What size Auger do I need for a toilet?
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 with a 3-foot auger for removing clogs. Can you use a toilet auger on a sink? Nope, toilet augers are designed specifically to clear clogs in toilets.
How long does a drain auger have to be?
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. How Much Does a Toilet Auger Cost?
How long should you soak a toilet Auger?
However, as you soak the toilet auger in this solution, you should not leave it to soak for long. To be precise, 5 minutes are enough. Using a toilet brush, scrub the flexible cable and coil at its tip. Here, you should remove any visible dirt.
How does a toilet Auger work?
Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems. When a plunger is not enough to clear a clogged toilet, the next option is a toilet auger—sometimes called a closet auger. Like a standard drain snake, the toilet auger has a cable that rotates by a handle.
How far does a toilet auger go?
Most toilet augers extend anywhere between 3 to 6 feet in length to remove clogs.
Can you use a 25 ft auger on a toilet?
Important: to avoid scratching the visible ceramic surface inside a toilet bowl, do not insert a handheld drum auger directly into the toilet. A 25 foot handheld drum auger can be purchased for around $30. This is a good next choice, since the auger can break through many clogs that are further away from the toilet.
Can a toilet auger make it worse?
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.
What kind of auger do you use for a toilet?
0:031:53How To Use A Toilet Auger - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe number one thing to use is a toilet plunger and for the most part that should free up any kindMoreThe number one thing to use is a toilet plunger and for the most part that should free up any kind of clogs that's inside a toilet.
What is the difference between a toilet auger and a snake?
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 a regular auger on a toilet?
0:281:58How to Fix a Toilet - Using a Toilet Auger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemember at three feet an auger is only used to clear obstructions in the toilet itself and cannotMoreRemember at three feet an auger is only used to clear obstructions in the toilet itself and cannot reach the sewer line if the toilet is clear and the blockage is located in the sewer.
How long of a drain auger do I need?
Because they are designed for the toughest of clogs, the cable should be no smaller than 5/8 inch in size, with a minimum length of 75 to 100 feet in length.
How do you snake past a 90 degree turn?
The proper way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push very slowly without cranking. If you try to force it, it can bend back on itself and actually come out of the drain. Push gently and slowly, and if the auger is the right one for the job, it should slide smoothly through the pipe.
What is the best thing to unclog a toilet?
plungersIn many cases, plungers can be the best way to unclog a toilet and should be considered essential tools in the bathroom. When considering how to fix a clogged toilet without a plunger, try an auger or a chemical cleaner before calling a professional toilet repair service.
How do you not scratch toilet with auger?
First, you'll need to insert the cable through the toilet bowl. The cable has a curved end and this is what you'll insert into your toilet. The curving makes it easy for the cable to go through the toilet drain, with the rubber covering ensuring it won't scratch your toilet.
What happens if a toilet auger doesn't work?
Make sure that you've securely tightened the thumbscrew (the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). If the thumbscrew is loose, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. The cable rotation is how the drain snake picks up debris, so if it can't do this, your auger won't work.
How do you make a homemade toilet auger?
The most common item recommended to create a homemade toilet snake is a wire clothes hanger. Unwind the triangular part of your hanger, but leave the hook on the end in place. Feed this down your toilet and once your hit resistance, pull back. The hook should grab onto your clog and help loosen it.
Can plunging make a clog worse?
Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.
Is a toilet auger better than a plunger?
Although different styles of plunger work on sink drains and toilets, plungers tend to be most effective on toilets. Snakes, or drain augers, are used for stubborn blockages in sink or toilet drain lines. A cable auger is a flexible cable with a cutting head or corkscrew attachment on the end.
What happens if a toilet auger doesn't work?
Make sure that you've securely tightened the thumbscrew (the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). If the thumbscrew is loose, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. The cable rotation is how the drain snake picks up debris, so if it can't do this, your auger won't work.
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.
How to clean an auger?
Keeping your gloves on, disinfect the auger by submerging it in a bucket with water and cleaning solution. Do this for about 5 minutes, then dry the auger completely to prevent rusting.
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.
How to make a toilet auger?
1. Prep. Turn off the water supply valve behind your toilet so you don't have a messy overflow on your hands. Then get your auger ready and put on a pair of gloves. This could get messy! 2. Insert. Insert the spring end of the auger into the toilet and down the pipe. 3.
How much does an auger cost?
Getting an auger is easy—a good one costs less than $100, and some can be found for under $10. But how do you use one of them properly?
What is the best way to navigate a toilet clog?
The pipe system in a toilet is long and bendy, so if you've got a deep clog that won't come out with regular plunging alone, a toilet auger is your best bet to navigate those curves well beyond your line of sight.
Why do you flush the toilet?
Flush the toilet to ensure everything is clear, and repeat the process as necessary.
Can a plumber come out and look at a toilet?
Whatever the case, a plumber can figure it out. Look for a plumber near you, compare rates and reviews, and settle on one to come out and look at your toilet. Once you do, you’ll have a working toilet in no time.
Can an auger scratch a toilet?
The tip of an auger can leave unsightly scratches in your toilet's porcelain finish. Carefully guide the tip into the pipe and avoid making contact with the bowl.
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.
How to get auger to go into toilet?
First, place the auger right up against the pipe in the bowl. Then, push the auger as far as it will go. If it stops, you’ve either hit your clog or the bends in the toilet.
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.
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.
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 much does an auger cost for a toilet?
The price depends on the length; 6-foot toilet auger costs about $64 while a 3-foot one goes for around $30. If you use this tool in the right manner, you can be sure that your toilet will be functional once again.
What is an auger in a toilet?
A toilet auger is a cheap DIY draining tool that can help you get rid of most clogs in the toilet drain without having to spend a lot of money on plumbers. You can find an auger in most stores especially stores that deal with home improvement tools.
How to make auger go in smoothly?
You’re using the auger incorrectly. To make it go in smoothly, first understand how you should use it, be gentle pushing the coil head into the toilet drain. In case of hard clogs disconnect the toilet traps and clean or get help from a plumber.
How to unclog a toilet with an auger?
To unclog your toilet using an auger, also known as a closet auger, all you need is to gently insert the auger cable into your drain, spin it as you break through or catch the clog, pull it out, and finally flush to clear the blockage. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to use a toilet auger plus what to do if it won’t go in the drain.
What to do if toilet is clogged?
If you have a clogged toilet in your home, chances are that you will grab a nearby toilet plunger as the first option to clear the clog. However, the plunger might not always cut the mustard and therefore, you will need an alternative, a toilet auger. To unclog your toilet using an auger, also known as a closet auger, ...
Why won't my auger go in the drain?
This happens because; You are using too much force. You have hit a hit a clog that is too hard to break through.
What happens if you force a toilet cable backwards?
If you apply excessive force, the cable will coil backward instead of moving through the toilet drain.
What is a Toilet Auger?
Toilet or closet augers are designed with a “head” on the end of the cord. It can be shaped like a pear or a half pear. The coiled up head pushes through clogs.
Why use an auger in a toilet?
Because of the shape of the pipes in your toilet (the U bends etc.) a toilet auger is designed to get passed those bends and right into the pipe to clear your clog.
What is a Drain Auger?
A drain auger is built specifically for drains. The steel cord or “snake” on a drain auger is usually much longer than a toilet auger.
What is the difference between a drain snake and a toilet auger?
Drain augers or drain snakes have a thinner cord than a toilet auger. That’s because kitchen and bathroom drains are much smaller in diameter than your toilet drain.
Why does my drain auger tangle?
This means that while rotating your drain auger cord inside your toilet, you could tangle in up because there is too much room in the pipe. Drain augers are multipurpose and can be used in any drain in your house because they come with cords that are usually 25 to 50 feet long.
How to get a toilet auger out of a toilet?
Place the auger against the hole in your toilet bowl and push it down the pipes until it stops. Rotate and continue to push until it grabs the clog. Rotate the auger to make sure it’s grabbed the clog and then pull the auger out.
What to do if toilet water is clogged with paper?
If you have a clogged toilet with paper (or poop!), or the toilet water rises then slowly drains, you definitely need to get that solved ASAP! Forget about the home remedies of flushing vinegar in your toilet or unplugging your clogged toilet with baking soda.
