Seeing the water rise instead of disappearing into the drain when you flush can bring on a wave of panic. But the problem can often be resolved quickly. Common tools for doing so include a toilet auger and a toilet snake (at first, both look quite similar). Here, we’ll look at the differences between a toilet auger vs. snake and how each works. And, most importantly, when to call a plumber.
Toilet Auger vs. Snake
Toilet Auger
A toilet auger is a heavy-duty tool. The typical auger has a manual crank that winds the auger down the drain. A closed-spear tip pushes against the clog and forces itself into it, to break down the material and push it towards the sewer line. 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.
- Turn the crank handle clockwise to guide the auger down without forcing it.
- Resistance means you’ve reached the clog; stop turning the auger, and then apply more pressure to move it forward.
- Withdraw the auger when you feel it has pushed through the blockage or latched onto it.
- Once the auger is clear, flush the toilet; if it’s still blocked, repeat the process above.
Toilet Snake
A snake is smaller than an auger, but often more successful than plungers at removing clogs. There may be a helix-shaped hook to maneuver through the pipe by turning the crank. The device should remove any blockage that is dense and shreddable. It’s also more suited for smaller, 1¼- to 2-inch diameter pipes. To use a toilet snake:- If the snake doesn’t have a crank handle, feed the cable in by hand; wear gloves as the metal coil can irritate your hands.
- If it has a crank handle, rotate the snake to navigate twists and bends in the pipe.
- The snake should slide more easily once it passes the toilet’s initial bends until it reaches the clog.
- Stop the snake when you reach the clog, and slowly twist the end.
- When it stops twisting, try to pull out the blockage carefully so as not to put too much tension on the coil.
- With the clog removed, try to flush the toilet; use the snake again if it is still blocked.