Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by acechapman
When you have a clogged toilet and now it won’t let go, what should you do? There are two possible reasons why this might have happened. First, the auger may have hit the clog. Second, the toilet auger is having difficulty getting through bends in the pipes.
Simply put, you need to turn your auger slowly while pushing down. This allows you to get through the pipes or will break down the clumps.
These are the basics to help you get started with your toilet auger. Continue reading to ensure you are using your toilet auger correctly
When is a Toilet Auger Best Used?
A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger or a toilet snake, is a plumbing tool used to clear clogs in the drain of a toilet. It is best used when:
- The toilet is clogged: A toilet auger can be used to clear a clog that is preventing the toilet from flushing properly.
- A plunger is not working: Sometimes, a plunger is not able to clear a clog, in this scenario, a toilet auger can be used to reach further down the drain and break up the clog.
- A blockage is located deeper in the drain pipe: A toilet auger has a long flexible cable that can reach deeper into the drain pipe and remove blockages that are located further down the line.
- When a blockage is caused by a foreign object: Sometimes, a blockage in the toilet can be caused by a foreign object such as a toy, sanitary product, or other small items that have been flushed down the toilet. In this case, a toilet auger can be used to remove the object.
The toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, is similar to a drain snake. To ensure that obstructions to your toilet are eliminated, an auger has a larger circumference. An auger for toilets can reach into the toilet’s inner workings. The bulbous wire end of the auger can pick up any debris.
Toilet Auger Will Not Go In
Insert Your Auger
Your toilet auger will be covered in either rubber or hollow plastic tubing. This protects your toilet from the tight-wound metal coil.
Make sure the protective cover touches the toilet bowl when you insert it. You could cause further damage to your toilet by not doing this.
After your auger has been inserted into the toilet’s surface, push it down. You will see the metal part begin to sink into the piping.
Turn The Handle
Once you have the toilet auger in place, you can start turning the handle. You must apply the correct amount of pressure. Your auger will become tangled if you apply too much pressure. Too much pressure will cause it to stop going down.
You will eventually feel more resistance to the auger. This is a sign that the auger is becoming more resistant. You’ll need to continue turning the handle slowly and working your way down to get through the pipes.
If it still isn’t getting through the pipes, take the auger out of the machine and put it back in. If the auger is stuck or won’t move, turn in the opposite direction and pull.
Juggle The Cable
Now you have inserted your auger. Spin it, and apply gentle downward pressure. Also, you might have to move the cable back and forth by turning the handle.
Use the cable to grab the blockage and start to remove it. You may feel the clumps break down, and you might even notice the water going down the toilet. This is a sign that you are able to break the blockage.
Clear out the Toilet
This is it. Either your blockage has started to dissolve or you have gotten hold of it. You will now need to remove the auger.
To remove the toilet auger, rotate the handle in the opposite direction and pull away from it. There may be some debris left which you will need to clean up later.
Flush the toilet once your auger has been removed. Congratulations! The blockage has been removed. If the toilet doesn’t flush, you will need to make another attempt. You may need to try several times before you are able to unclog your toilet or remove the blockage.
Be patient
When unclogging your toilet, patience is the key. It can be frustrating to try and unclog a toilet. You can’t be impatient to fix the problem faster.
Sometimes it takes practice to learn how much pressure to apply. You won’t get the desired results if you apply too much pressure. This will require you to learn if you aren’t experienced or trained.
It will take some effort to remove a difficult clog or a toilet auger. Do not be surprised if your clog causes you to sweat and get a workout. Keep at it and you will eventually get there.
When is it time to get a new toilet auger?
If your toilet auger isn’t going all the way in, it could be because it has encountered a blockage. You may also be having difficulty getting it through the pipes. These issues can be fixed with patience and persistence.
It is possible your auger may be stuck, or is not getting in, but it could just be a bad one. It may seem like you are pushing down but it keeps rising up. This is the problem with your auger and not you if you apply the correct amount of pressure.
You could be getting a cheap auger. Make sure you do your research to find an auger that actually functions.
Over time, the cable, handle, and other parts of the toilet auger can become worn out, even if it’s not used often. If you’ve had your toilet auger for a long time and it’s not working as well as it used to, it may be time to replace it.
When should you call a plumber?
You won’t be capable of fixing some problems without professional assistance. If your auger becomes stuck and it is impossible to get it out on your own, you should call a plumber.
In the worst-case scenario, your toilet will need to be removed. A plumber will likely be able to repair the problem if you are not able to do so.
How to Clean the Toilet Auger
- After you have cleaned your toilet and sighed in relief, the final step is to clean your auger. This is a crucial step that you should not ignore. Neglecting to clean your auger can lead to serious issues down the line.
- Your disinfectant solution, or homemade cleaner, should be poured into a bucket. Next, place your auger into the bucket. Let it soak for a few minutes.
- Your auger should be allowed to soak for no longer than five minutes. A soaking auger for more than five minutes will cause it to rust.
- Use a toilet brush to clean the inside of the rubber tube or plastic. Rinse with warm water.
- Finally, ensure your auger is dry using a rag. A wet auger can cause rust, which could lead to a stuck auger.
Wrapping Up
How do you use a toilet auger to flush your toilet? Insert the toilet auger so that the plastic end touches the bowl. Push down to submerge metal pieces in the piping. When you reach the blockage, turn the handle to either remove or break it.
You can pull out the auger by turning in the opposite direction. A toilet auger can be purchased at the following locations: A toilet auger can be purchased at Home Depot and your local hardware store. You can also shop online for the best augers.
Pick A Toilet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
