Twist the handle clockwise and then counterclockwise repeatedly. This will run the plumbing snake back and forth through the clog until it breaks it up completely. If the water level recedes, the clog has been fixed. If not, then slowly pull the plumbing snake back to the surface.

4. Rinse the head of the plumbing snake of any debris. Insert it back into the toilet and repeat the previous steps, cranking the snake until you encounter the blockage.

5. Work the handle clockwise, then counterclockwise to break up the clog until the water level finally recedes. If necessary, remove the snake, and rinse and repeat once again. For stubborn clogs, the steps may have to be repeated several times.

6. Remove the plumbing snake once the clog has been removed. Place the plunger in the toilet and press down and let up continually to remove any possible remnants from the pipes. Flush the toilet to ensure it is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• If the toilet is still clogged after using the plumbing snake, contact a professional plumber.

• Never attempt to remove any pipes on your own. This can cause a mess from backed-up water and may permanently damage the plumbing.