Have you ever tried to use an auger to unclog a toilet? If not don’t worry. Many people haven’t heard of it nor do they know how to use one.
If you find yourself clogging toilets you should have an auger handy and know how to use it. 99% of the time an auger will unclog your toilet.
It works work best for toilet paper and large (ahem…) waste. Augers may look intimidating but they’re relatively easy to use. If you call your local plumber a lot it’s good to invest in your own – it will save time and money in the long run.
In this article we’ll discuss the toilet auger, also known as the plumber’s snake or toilet jack. We will teach you how to use it and share the best toilet auger for your toilet.
What is a toilet auger (how did it get its name)
I venture to guess that not many people know what an auger is. How often do we use that word in the English language (not very often).
The word “auger” describes a drill-like tool that has a rotation helical screw (same design you’ll see on small drill bits). An auger can twist down into a hole and can also pull out material that it displaces.
It’s a general term and there are augers made for soil, for construction, and of course for toilets too!
A toilet auger is usually coated with a rubber material that prevents it from scratching the porcelain on toilets. Toilet augers are also flexible so they can effectively maneuver through the toilet chambers and into the trap area where clogs are often found.
The auger is inserted into the toilet and through a twisting force it can inch its way through the toilet.
Is a Toilet Auger, Toilet Snake, and Plumber’s Snake the Same Thing
Many people, like me, have called a toilet auger a toilet snake. Don’t be confused by an industrial drain snake that is really long – those are for unclogging pipes and can be 50-100 feet long.
They differ from a toilet snake.
A toilet snake is very short and powered by hand. It only goes into the trap area of the toilet and can’t make its way down through pipe system outside the home.
As long as you’re referring to a toilet auger, calling it a toilet snake is fine.
If you call your local plumber and ask for a drain snake for your toilet he/she might be confused!
What sizes are toilet Auger
Toilet augers are only a few feet long. Once again, don’t confuse the shorter toilet auger with a long drain auger.
As you can see in the photo, toilet augers can be operated with 2 hands. A few rotations of the handle and the auger will make its way to the trap area of the toilet.
The toilet auger won’t take up much space and we’ve found the closet or garage is the best place to store it.
Because of the size it’s a handy tool to have around the house and works better than a plunger for big clogs.
Are Toilet Augers Expensive
Toilet augers aren’t expensive and they are a small investment that will be way cheaper than calling a plumber over and over again. Consider the cost of calling a plumber, which can be almost $100.
They are a great investment because most toilet augers cost under $20. They will last a lifetime since they’re made from strong metal and plastic and you can let neighbors and family borrow it if they have they encounter toilet clogging.
Are Toilet Augers Better Than Plungers
We mentioned above that a toilet auger is a great investment. While most people have a plunger or two laying around the house, few peole have a toilet auger. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each tool.
Plunger or Toilet Auger:
- Plungers are more versatile (can be used in sink and bathtub as well as toilet)
- Plungers and toilet augers are similarly priced
- Plungers can’t reach inside the toilet to the trap area
- Plungers only push the clog through using water while toilet augers can reach deeper into the trap area and pull out material
- Both are relatively easy to use
- Both are stored easily, however a plunger next to a toilet looks better than a toilet auger (best kept in closet or garage).
In short, it’s a good idea to have both a plunger and a toilet auger. If you’re a home owner and intend on living in your home for a long time, chances are you’ll have a few clogged toilets.
A toilet auger is your best bet to get rid of clogs
Toilet Auger 101 – How To Use It
A toilet auger is a thin tool that measures 3-4 feet. It’s lightweight so anyone can use it – even kids.
To use the auger pull the handle upwards so the coil is hidden. There are two main pieces, the coil and the housing. The end of the auger is placed inside the toilet hole.
Using the handle, the spring coil will be pushed and twisted downwards and will extend into the toilet.
By pushing and twisting the handle, the coil will go into the toilet for approximately 3 feet.
The U-trap is where most clogs occur. 3 feet of extension will push material through the U-trap.
The handle can be pulled out then pushed/twisted down multiple times until the toilet is clear. This will work for most clogged toilets.
Once you see water draining from the toilet bowl, your toilet is unclogged! To check the toilet, try flushing a few times. Flushing will help break up any lingering clog and assure you it’s clear.
Remember, the toilet auger only clears the toilet. If you have a sewer line blockage (which follows the toilet) the auger will not be able to reach that area and you may need expert assistance.
The Best Toilet Auger To Unclog A Toilet
Toilet augers don’t require a lot of moving parts and they aren’t complicated. Their design has been around for decades, so if it works why change it!
The two toilet augers we’re mentioning today are the best toilet augers for these reasons:
- Design (which is fairly standard no matter the brand)
- Price (they aren’t expensive and have a brand name)
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General Pipe Cleaners Toilet Auger
At under $20 this toilet auger is reasonably priced and is made by a well-known toilet company.
It features a 3 foot cable, wood turning handle, and galvanized turning rod. It’s considered a light duty model which is perfect for homeowners who don’t want something bulky. The tool is red in color with exposed metal.
I really like the wood handle and that it folds down. It won’t take up much space. If you have large cupboards under your sink then the auger will fit there perfectly – close enough for access but hidden from guests.
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Ridgid Toilet Auger Snake with Bulb Head
The Ridgid toilet auger is another nice option for homeowners with clogs. The features are almost identical (3 foot) but the cost is slightly more.
It has an S-bend tip to fit nicely in the toilet hole, plus a compression wrapped inner core cable. I also like that it’s kink resistant and the handles are corrosion resistant.
I don’t see any extra features that warranty a higher price but the auger is well-reviewed and customers are happy with the product. The product says it’s great for standard toilets and WaterSense certified toilets. It weighs 4.1 pound!
How To Clean A Toilet Auger After Using
Let’s be honest, no one wants to use a toilet auger let alone clean one. It’s a dirty job! But sometimes it must be cleaned and the question is “how”.
The first thing I do when cleaning a toilet auger is transfer it to the shower or bathtub after using (do not use the sink because that’s too close to faces and hands).
Once in the shower, the auger can be rinsed with water and soap. A brush can be used if needed.
I normally rinse it with water, then leave it in the tub or shower to dry. After drying I transfer it for storage! Pretty easy.
Toilet Auger Troubleshooting (When To Call A Plumber)
- If your toilet doesn’t clear after using the toilet auger then you might want to call a plumber
- If you’re having trouble with the toilet auger, try a plunger first. Because the plunger forces water through the U-trap, the plunger might help break up the clog.
- If it’s evening time and the toilet won’t be used, try adding vinegar to the toilet bowl. Vinegar can help dissolve tough clogs and make it easier to unclog.
- If you find yourself using a plunger or toilet snake often, consider the amount of toilet paper you’re using. Toilet paper often has a larger impact on clogs than the waste.
Conclusion
Toilet augers, also known as toilet snakes, can be a useful tool in the bathroom. Most people are unaware of augers and stick to plungers, however plungers aren’t always effective for clogs.
We recommend that people use a plunger first because most people have one sitting around their house. Also, most people are familiar enough with plungers to use them properly!
If you’re plunger isn’t doing the job, consider buying a toilet auger. They are inexpensive – about the same cost as a plunger – and way cheaper than calling a plumber.
In fact, if a plumber visits your house to unclog your toilet the first thing he’ll do is use an auger (by buying your own auger you’ll save money in the long run).
Even though toilet augers look like a tricky device, they’re easy to use. Position the auger in the toilet and gently twist and push the flexible cord through the toilet (approximately 3 feet).
Clogged areas are usually in the U-trap area of the toilet which is before the toilet empties into the sewage drain. Sometimes it takes a few tries before the toilet is clear and you’ll know when water empties from the water bowl.
Flush a few times to ensure the toilet is clear and you’re good to go.
Finally we looked at the best toilet augers and troubleshooting. Most toilet augers are the same so choose one at a good price point.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about toilet augers and clogged toilets. Check our website for more helpful toilet tips. Thanks for reading.