I have a plugged toilet. It is clea now that the block is in the drain pipe somewhere. Could you give me any info on how the drain system is set up.
Someone has said that they snaked every vent in the house, what does that mean. What is the main drain pipe of the house, they say it is outside the house.
I am going to rent an electrical drain snake from home depo and try to snake the drain right under the toilet that is plugged, and that is the only toilet that is plugged.
Do I need to do anything else.
2006-11-14 04:09:37 · 7 answers · asked by demaissoneuve 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As a professional plumber I would not recommend trying this yourself....the snake you can rent from home depot is not easy to run and if you have never done it you could end up hurt.....if your house is old and you a snag in the pipe with that cable it could wrap itself around your arm.....trust me I've done on a number of occasions.....you have the right idea though about pulling the toilet.....since you said the toilet is now clear your blockage is in the sewer line.......please call a plumber.....depending on where you live this could cost you anywhere from 100 to 350.....if you pull the toilet yourself and set it back when the plumber is done you'll more than likely save money! good luck
2006-11-15 12:10:24 · answer #1 · answered by Tripping Billies 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Instead of getting a snake, there is another tool that is designed for unplugging toilets - it's called an auger and is flexible with a rounded end so as to not scratch the porcelein bowl of your toilet.
As far as the pipes, after it gets through the initial pipe, there is a main pipe - probably in your basement. If you go down, look for a big round pipe running from floor to ceiling. it will be somewhat close to the floor drain and probably very close to any sink that you have down there. That is the main drain.
If you believe that it is still plugged, try the auger - it will clear any plug and push it into the wider main drainpipe.
2006-11-14 04:41:11 · answer #2 · answered by meoorr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the problem with trying to snake through the toilet is the ubend in the back of the toilet is hard to get through. You may have to pull the toilet to be able to properly clean the line. If so, you will need a new wax ring and probably new flange screws for the toilet.
That's why a lot of the plumbing companies would go down through the vent lines (on your roof).
2006-11-14 07:12:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're good to go with your plan. However I would suggest pulling the toilet up from the floor. It will be easier to snake the drain and the snake won't get stuck in the toilet. You'll also be able to check the toilet for clogs as well.
2006-11-14 04:13:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck with the snake, I think you've got the right idea. I wouldnt think the blockage would be in a vent anyway. Just remember to wear gloves when using that snake. Not latex gloves, thick gloves so it doesnt pinch your hands. Be ready the snake can be a tricky process but it's pretty self explanitory.
2006-11-14 07:22:53 · answer #5 · answered by rdnkchic2003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have successfully used liquid plumber maximum strength gel in a stopped up toilet. Try that first....
2006-11-14 04:21:41 · answer #6 · answered by sassygirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try drain rods first, if that fails try the snake
2006-11-14 05:38:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋