can i use toilet auger on sink

Can you use a drain auger on a toilet?

And vice versa, you don’t want to use a drain auger or snake on your toilets. Drain pipes in sinks and bathtubs are approximately 1.5- 2 inches in diameter and toilet pipes are 3-4 inches. A toilet auger can’t be used on a sink because the cable or cord is much larger than one used for drains.

How long should a toilet Auger cable be?

A thick toilet auger cable doesn’t have enough “free play” to remove clogs from a sink drain. They are also much shorter, being anywhere from 3-6 feet. Drain augers are 25-50 feet long with thin cables to really reach that grease and hair that you might find in a kitchen or bathtub drain.

What is the difference between a drain snake and Auger?

It's just like a drain snake; only drain snakes are geared towards smaller drains like bathroom and kitchen sinks, while augers are designed for larger drains, such as toilets. It’s constructed of a long flexible shaft usually made from metal but sometimes wood that has an auger bit at one end and a crank handle at the other.

How do you remove a drain auger from a sink?

Remove the stopper from a lavatory (bathroom) sink, as applicable. Loosen the setscrew on the collar of the auger, pull out the cable, and insert it into the drain opening. Continue to 3 of 7 below. Push the cable into the drain until you feel it hit the clog.

Is a toilet auger the same as a sink auger?

Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain.

Can you use an auger on a sink?

It's just the thing for clearing clogs in sinks and bathtub drains. The sink auger is also called a "drum auger" or "canister auger" because of its configuration. It consists of a flexible cable with a corkscrew end (the business end). The cable is coiled within a drum canister.

Can toilet auger damage pipes?

These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes. There are a few things you should know before snaking a drain yourself.

Can you use a toilet auger in a shower drain?

6:1410:33THE BEST WAY I FOUND TO UNCLOG A SHOWER DRAIN!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that went down very smooth see it goes down very easy. So the toilet auger is actually made toMoreAnd that went down very smooth see it goes down very easy. So the toilet auger is actually made to go down the throat of a toilet which is two inch maybe a little bit bigger.

Can you run a snake down a bathroom sink?

A drain snake, also known as a hand auger, is a tool used to clean out clogged in smaller drains such as the bathroom or kitchen sinks. For larger pipes, such as your toilet, you may need a larger toilet auger to do the job.

Can you snake a bathroom sink drain?

Snake the Drain With the trap and trap arm removed, you can access the drain pipe to snake the bathroom sink drain. To run the drain snake, position yourself with the snake close to the opening of the drain pipe. For a bathroom sink drain, you should be fine using a top snake unless it is a particularly tough clog.

How do you unclog a sink when a snake doesn't work?

What to do when snaking a drain doesn't workClean the drain snake. If you haven't cleaned it since using it last, the old clog may still be embedded on the corkscrew end. ... Tighten the thumbscrew. To feed the wire into the drain, tighten the thumbscrew that locks the wire in place. ... Use a different type of auger.

Can you use a snake on plastic pipes?

PVC pipes are an improvement over cast-iron pipes, because they have smooth walls that don't allow debris to cling, so if you have to clear a clogged drain deep in the pipe, you can usually do it with a plunger or drain snake.

Can a drain snake break a PVC pipe?

If the bottom of the pipe or fittings are missing this can cause the snake to catch and break the pipe. It can also cause the equipment to get stuck. Broken PVC pipe is another issue with drains.

Is auger better than plunger?

Like we mentioned above, you'll probably want to tackle a minor clog with a plunger first. For more stubborn clog, an auger is your next best bet. To use the auger properly, situate the curved end of the auger handle pipe so that it's facing the same direction as the drain.

Can't get drain snake past trap?

If you suspect the snake is getting stuck in a corner, try operating the crank in reverse. This makes the head wobble back and forth, but because you're cranking counterclockwise, it can't collect any debris. If the bend in the pipe is really at fault, the wobbling of the head should help the snake clear the corner.

How far does a toilet auger reach?

Most toilet augers extend anywhere between 3 to 6 feet in length to remove clogs.

Can you snake a kitchen sink?

0:033:12How To Unclog a Sink Using a Drain Snake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHey everybody this is Randy from home syrup here to demonstrate how you can unclog a sink using aMoreHey everybody this is Randy from home syrup here to demonstrate how you can unclog a sink using a drain snake.

How do you unclog a sink with a snake?

1:453:04How to Work a Snake for a Clog in a Sink : Home Sweet Home RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRotate it counterclockwise. And we'll loosen the auger. Give myself a little more slack tighten theMoreRotate it counterclockwise. And we'll loosen the auger. Give myself a little more slack tighten the auger push. The auger down the drain.

How do you use a snake to unclog a kitchen sink?

Insert the snake. Start by pushing the end of the snake into the opening of the drain and turn the handle on the drum of the coiled-up snake to send it further into the pipe. Once you feel resistance, you've hit the clog.

How do you unclog a sink drain?

How Do You Unclog a Sink Drain Naturally?Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain.Pour a mixture of one cup of water and one cup of vinegar down the drain.Cover the drain with a plug and wait 5–10 minutes.Flush the sink drain with boiling water.

How long of a toilet auger do I need?

Toilet auger lengths vary, ranging anywhere from 3 to 6 feet. Since most clogs happen early on in the toilet drain, many homeowners choose to go wi...

Can you use a toilet auger on a sink?

Nope, toilet augers are designed specifically to clear clogs in toilets. To clear a sink clog, you’ll either want to use a drain snake or a sink au...

How do I use a Ridgid toilet auger?

The Ridgid toilet auger is one of the most popular augers on the market. You can follow the general steps listed above for using it, or check out t...

How do I use a drum auger to unclog a toilet?

Technically, drum augers are a better solution for sink clogs because of their smaller size. If you can, try to go for a toilet-specific auger if y...

What happens if a toilet auger doesn't work?

With the first go-around, the clog might not be cleared, so you might have to go through the steps on how to use a toilet auger a few times. If tha...

Can a drain snake break a pipe?

It’s very unlikely for a drain snake to break a pipe, but it can cause damage. If used too forcefully, the end of the snake could scratch the pipe...

Why does my toilet keep blocking?

If your toilet keeps clogging, Williams Comfort Air says that “frequent toilet clogs are a sign something is not right – the issue typically has to...

What Is a Toilet Auger & How Does It Work?

A toilet auger is a tool that plumbers commonly use to unclog toilets. It's just like a drain snake; only drain snakes are geared towards smaller drains like bathroom and kitchen sinks, while augers are designed for larger drains, such as toilets.

Which is better for a sink clog: drum or auger?

Technically, drum augers are a better solution for sink clogs because of their smaller size. If you can, try to go for a toilet-specific auger if you’re dealing with toilet clogs.

Why does my Williams Comfort Air toilet keep clogging?

If your toilet keeps clogging, Williams Comfort Air says that “frequent toilet clogs are a sign something is not right – the issue typically has to do with your plumbing, your toilet, or what goes down it. Common causes when a toilet keeps clogging include: You have an older model low flow toilet.

What causes a toilet to clog?

If your toilet keeps clogging, Williams Comfort Air says that “frequent toilet clogs are a sign something is not right – the issue typically has to do with your plumbing, your toilet, or what goes down it. Common causes when a toilet keeps clogging include: 1 You have an older model low flow toilet 2 Items that shouldn’t be flushed have been flushed 3 Too much toilet paper use 4 The toilet trap is clogged 5 The toilet vent is blocked 6 Your sewer line is clogged."

How to get water out of toilet bowl?

Wiggle the cable inside the toilet bowl - If all goes well, the auger cable will be all the way down the toilet curve by now. Once that happens, begin to gently wiggle the cable and rotate the handle in opposite directions . This will hopefully disintegrate the clog and allow water to pass through.

How to determine the position of a toilet cable?

The position of the cable is determined by rotating this handle , and as you rotate the cable down the toilet drain, the goal is for the auger to clear the clog - or grab onto the obstruction and retrieve it to restore normal water flow.

What is the difference between a cable auger and a flat tape auger?

Flat Tape Auger. The only real difference between a cable auger and a flat tape auger is that the flat tape type uses a flat cable rather than a pliable hose. Some are designed to push blockages all the way through the pipe, unlike cable augers which are designed to pull them out from above. Power Augers.

What is a Toiler Auger? How to Use a Toilet Auger?

What is a toilet auger ? Also called a closet auger, it’s a tool used to specifically unclog toilets. Augers are the best thing to unclog a toilet.

How Much Does a Toilet Auger Cost?

You don’t have to spend much to grab a 6 or 3 foot toilet auger. A good quality 6 foot toilet auger costs about $64 while a 3 foot toilet auger cost around $30. The amount of money you will save on calling a plumber is huge if you buy your own toilet auger. If you have a family with kids you definitely need an auger.

How to stop auger from clogging?

Once you hit your clog, the auger will stop. Spin the auger to really grab onto that clog or object and then pull it back up.

What happens if your auger stops?

If it stops, you’ve either hit your clog or the bends in the toilet. Start slowly spinning the auger while applying downwards pressure. This does two things. It either grabs your clog or it forces the auger through the bends in the pipes.

How to get through a U bend in a toilet?

You should get through after a few cranks of the cable.

How long is a toilet auger?

Toilet augers are built as a long vinyl tube with a handle on one end and a long metal cord or cable inside, usually 3 to 6 feet long. They are built using heavy duty steel construction. The cable or cord is wider than a drain auger so that it can spin inside and cover the whole diameter of your drain.

Why is my auger not working?

Sometimes, your toilet auger isn’t working because the cord is stuck in the bowl. It can get hung up on the trap or in the U bends on the back of the toilet. For this, you would slowly crank the cable while pushing the auger into the toilet. It should work itself through the trap and U bends after a few cranks.

How to remove auger cable from toilet?

Once the cable has been forced through the clog, pull the toilet auger cable out of the toilet by rotating the handle and pulling backward. When the tip of the auger is tight against the tube, remove the entire tool from the toilet bowl.

How long does a toilet auger last?

A toilet auger will last for decades with correct use and care, but if the rubber sleeve becomes cracked or broken, or if the cable becomes so rusted that it no longer feeds smoothly through the sleeve, then it's time to replace the tool.

How to get a clogged toilet out of the toilet?

Once the cable has forced through the clog, pull the toilet auger out of the toilet by rotating the handle and pulling backward. With the cable removed, flush the toilet to see if the clog has disappeared. In most cases, the clog now flushes onward through the toilet and into the drain system.

What tool is used to unclog a toilet?

For major clogs that lie past the toilet itself, a toilet auger is the preferred tool, since its cable is long enough to reach through the toilet and all the way to the main soil stack.

What to do if a plunger doesn't work?

What to Do if the Plunger Doesn't Work. When a plunger is not enough to clear a clogged toilet, the next option is a toilet auger—sometimes called a closet auger, named for an old term for toilet, the water closet. Like a standard drain snake, the toilet auger has a cable that rotates by a handle. But this tool is specially designed ...

How to make a toilet cable easier to feed?

Pull the auger handle up all the way so that the end of the cable is close to the bottom curved end of the auger tube. This curved elbow portion will make feeding the cable into the toilet easier, and the rubber or plastic covering will protect the toilet from scratches.

What to do when toilet is clogged?

When a toilet becomes clogged, the first course of action is to try using a toilet plunger. This tool is similar to a standard cup-style plunger used on an ordinary sink, tub, or shower drain, but it has a center flange that allows you to seal the tool against the drain opening in the toilet for plunging. Very often this tool alone will free ...

How to get auger out of toilet?

When it can’t turn any more, push the cable forward. You should feel the auger grab something or break up the clog. At that point, turn and pull the cable back out of the drain. After the auger is removed from the toilet drain, use a plunger to break up any final clogs and flush the toilet.

How to transport a toilet auger?

It's called the Snake Trap and you operate it with your foot. You snap the auger into the trap and can transport it either outside to wash down, to your truck or to a utility closet without having to handle the business end directly.

What is the best tool to unclog a toilet?

One of the most common tools for unclogging a toilet is the toilet auger. Also known as a water closet auger or plumbing snake, this device is designed to move through the drain of the toilet to remove the clog or obstruction that’s causing the stoppage.

How to use an auger for a clogged drain?

To use the auger properly, situate the curved end of the auger handle pipe so that it’s facing the same direction as the drain. Be sure to leave four to six inches of cable between the drain and the end of the handle pipe. Tighten the auger’s screw.

Why do augers have coil heads?

For example, some augers come with a closed coil head, which is used to push through the plug. Others, though, have an open coil head that’s used to hook objects for retrieval.

What is the smallest tool to use to clean a drain?

The Top Snake. One of the smallest tools used for clogged drains is the top snake. Unlike the auger, though, a snake is mainly used to remove clogs in other appliances, like your tubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines and even your kitchen sink. They vary in size and shape depending on the tasks at hand.

What is a toilet snake?

The regular toilet snake, however, is simply a wire coil with a corkscrew-like tip that goes into your pipes to find the clog. Most toilet snakes have a long cable cord and are used if there’s not too much buildup.

How much does a toilet auger cost?

It’s not as easy it looks in video tutorials, but it’s still something you can do at home. And since toilet augers cost $20 or less , it can save you money as well. Let’s learn some helpful unclogging tips. 1. Find the source of the clog. There are two types of toilet clogs.

What is a toilet auger made of?

This tool looks a little like a regular drain auger, but it has two protective casings made of rubber or plastic. Toilet augers have a ‘rubber elbow’ near the tip, and a hollow plastic or rubber tube in the middle. A coiled cable runs through the hollow tube casing, ending in a coiled hook.

How to tell if a toilet clog is gone?

When you feel a little less resistance on your auger, your clog is starting to disintegrate. But as long as there’s still water in the toilet bowl, it’s not completely gone. Continue cranking your handle until the water disappears. You may hear a swooshing sound as it goes.

What is the advantage of augers over plungers?

The advantage of augers over plungers is visibility. Plungers push the blockage out of sight. Toilet augers tug the blockage back out when you pull the handle out of the toilet. If it’s not just regular toilet trash, inspect the item. It could be a toy, so talk to your kids about not throwing things in the toilet.

Why is it bad to store an auger?

Rust shortens the lifespan of any metallic tool. It’s worse with toilet augers because toilets don’t clog every day, so augers spend a lot of time in storage. Rust could stain your toilet the next time you snake it.

Why does my toilet clog up?

It may be caused by toilet paper, or by an inappropriate item that fell (or was dropped) into the toilet. Kids’ toys, beauty products, and dirty washing water are common culprits. The second kind of clog happens in the sewer.

How to get rid of a clogged toilet bowl?

Pour a few drops of dishwashing liquid into the toilet, then follow with a bucket of warm-to-hot water. You want it hot enough to melt any greasy lumps, but not boiling. Boiling water might crack your toilet bowl.

What is a sink auger?

The sink auger is also called a "drum auger" or "canister auger" because of its configuration. It consists of a flexible cable with a corkscrew end (the business end). The cable is coiled within a drum canister.

How to clean sink auger cable?

Wipe off the cable as needed while pushing it back into the auger drum. Rinse the corkscrew end thoroughly. Sink auger cables are stainless steel, which technically doesn't rust, but you can get a rust-like coating on the cable, due to material and water left on the cable. If desired, you can rinse the entire used portion of the cable (while running the water while you retract the cable), then let the cable air-dry before feeding it back into the drum.

What is the best drain cleaner?

Before you lose your wits and pour in a (usually ineffective) liquid drain cleaner, turn to the best drain-cleaning tool of all: the sink auger. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no chemicals. It's just the thing for clearing clogs in sinks and bathtub drains . The sink auger is also called a "drum auger" or "canister auger" because ...

Can you use a drain snake on a toilet?

Do not use a standard drain snake on toilets because it can get stuck and can damage the porcelain. Use a toilet auger instead.

What is a toilet auger?

A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, is a drain cleaning tool that is designed to maneuver through the toilet drain and get rid of the clog head on.

How to get auger cable to go up bowl guard?

Pull the auger cable or snake all the way up until it reaches the bowl guard/elbow. You can do this by winding up the manual crank.

What is the best tool to get rid of a toilet clog?

If you want a tool that can get rid of a toilet clog quickly and easy, choose a toilet auger. Unlike a drain snake, it cannot be used for other drains, but it is more appropriate for removing toilet clogs more than anything else.

How do I clean a drain?

If you haven’t figured out which drain cleaning tool to get yet, here’s the bottom line for you: 1 If you want a multi-purpose tool that you can use for numerous drains, choose a drain snake. Drain snakes are smaller and are more apt for sinks, tubs, and showers, but they can also be used for toilets with minor clogs. 2 If you want a tool that can get rid of a toilet clog quickly and easy, choose a toilet auger. Unlike a drain snake, it cannot be used for other drains, but it is more appropriate for removing toilet clogs more than anything else.

What tools do they use to clean drains?

If you venture to Home Depot or Lowe’s, you would find a vast selection of drain cleaning tools on their shelves. Among these tools are toilet augers and snakes.

What is a rocket nozzle auger?

Rocket nozzle auger. From the name itself, a rocket nozzle auger makes use of high water pressure to drive clogs further down the drain. This type of tool is usually used by professional plumbers to dislodge stubborn clogs in the drain trap.

What is a drain snake?

A drain snake is also called a top snake or a drum snake. It’s a small drain-cleaning tool that is similar to a regular household toilet auger. However, unlike the toilet auger, a drain snake is mainly used to remove from bathtubs, sinks, washing machines, and showers. A regular drain snake is composed of a metal cable that can be 25 feet ...

How to get a clogged drain auger to work?from doityourself.com

Slowly insert the metal cable end of the drain auger into the drain. Maneuver the drain auger inside and turn the auger clockwise slowly as you push it in. Hold a steady, firm grip on the drain auger and continue pushing it inside till you feel it come up against the blockage. At this stage, pull the drain auger back a little and push it in again. This way, the clog will be moved and the drain auger will eventually get a firm hold on the blockage.

What is a drain auger?from doityourself.com

A drain auger is a useful plumbing tool, which is effective for removing blockages and clogs in drains. This tool has a long, snake-like body made of flexible metal cable. It is therefore also known as a drain snake or plumbing snake. It is very easy to use a drain auger. Most people resort to this tool when a plunger fails to remove a clog.

How Hard is it to Snake a Drain?from augerauthority.com

It’s not hard at all to snake a drain. It will take you anywhere for 5-10 minutes to work those clogs out.

How to get rid of a clogged drain in PVC pipe?from augerauthority.com

Don’t try to get rid of clogs with chemicals if you have PVC piping. Instead, try running some hot water down the pipes for 5 mins to see if that melts away your clog. If not, you’re going to need to snake that drain.

How to get a blockage out of a drain?from doityourself.com

Push the drain auger back and forth a little till you feel it all the way across the blockage in the drain. Slowly and gently, try to pull out the drain auger through the drain, with the blockage intact and affixed to the tool. Place the blockage on the old rags you have placed on the floor and dispose of it later. Flush the drain with hot water for at least 5 minutes and check to see if the water is flowing freely. If it does, you have most probably fixed the problem.

What to do if you can't pull out a clog?from doityourself.com

Step 5 – If You Cannot Pull Out the Clog, Try to Break it Down and Flush It. In some cases, it may not be possible to pull out the blockage with a drain auger. However, the blockage may be dislodged and broken up into several smaller pieces that can be flushed away.

What to do if toilet is clogged?from augerauthority.com

If you have a clogged up toilet, you should be using a toilet auger.

How to get a snake out of a plumbing obstruction?

If you think the plumbing snake might be stuck in the obstruction, pull it out. Often, the obstruction may come out with it. If not, continue snaking until you no longer feel resistance and the snake uncoils to its full length.

When Should I Use A Drain Snake?

Drain augers are designed to tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. Where the plumbing snake covers lines from the 1-1/4″-2″ range, an auger is for lines in the 1-1/2″-3″ range. Drain augers are a long tool that looks like a snake. They can be fed down a drain or toilet to remove a blockage. Drain snakes have a rubber shield to protect drains and toilets from scratches, unlike most other snakes. This tool is excellent for bathroom drains including showers, bathtubs, and toilets. Don’t forget garbage disposals, kitchen drains, and external plumbing. It can also be very helpful for stubborn clogs that need some extra effort.

What is a plumbing snake?

Plumbing snakes are usually smaller and made to handle blockages from inside the home. They are slender and flexible, which helps remove drain clogs beyond what a plunger cannot. Plumbing snakes often have a helix-shaped hook that has a larger gap between the coils. You need to turn a crank to move the hook through the pipe to find the clog’s blockage as the user. If the blockage comprises shreddable material, then the plumbing snake should remove the clog with no additional issues.

Why is my sink curved?

The reason it’s curved is to prevent sewer gases from rising through the sink and into your home. P-traps are often made of PVC pipe, though they can also be metal.