Nothing can make your heart pound as much as an overflowing toilet does. So, if you are tired of unclogging your toilet with a plunger or with any other tough chemical. But still not able to unclog then you are most likely to run to a professional plumber which will cost you high. But what if we say you can save your money by using a toilet auger on your own? Yes, it is possible with our ultimate guide. However, we are coming up with a guide that will tell you how to use a toilet auger on your own. If you are ready to know more about it then go on to read further!
What is a Toilet Auger?
Toilet augers are a device used to clear cloggings and obstructions from the toilet drain. It is a kind of drain-clearing tool that is specifically designed with metal cable so that it can bore through the toilet drain and clear the clog. Generally, it is 3 to 6 feet long with a coiled hooked head and a rubber handle. This is also known as a drain snake.
A Toilet auger is used when the toilet plunger stops working. However, if you are trying to unclog the drain with a toilet plunger and it is still not clearing and creating problems then a toilet auger is the way to go. So let’s look at the process of how to use an auger.
How To Use a Toilet Auger?
We all want to handle our toilet problems on our own but sometimes it becomes difficult with tough cloggings. During those times, you will want to let it be handled by pros but what if you become one? Yes, the further section will deal with the question “how to use an auger”.
Step 1: Insert Auger In The Toilet
The first step that you will need to perform is inserting the auger in the toilet bowl. Before that, you must ensure that you have pulled the handle of the auger all the way up so that it can clean the clog properly as you don’t know the exact location of the clog.
Here’s a question: how much of the auger should be inserted? So the simple answer is you should not be able to see the end of the auger. What you can see are the tube and the sleeve.
Step 2: Cranking Up of Handle
Like every other drain snake, you will need to rotate the handle and let the auger get in the drain properly. Now, you can start cranking up the auger in one direction till it feeds last. Now switch to the other direction and start the process again.
In most cases, the clog is somewhere in the C-shaped drain tube but sometimes it is very far where you need to put extra effort to unclog your toilet. Crank up the handle to the last extent and keep rotating so that the clog can flow away.
Step 3: Extract The Auger
When you finally reach the clogged part you will be able to feel some restrictions against the auger then you may put in some effort. After completing till the last extent you need to pull out the Auger.
Pulling out the auger is as simple as inserting it. You just need to rotate the auger anticlockwise without much force. Slowly pulling it backward and rotating, when you start feeling some force against the tip of the auger it means it is time to pull out the entire auger of the bowl.
Step 4: Flush The Drain
Now, when you are done with the process of snaking the drain it’s time to flush. Flushing at this moment would be the last step. Flush will flow away all the cloggings in the drain.
If still, the problem of clogging persists in the bowl then you would need to do the whole process again till you make the drain clear.
Safety Considerations
Toilets are at high risk of spreading bacteria and harmful germs. Working with them has proven to be dangerous. So first you need to be extra careful. Moreover, before you get into the process you must know all the precautionary measures so that you can perform it in a better way. This is why we have provided you with the list of instructions that you would need to keep in mind before you start the unclogging.
Wear Gloves
Any drain tool can take up bacteria and germs from the drain, and so does the toilet auger. Putting the safety measure at paramount, you are advised to wear rubber gloves while unclogging your toilet. This way you can protect yourself from bacteria.
Put Minimal Force
The toilet bowl is very much vulnerable as it is made up of porcelain that is most likely to get scratched. To prevent scratching, you need to put very less force while snaking in the drain. If the snaking is done with high force then your toilet seat is most likely to get scratched. This way you can make the condition even worse. So, keep it in mind to use an auger with minimal force.
Rinsing of Auger
Make sure when you are done using the toilet auger, rinse it with some cleaning chemicals. Rinsing auger can prevent the chance of spreading harmful bacteria and germs. After using toilet auger is more prone to get bacteria on it which are likely to spread if not rinsed off properly.
Conclusion
Having a clogged toilet is such a frustrating thing as toilets are the place where you enjoy some quality “me” time. And disturbance in that is quite irritating. However, this guide has probably helped you out in making your toilet clog-free. So far, we have answered the most important question “how to use toilet auger”. We hope our guide has assisted you in every way possible. If you still have any queries then you may contact us in the comment section. Our experts are ready to assist you 24X7
Read, also- 6 Methods How to Plunge a Toilet With a Toilet Plunger
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to use an auger to unclog a toilet?
Using an auger to unclog the toilet is quite an easy task. You can do it on your own. You just need to go through the following steps.
- Put an auger in the toilet bowl.
- Slowly rotate the handle of the auger till it stretches to the last extent.
- After removing the clog, it is now time to take the auger out.
- Rotate the handle in the opposite direction and take the auger out completely.
- Flush the drain. Repeat the process again if needed.
Q2. When should I Replace my Toilet Auger?
A toilet auger can last for decades. If you use the toilet auger with proper care then it can give you a long lifespan. Be sure when your auger’s metal cable starts rusting or the rubber of the auger is damaged then it is time to change the auger.
Q3. Can an Auger Damage a Toilet?
Yes, An auger can damage a toilet. Toilets are made up of very sensitive material called porcelain that can get scratched if the auger snakes in the toilet violently. So, make sure whenever you do unclog the toilet, you must not put extra force.
