Working on the plumbing in your house is often thankless and stinky work. If there’s a clog in your drains or plumbing fixtures, it’s not only annoying and inconvenient, but it can also become a health hazard if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several ways to unclog drains or open up a plugged toilet without having to resort to a plumber. If you suspect or are aware of a clog in your home’s plumbing system, it’s important to look for signs of a clogged drains or toilet before it gets out of hand. The smell of sewage or the sound of gushing water from a clogged toilet or sink can be a sign of a more serious issue if ignored too long. The cost of hiring a plumber can add up quickly if you don't catch and clear your own clog before it becomes a serious issue. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods you can try before reaching for the phone and calling a plumber. The most common issue with drains is a build-up of hair and other organic materials like paper towels or diapers. When this happens, a simple plumbing snake like the one shown below can help clear out clogged drains without having to dig up your yard to dig the clog out. There are several different types of plumbing snakes available for purchase, so it’s important to select the right one for your particular clogged drain. The two most common types of plumbing snakes are the rotating snake and the flexible snake. The rotating snake is the most common tool used to clear out clogged drains and is often recommended for average households. The flexible snake is often used in commercial buildings, but can also be used to clear out a clogged home drain if the clog is not particularly large. Keep reading to learn more about how to use a plumbing snake to clear out a clogged drains.

Rotating Snake

A rotating snake is a type of plumbing tool that uses rotating metal blades to break apart and loosen a clogged drain, pipe, or toilet. The rotating blade on the plumbing snake works to break up the clog and push it down the drain. This kind of tool works best when the clog is located in a long, straight pipe, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom toilet.Rotating snakes are available in two different types: standard and extended reach. The standard rotating snake has a retractable shaft that extends to about 15 inches. The extended reach rotating snake has a shaft that extends up to about 25 inches. The extended reach rotating snake may be helpful for clearing a clog in a long, curving pipe, such as a bathtub. Rotating snakes are commonly used to clear kitchen sinks, a main bathroom toilet, and laundry tub drains. They are also useful for cleaning out floor drains and other long pipe networks.

Rotating Snake Tips

Rotating snakes have rotating metal blades that use pressure from water traveling through the pipe to break up the clog.Rotating snakes can often be used to clear a clogged toilet as well as a kitchen sink drain. To use a rotating snake to clear a clogged sink, simply attach it to the faucet with the blade facing down towards the sink. Rotate the blade in a counterclockwise direction to break apart the clog and push it down the drain. Rotating snakes are often the best tool for clearing a clogged toilet, and can be used in combination with plunging the toilet to break open the clogged toilet bowl.Rotating snakes can be a bit more complicated to use than other types of plumbing tools, but they are often the best option for clearing a clogged sink or toilet. To use a rotating snake to clear a clogged toilet, place the blade of the rotating snake on top of the bowl. The water flowing through the toilet will rotate the blade and break apart the clog, allowing it to be flushed down the toilet.

Rotating Snake Accessories

Rotating snakes need to be kept clean to avoid damaging pipes or other plumbing fixtures. It’s recommended to use a pipe brush to scrub the inside of the rotating snake. A pipe brush can help remove build-up inside the rotating snake that may cause it to stop rotating.Another important tool to use when using a rotating snake is a plug cutter. A plug cutter is used to break open the plug that’s sealing the opening to the clogged main sewage line. This allows the water in the line to flush out the clog and break it apart, allowing the clogged water to flow through the bowl and down the drain.

Flexible Snake

A flexible snake is a type of plumbing tool that uses a long, flexible rubber or mesh tube to break apart and loosen a clogged drain. The flexible tube is often connected to a long metal wand that allows the user to reach into the walls of the pipe and break apart a clog. Flexible snakes are often used to clear kitchen sinks, main bathroom toilet, and laundry tub drains. They are also useful for cleaning out floor drains and other long pipe networks.A flexible snake is best used to clear a clogged kitchen sink or bathroom toilet. To use a flexible snake to clear a clogged sink, attach the flexible tube to the faucet with a clamp or faucet adapter. Place the end of the flexible tube onto the clog and turn the faucet on to allow the water to flow through the tube and break apart the clog. A flexible snake is also helpful for clearing drains that have been backed up due to a clog or ice.

Check for Clogged Drains and Toilet Brush Your Sewers With a Snake

If you suspect that you have a clogged toilet, it’s important to first turn off the main water supply to the toilet before attempting to clear the clog. This will prevent the water from flowing out the toilet bowl and into the pipes and flooding your home.Before attempting to clear the clog, it’s also important to turn off the water to the entire home for at least 20 minutes. The water flowing through the pipes while the toilet is being flushed can help break apart the clog and push it down the toilet. It’s important to wait at least 20 minutes after turning off the water before attempting to clear a clogged toilet or sink. This will give the water enough time to flush out the water in the pipes and break apart the clog.

How to Open a Clogged Toilet with a Plunger

If you’re experiencing a clogged toilet, it’s best to try to clear the clog before plunging the toilet. Plunging the toilet can cause the clog to get pushed down the pipes and make a bigger mess. However, if plunging the toilet doesn’t help clear the clog, it’s best to leave the toilet unflushed until you can clear the clog.To clear a clogged toilet, first turn off the main water supply to the toilet. This will help prevent the water from flowing out the toilet bowl and into the pipes and flooding your home.Next, place