Using an Auger to Clear a Clogged Toilet

First, turn off the water supply to prevent overflows. Spread some newspaper or old towels around the base of the toilet to soak up any spills. Gloves and eye protection are also a good idea.

A “closet auger” or “plumbing snake” is best for deep clogs. The covered elbow of the guide tube protects the bowl from scratches. The flexible metal cord snakes through the curves of the pipes. And the sharp, coiled tip helps grab onto a clog.

Pull on the handle until the short, coiled tip of the auger is the only part protruding out of the elbow of the guide tube. Slide it into the drain. The covered elbow protects the finish on the toilet bowl as it rests on the bottom.

Feed the coil through the guide tube to work it down the drain. You may need to rotate the handle in forward and reverse, or pull back and forth on the coil to get it to snake through the 3 major bends in the drain. Twist the crank to snake through the drain until it catches on the clog.

Continue to crank until the auger becomes tight. This action will usually grab the object causing the clog – and the water will start to clear. Don’t over-crank the cable or it could bend back on itself and get stuck in the drain. It’s better to retract the cable by cranking in reverse. Then try again repeatedly. If none of this works, your problem may be deeper in the main plumbing lines. You’ll probably need to call a plumber.

Turn the handle in reverse to retract the cable and pull the clog from the drain.

Disinfect the toilet bowl and auger so you don’t spread bacteria.

Regularly clean under the rim around the toilet bowl’s edge so the jets don’t clog with minerals. Allowing the toilet to flush at full power.

To stop an overflow from happening, turn off the valve to the toilet or open up the toilet tank and push the flapper down.

If something like a child’s toy gets flushed down the drain, remove the toilet and run the auger through from the bottom.