How to Use a Plumber's Auger

Plumbers augers may be purchased in plumbing supply or hardware stores.

Clogged toilets are a fact of life. Usually the simple act of using a plunger will break most clogs. However, on those occasions when the plunger is rendered ineffective, there is another alternative before calling and facing the high cost of a plumber: purchase a plumber's auger, sometimes called a closet auger. Available at plumbing supply companies, as well as most hardware and home and garden stores, this can save you money and time, and free your toilet from clogs in a matter of minutes.

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves. Bail some of the toilet water into a bucket if it has come dangerously close to the top.

2. Insert the auger into the toilet. Make sure the curved end of the handle pipe faces whichever direction the toilet drain is located. Some toilets drain in the front, while others drain in the rear of the toilet.

3. Leave approximately 5 inches of cable visible between the drain hole and the auger handle. Tighten the auger set screw by turning it clockwise until it will no longer turn.

4. Insert the flexible cable into the drain. Crank the auger clockwise. When it stops turning, push the auger forward. This should break up any clog that is in the toilet.

5. Remove the auger and use a plunger in the toilet. If the water goes down at the end of plunging, the auger has done its job. If not, repeat the process once more.

6. Flush the toilet one last time to ascertain that everything is moving in the right direction.

References

• How to Unclog Drains

Resources

• Hometips.com