How to Use a Plumber Snake to Clear a Slow Running Toilet

The plumber snake, also known as a plumber's helper or an auger, is one of the best tools to use when you're trying to unclog drains and toilets. The snake is made up of a long flexible end that terminates in a hook attached to a turning handle. It can follow the curve of any drain to reach material that other tools can't. You can unclog a drain in a matter of minutes using the snake.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Bucket
• Rags or industrial strength paper towels

1. Put on a pair of gloves. The contents of a toilet bowl are not safe to touch with your bare hands.

2. Push the flexible end of the plumber snake into the toilet until you feel resistance on the other side. The resistance is the material that's clogging the toilet and causing it to run slowly.

3. Twist the handle on the plumber snake to grind away at the material and pull the plumber snake out of the toilet.

4. Empty the clog into the bucket and use a rag or paper towels to wipe off the excess.

5. Flush the toilet. If the toilet flushes with more power, the clog has been removed.

6. Empty the contents of the bucket and clean up any mess that may have occurred.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat Steps 1 through 4 two or three times to ensure that all the material has been pulled out of the toilet.

References

• Home Tips: Drain Clogs--How to Snake