A snake is designed to pull out clogs. Augers are more for forcing through a blockage and breaking it up. However, both may be manual or electric (plug-in or cordless). Some units have a drum that can contain anywhere from a few feet to 100 feet or more of cable.
Length and Flexibility: Augers are shorter and more rigid, allowing them to push through the toilet clog without bending. Drain snakes are longer and more flexible to reach deeper and less uniform clogs.
While a Snake is a simple tool that can go inside small drain pipes and break down minor clogs, Augers are a little more complex, go a long way inside the drains, and are more powerful, making them efficient against severe clogs.
One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.
A toilet snake is also a type of auger, with a much thinner and more flexible cable. It's usually only about six to 10 feet long. If the cable is flexible enough to reach into a sink or shower drain, it's called a drain snake, which is something you can also use to clear a toilet.
When toilets get clogged, a hand-crank toilet snake or auger is the ideal solution. The best toilet augers feature a vinyl coating over the cable. The vinyl coating will help protect the bowl against scratches and marks as you work.
To reliably bust up even the most wedged blockages, we recommend the Ridgid 59787 K-3 Toilet Auger.
Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into your toilet. It will begin to fizz but this is okay. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then try a test flush. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Coat Hanger Drain Snake – Sometimes clogs are just too stuck for a liquid method to work.
Disadvantages of using a hand auger: Limited depth: Hand augers have limited depth capabilities compared to mechanized drills. Labor-intensive: Requires physical effort and time, especially for deeper sampling. Variability in sampling: May result in variability in sample quality and depth consistency.
Unfortunately, plungers can also lead to problems since they often push the clog down the pipe. It can lead to worsening clogs or complete stoppage of any type of draining. Using a plunger may work in some minor cases, but in most instances, an auger should be your tool of choice.
For regular, long-term use, purchasing an auger can be a cost-effective and convenient solution. For occasional use, renting offers flexibility, access to the latest technology, and freedom from maintenance concerns. But honestly, the choice is yours.
An auger is longer than a snake and is suited for 1.5- to 3-inch-wide pipes. It usually doesn't come with an operating manual, but it's important to use one carefully, following these steps: Place the auger in the toilet, with the curved end facing the drainpipe; leave about 4 to 6 inches between the cable and handle.
Although the cost of a plumber to snake your drain can vary depending on where you live, the severity of your clog, and the type of drain that needs snaking, you can generally expect to spend anywhere between $125-$800.
Closet Augers: These plumber's snakes are specifically designed to clear toilet clogs. They feature a protective coating to prevent damage to the toilet bowl. Flat Tape Drain Snakes: These are flat, ribbon-like drain snakes used for clearing smaller, flexible pipes, such as those found in sinks and showers.
Toilet augers are hand-held drain snakes. Most of them come with 3 to 6 feet of cleaning cable and a curved, plastic elbow sleeve to protect your toilet bowl. If your clog does not go beyond the toilet's wax seal, a 3-foot auger would be sufficient. Otherwise, you may need a 6-foot auger to unclog the drain.
Leaving a clogged toilet overnight may seem like a harmless way to put off an unpleasant task, but it can lead to more significant issues. The most obvious problem is that the clog might not magically disappear. Instead, it can worsen as the blockage hardens or settles deeper into the pipes.
Pour in Soap & Hot Water
Dish soap is more dense than hot water, and it's also designed to help break down grease and grime—especially mixed with hot water. It should be no surprise, then, that this mixture can also help loosen many materials that can clog a toilet bowl.
You will want to make sure you get the right size auger for snaking your drain. Using the incorrect one could cause the snake to loop back on itself and scrape the insides of the drain. This could lead to coercion, leaks, and could end up causing damage to an extent that requires replacement of the piping.
Mix one cup of baking soda and vinegar, each near the source of the toilet clog and allow the reaction to take place. The bubbles created by the response will break down the clog. Give the baking soda mixture about 30 minutes to do its job, then follow it up with boiling water.
You might be using the plunger wrong
If the water level is low, the plunger may not seal properly or achieve the suction it needs to be effective. Pour water into the toilet if you need to. Position the plunger directly over the drain opening and plunge slowly and gently a few times. This ensures you have a good seal.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.