if so how? do i turn off the water? should i flush it? i have two toilets that have always been sensitive but it seems they are both backing up more frequently. does that mean its further down the line and i should just call a plumber? any advice to help save me money is appreciated, as i am totally ignorant of plumbing stuff and don't want to be taken advantage of.
2007-08-21 12:07:11 · 9 answers · asked by littlblueyes 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I would advise against using any chemicals in any plumbing. They are highly corrosive and caustic. They seldom work, meaning you wasted 10-20 bucks you could have spent on the plumber you end up having to call after the drano does nothing. As someone mentioned, you can get a closet auger for about the same money, and it will actually work (if the clog is in the s-trap). If it is in the branch line or main line, you will need a plumber.
GOOD LUCK :)
2007-08-22 06:07:29 · answer #1 · answered by Martin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to find out is is it the toilets, or the sewer line. Put some water in a sink or the bathtub, flush the toilets and release the sink/tub water. If the tub and sinks drain slowly then the problem is in the sewer line. If the tub drains ok, the problem is in the toilets. The toilets empty into a main sewer line (usually a 3" to 4" pipe. The tub/sink drains go to a 2" line and then empty into the 4" line very close to the toilets. If the problem is only in the toilets draino won't do anything. When you flush the water goes up thru a trap in the toilet and then falls into the sewer line. Toilets usually clog in the trap. Get a toilet auger: a 3' snake with a rubber cover over the first half next to the handle. The cover keeps you from scratching the toilet bowl. Slide the auger in and out of the toilet drain. It has a crank type handle to twist. If there is anything caught the trap it might pull out when you slide it in and out. Things get into the trap, especially if you have kids that use the toilets, that don't completely clog the toilet, but when you have waste or paper trying to go down it becomes caught. Pencils, small toys, q-tips, these items can get stuck in the top of the trap. If the problem is in the sewer line I would try two things. Get a gallon of a good liquid drain cleaner. If possible have someone pour the cleaner into an air vent on the roof. That way it arrives at a clog full strength. If thats not possible use the tub or sink drain. Follow instructions on the bottle. The other method a plumber would use is running a sewer snake through the line. Again this can be down through the air vents on the roof, or better if possible, use a cleanout. If none of this works I would call a plumber. Good luck
2007-08-21 19:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by larry l 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would never use drain cleaner in a toilet for the very simple reason that any splash back may burn the skin if you later use a plunger. If a plunger is not doing the trick check to make sure all the little holes under the rim of the toilet are open this is where the water comes into the bowl to affect the flush,if these are clogged you will not have enough pressure for ann effective flush. If this does not help unfortunately it is time to call a Plumber
2007-08-22 05:13:39 · answer #3 · answered by Eddie W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Drano make a Cleaner, This is not the opener most people know of. The cleaner is for slow drains not clogged. It is a green liquid that you would put in your drains at night before you go to bed, I think it is an enzyme that eats the grease and soap build up in your drains, Do Not call a plumber until you tried this first. Most hardware store carry it. ask for drain Cleaner and not Opener.
2007-08-21 12:37:00 · answer #4 · answered by mr.obvious 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it ok to pour drano down the drain. Done it many time. Gravity will force it into the pipes naturally. Let it sit for 20 minutes and use a plunger while you flush. Then call plumber.
2007-08-21 12:48:34 · answer #5 · answered by BABALOO 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Never use Drano. It is very hard on the plumbinb. It probably is further down the line.Call a plumber.
2007-08-21 12:14:54 · answer #6 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Drano is basically to remove soap and hair clogs in the p-trap of sinks. Its is not designed for toilets. Use a plunger or remove the toilet and snake-it
2007-08-21 12:25:34 · answer #7 · answered by William R 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Do Not pour ANY drain cleaner in a toilet!!! Call a plumber!!!
2007-08-21 12:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
that stuff doesn't work go to any hardware store and get a toilet auger a good one. 25 bucks? it will work for years
2007-08-21 16:43:09 · answer #9 · answered by tom k 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋