A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger or plumber’s snake, is an invaluable tool for clearing clogs and removing obstructions in toilet drain pipes. Using a toilet auger properly is a straightforward process that anyone can master with a little guidance. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to use a toilet auger effectively.
Selecting the Right Toilet Auger
When it comes to toilet augers, you have two main options:
Handheld Toilet Auger
A handheld toilet auger is a lightweight, basic version designed for residential use. It consists of a flexible metal cable housed inside a plastic drum that is manually controlled. The end of the cable has a corkscrew-shaped auger head used to hook and dislodge clogs.
Handheld toilet augers are affordable and suitable for most basic home drain clogs. However, they have limited reach and may not be as effective on stubborn blockages deeper in the pipes.
Electric Powered Toilet Auger
Electric toilet augers are more powerful tools designed for heavy-duty use. They have a motorized spinning auger head and flexible steel cable that can clear clogs 25-50 feet down the line.
Electric augers are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than handheld models. But their added power makes them indispensable for professional plumbers and best for tackling persistent clogs.
For most basic toilet clogs, a handheld auger will get the job done. But an electric model offers greater power and versatility for severe obstructions. Consider your needs and choose the most suitable option.
Preparing to Use the Toilet Auger
Once you’ve selected the proper toilet auger type, take the following steps to prepare:
- Put on protective gear – gloves, goggles, apron. The process can get messy.
- Spread newspapers or towels around the base of the toilet to catch drips.
- Flush the toilet to try to loosen the clog first before augering.
- Disconnect the toilet tank from the bowl if using an electric powered auger. This prevents damage to the tank.
- Rotate the auger cable to retract it fully into the casing before inserting.
- Have a bucket ready to collect and dispose of any dislodged clog debris.
With these preparations complete, you’re ready to start the augering process.
How to Use a Toilet Auger: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to correctly use a toilet auger to remove clogs:
1. Insert the Auger into the Toilet
- For a manual auger, feed the cable end into the bowl while gripping the handle.
- With an electric auger, insert the rotating auger head into the bowl vertically, centering it to enter the drain.
- Gently push the auger into the drain opening without forcing it.
2. Feed the Auger into the Drain
- Once past the initial toilet trap, rotate the handle clockwise as you push the auger deeper into the drainline.
- Go slowly to allow the auger to make its way around bends in the pipe. Don’t force it.
- Use the entire length of the cable if needed to reach the clog (25+ feet for electric augers).
3. Clear the Clog
- Once the auger head contacts the blockage, rotate the handle in short clockwise and counter-clockwise motions to scrape against and break up the clog.
- For manual augers, push back and forth repeatedly in that area to dislodge material.
- Allow any loosened debris to flush down into the bucket you have ready.
- Electric augers will bore through the clog automatically with their motorized heads.
- Repeat until the toilet drains freely, indicating the clog has been cleared.
4. Remove the Auger from the Drain
- Once water is flowing freely, begin retracting the cable by rotating the handle counterclockwise for manual augers.
- Go slowly again to avoid leaving anything behind.
- Pull the entire auger out once the cable is fully retracted in the casing.
- Clean off any clog debris from the auger before putting it away.
Following this process will allow you to safely and effectively use a toilet auger to clear even the most stubborn drain obstructions.
Tips for Using a Toilet Auger Effectively
Keep these additional tips in mind to handle your toilet auger properly and get optimal results:
- Take your time, don’t rush the process. Moving too quickly risks damaging pipes or leaving clogs intact.
- Always retract the auger fully into its casing before pulling it out to prevent anything from getting caught mid-line.
- Don’t force the auger cable – let it make its way gently around bends and turns in the drain.
- If you encounter resistance, retract and readjust the angle of entry before proceeding further.
- Lubricate the cable with a little cooking oil if it gets stuck. The oil will help it slide past obstructions.
- Running hot water down the drain while augering can help soften and flush away some clogs.
- For deep clogs beyond your auger’s reach, you may need a professional plumber with a sewer camera and a longer 100 foot auger.
- Inspect your toilet’s internal trap each time you auger. Cracks in this S-shaped bend can allow future clogs.
With practice and the right technique, using a toilet auger to clear drain obstructions can become a quick and easy DIY task.
Safely Using Toilet Augers
While toilet augers are very useful tools, they can cause injury or pipe damage if used improperly. Follow these tips for safe operation:
- Wear thick gloves and eye protection – cables can whip and debris can fling out.
- Never operate an electric auger with wet hands or while standing in water.
- Don’t over-crank the handle on manual augers – too much torque can snap cables.
- Avoid scratching porcelain surfaces with the auger. Wrap cloth around it as a buffer.
- Don’t use an auger if you suspect the clog is caused by a child’s toy. You could push it further in and complicate removal.
- Ensure cables are fully retracted into casings before pulling augers out to prevent bathroom whipping accidents.
- Use caution on loose toilet bowls – the torque of an auger can crack unsecured porcelain.
- Never force an auger past a hard obstruction that won’t clear – it may indicate a collapsed pipe needing replacement.
Exercising proper care and caution is crucial when operating toilet augers to avoid plumbing damage or physical harm.
Troubleshooting Common Toilet Auger Issues
If you encounter any difficulties while using a toilet auger, try these troubleshooting tips:
Auger cable won’t feed into drain: Lubricate with cooking oil. Adjust angle of entry. Consider a longer auger cable if drainpipes are extended.
Cable binds up in drain: Don’t force it. Retract cable and realign it to come in straighter. The bend is too tight.
Toilet still clogged after augering: The clog may be beyond the auger’s reach. Try a sewer camera inspection. Or hire a professional plumber with a 100 foot industrial auger.
Loose toilet shakes when augering: Secure the toilet bowl to the floor with new bolts/wax ring. Old fixtures can become unseated from auger torque.
Toilet tank leaks after augering: Ensure the tank bolts are fully tightened to stop leakage if you disconnected the tank. Replace bolts/gasket if any cracks are evident.
Auger cable snapped off in drain: Don’t panic. Cables often break off when old and defective. Try extracting it with pliers or schedule professional drain cleaning service.
With some creative troubleshooting, you can usually resolve any issues encountered while using a toilet auger. But for severe drain clogs or complex plumbing repairs, call a professional plumber for assistance.
Preventing Future Toilet Clogs
A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to avoiding recurring toilet clogs. Here are some tips:
- Don’t flush wipes, feminine products, dental floss, or other items that can get tangled and cause blockages. Use trash cans instead.
- Remove excess toilet paper and waste regularly to prevent buildups.
- Buy a toilet with a wider 3-inch flush valve if your home has drainage issues.
- Install an affordable toilet guard filter to catch hair, debris before reaching pipes.
- Pour hot water mixed with liquid drain cleaner weekly to keep drains clear.
- Replace corroded, cracked or pre-1970s cast iron drainpipes that are prone to obstructions.
- Have old drainpipes regularly cleaned and inspected with professional hydro jetting and sewer cameras.
Following proper toilet usage habits and maintaining your drain system can help minimize future clogs that require augering. But even well-maintained drains eventually need a good power augering. So keep this toilet auger guide handy!
FAQs About Using Toilet Augers
What causes toilets to get clogged?
Common clog causes include excess toilet paper, flushed wipes/hygiene products, overflowing waste from low water levels, hair buildup, toys/dropped items, pipe corrosion, tree roots in sewer lines, and more.
When should you use a closet auger vs. a drain snake?
Use a small closet auger specifically designed for toilets rather than a standard sink/tub drain snake. Toilet drain pipes have tighter bends that require the flexible corkscrew end of a toilet auger.
Can using a toilet auger damage pipes?
It’s possible if you forcefully jam the auger or crank the handle too hard. Go slow, don’t torque past obstructions, and retract fully before removing to prevent pipe damage.
How can you unstick an auger cable stuck in pipes?
First, retract the cable a few inches and rotate it gently to release it before pulling back. If that fails, lubricate the cable with cooking oil and let it sit 30 minutes before trying again.
When should you call a plumber instead of attempting to auger yourself?
If DIY attempts fail repeatedly and the clog persists, it likely requires professional-grade power augering. Complex obstructions caused by tree roots or collapsed pipes also call for a plumber.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly use a toilet auger is an easy, essential home maintenance skill. With the right techniques and safety precautions, you can quickly clear clogs and keep your toilet functioning smoothly. Just remember to start slow, feel out obstructions gently, and work the auger carefully around bends. Combine your new augering know-how with preventative measures to minimize drain issues. Then relax and let your toilet auger sit idle more often than not!
