How to Use a Toilet Auger Properly in 7 Easy Steps?

You would almost always depend on the good old plunger when your toilet needs unclogging. But what if it is not enough to dislodge the stubborn blockage down there?

Say hello to the toilet auger – another reliable tool specially designed for toilet clogging problems. This also goes by the name closet auger, plumbing or toilet snake, and others.

What’s more, using a dedicated auger for toilet clog provides your toilet with protection from possible scratches compared to using normal drain augers or snakes.

With the help of this guide, learn how to use a toilet auger properly to dislodge that clog quickly.

Step-by-Step to Use a Toilet Auger

What to prepare:

Step 1: Shut off water supply

The first thing to keep in mind while using a toilet auger is to prevent possible causes of overflow. Do this by turning off your toilet’s water valve before starting anything.

Step 2: Reduce toilet water level

Another step to prevent the possbility of overflowing is to reduce the amount of water the bowl holds. This step may be unsanitary, but it is a necessary one.

Put on some rubber gloves and scoop the toilet water out of the bowl and into a bucket.

You will also need to close the water valve to cut off water supply in the tank. After this, proceed to scoop out water from the toilet tank to avoid unwanted flushing into the bowl.

Step 3: Position the cable into the toilet opening properly

Make sure first that the auger cable is pulled all the way back such that it is close to the curved end. You may now safely insert the cable into the toilet’s opening.

This is what sets the toilet auger apart from other drain snakes: its head guard / sleeve will ensure that the porcelain will be free from scratch as you insert the auger cable.

You will know that you have inserted the auger properly when you no longer see the auger cable’s end; only the head guard / sleeve and the tube is left visible.

Step 4: Push the cable first

Start by twisting and pushing the cable down. Feeding the cable first lets you guide the auger cable through the toilet traps’ initial bends and angles.

Doing this will require putting in some effort. Because of this, it is inevitable to scratch the insides of the toilet trap.

This should be fine since this part of the toilet is not visible. What a toilet snake auger ensures you is a reduced risk of scratching the toilet surfaces, which are visible.

Step 5: Crank the handle

You may now start cranking the handle clockwise; still continuing the downward push. Alternate the rotation when you feel resistance; it could take a couple of motion switches to insert the entire cable.

To effectively use a drain auger on a toilet, you will need to exert considerable effort; but don’t use too much force as it will just get entangled.

Work the cable down gently and patiently. Eventually, the cable will be extended fully. Crank it a few more times to ensure it picks up or breaks down the accumulation.

Step 6: Retract when done

After the last rotations, crank and pull the cable backward to retrieve it. Start rotating counterclockwise and reverse the motion if necessary, all the while pulling it up.

As you retract the cable, it may have picked up small debris on the way in and out. But if it doesn’t have anything, it may mean that it broke down the blockage possibly.

Make sure that the cable’s end reaches the protective sleeve before carefully removing the auger from the toilet opening. With this, you now know how to use a toilet snake properly.

Step 7: Test for functionality

Finish up by checking if the toilet has been unclogged successfully. The toilet should flush normally when the clog has been cleared.

If it does, you may now switch on the water valve and flush again to confirm. When the water goes down, you have now successfully unclogged your toilet while using a toilet auger.

But, if upon flushing, the water level goes down slowly, or does not go down at all, then you will need to repeat the process and use an auger to unclog a toilet again.

Overall About a Toilet Auger

1. Definition

Known by its many names such as closet auger, plumbing snake, toilet snake, and others, the toilet auger is a type of drain snake designed specifically for unclogging a toilet.

An auger looks like a long cane with a crank handle on top; less bulky, but taller, compared to normal drain snakes who have bare metal coils/cables.

It is characterized by its head guard / rubber or plastic sleeve that ensures it would not scratch the toilet surface, unlike other normal snakes with bare cable.

2. Parts

The toilet auger has relatively simple parts:

3. Purpose

It is an efficient tool to break through the clog as it travels the pipes. It can either pick up or break down the accumulating debris.

The toilet auger can reach inside the toilet trap thanks to its flexible metal coil. It has a head guard that prevents the coil from scratching the toilet surface when feeding it inside the opening.

What is the Difference Between a Toilet Auger and a Toilet Plunger?

FAQs

Can an auger damage a toilet?

Toilet auger minimizes the risk of scratching the toilet’s porcelain surface. But it is still possible to damage the toilet, especially if the tool is not used properly.

Make sure that before inserting or removing the auger’s end into the toilet opening, the cable is pulled all the way up so it does not touch the surface of the bowl.

What happens if the toilet auger doesn’t work?

As you use an auger on a toilet, and if unfortunately it does not work, this could mean that the clog is severe and still intact in your drain, the cable screws are loose, or you may have the wrong type of drain snake.

Make sure that all screws are tight so that the cable can rotate properly. Also, it is recommended to use toilet auger as these are specifically designed for safe toilet clogging.

Lastly, if the clog is very severe, you may want to try other home remedies (hot water, baking soda + vinegar, dish soap, etc.) then try plunging or snaking the drain again.

Is it easy to use a toilet auger?

It is easy to learn to use a toilet auger properly. Once you are familiar with the key points discussed in the article, using an auger becomes as basic as plunging a toilet.

Take note of the following important points in using the auger properly:

Is a toilet auger better than a snake?

Toilet augers are generally better for toilets since they provide added protection while offering the same purpose. But drain snakes are more versatile since they can be used in other fixtures.

Identifying the better tool between toilet auger vs snake would depend on the user. For beginners and those who don’t want scratches on their toilets, the auger is for you.

But for those who are already experienced, the drain snake, or drum auger, can be a cost-efficient tool since it can also be used to unclog sinks as well as bathtub and shower drains.

To use a drum auger on a toilet without scratching the porcelain is undoubtedly difficult as its bare cables can be out of control while you are rotating.

How long of a toilet auger do i need?

The normal 3 to 6 feet toilet auger should be enough as a home remedy.

If the obstruction is deeper beyond the reach of the auger, trying other methods or calling professionals are already recommended.

Is it safe to use a diy toilet auger?

Preventing scratches is not guaranteed when making a DIY toilet auger. But it is undoubtedly a great alternative when in dire need.

Commonly, wire clothes hanger are used to produce a makeshift snake. But as expected, this will likely scratch the porcelain surface.

Conclusion

The toilet auger is a specific tool used for unclogging a toilet without scratching its surface. Once you’re familiar with it, you can breeze through any possible clogs.

By remembering the important points mentioned, you’ll have a better understanding on how to use a toilet auger properly and you’ll be able to break through that clog one crank at a time.

Related: 6 ft vs 3ft toilet auger