Your toilet is clogged, and the usual remedies won’t work. Now you went the extra mile and bought or rented a toilet auger, but you’ve never used it before. The point of this tool is to make things easy, but at this point, you’ve a seemingly complicated tool that you’ve never used before. It’s really not that difficult if you follow the steps we lay out here. You can learn how to snake a toilet bowl in no time.
What Is a Toilet Snake?
A toilet snake, also known as a toilet auger, is a specialized plumbing tool designed to clear stubborn clogs that are too difficult for a standard plunger. Unlike general-purpose drain snakes, toilet augers have:
- A long, flexible metal cable
- A protective rubber sleeve to prevent scratching the porcelain
- A curved end specifically shaped for navigating toilet traps
“Toilet augers are ideal for clearing clogs located just beyond the trapway. They’re safer on your fixtures than using makeshift tools or harsh chemicals,” says licensed plumber Jason McAllister
When Should You Use a Toilet Auger?
Use a toilet snake when:
- The plunger isn’t resolving the clog
- You hear gurgling sounds after flushing
- Water rises dangerously high before slowly draining
- You experience frequent clogging with no visible obstruction
If water is backing up into other drains (such as your tub), this may indicate a deeper sewer line issue; in that case, call in a professional plumber.
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
- Toilet auger (3–6 feet long)
- Rubber gloves
- Towels or bucket (for cleanup)
- Disinfectant cleaner (for post-job sanitizing)
Optional but helpful:
- Protective eyewear
- An apron or old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
How Do You Use a Toilet Auger
1. Prepare the Area
Lay down old towels around the base of the toilet in case of splashing. Put on rubber gloves and remove any rugs or items nearby.
2. Insert the Auger Into the Bowl
Feed the end of the auger into the opening at the bottom of your toilet bowl. Make sure:
- The protective rubber sleeve rests against the porcelain
- The cable is straight and not kinked
If you have an automatic snake tool, such as the Milwaukee drain snake, simply let the machine do all the work. Keep cranking until you feel it stop because you’ve reached the clog.
From an American Standard product manual: “Always ensure that protective sleeves are used when inserting tools into vitreous china toilets to avoid damaging glazed surfaces.”
3. Extend and Rotate
Crank the handle clockwise while gently pushing forward. This feeds more cable into your drain line and helps break through obstructions.
Keep turning until you feel resistance — this means you’ve reached either:
- The clog itself
- A bend in the trap
Continue rotating while applying steady pressure until resistance eases or disappears.
4. Retrieve and Clean
Once you’ve broken up or latched onto debris, slowly crank the handle counter-clockwise while pulling back gently.
Be prepared for some mess — have your bucket ready in case anything spills out of it!
5. Test Your Work
Flush once to check if water drains normally.
If not:
- Repeat steps above once more
- If the clog persists after two attempts, consider removing your toilet bowl assembly parts here at PlumbersStock.com.
Post-Snaking Cleanup Tips
- Rinse off your auger with hot water outside.
- Disinfect all tools used.
- Wipe down the surrounding areas with disinfectant cleaner.
- Wash hands thoroughly, even if gloves were worn.
FAQ: Snaking Toilets at Home
Q: Can I use any type of drain snake on my toilet?
A: No — always use a *toilet-specific* auger with protective features designed for porcelain bowls.
Q: How far can I snake into my toilet?
A: Most residential models allow snaking up to about six feet before reaching main drain lines.
Q: Will snaking damage my toilet?
A: Not if done correctly using an appropriate tool like those found in our selection of
toilet accessories here at PlumbersStock.com!
Q: What if snaking doesn’t work?
A: Persistent clogs may require removing parts like the tank assembly here at PlumbersStock.com!, or calling in professionals for sewer inspection services.
Related Products at PlumbersStock
- Toilets – Full selection available now!
- One-piece toilets – Sleek & modern options available here!
- Two-piece toilets – Easy-to-maintain designs perfect for DIYers!
- Toilet supply lines – Replace aging connections during repairs!
- Toilet seats – Upgrade comfort while you’re fixing things anyway!
- Wax rings & bolts – Must-haves when reinstalling your bowl!
- Fill valves & flappers – Replace worn parts after frequent backups!
- Bathroom accessories – Stock up on plungers, holders, and more!
Save on Toilets and Tools
Now that you know how to use a toilet auger, you can feel like a big-time handyman and impress your lady. Plumbing professionals and DIY novices both like to shop at PlumbersStock.com because of trusted brands and affordable discounts. If you are interested in buying in bulk because you have big projects on the horizon, contact us, and we can give you even better deals than you see listed! Save on toilet parts, plumbing tools, and more.
Helpful Resources
Video: How to Use Auger
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Tank
How to Use a Plunger
Draining a Toilet
How to Replace Toilet Supply Line
How to Unclog a Toilet with No Plunger
About the Author
Nathan is a product expert and has worked for PlumbersStock since 2012. Like many in the company, he's a graduate of Southern Utah University. He enjoys spending time with his family, the gym, being in the mountains, reading, movies, music, watching sports, and playing CoD online with his little brother.
