| Many problem toilets can be cleared using a plunger, | | | | to the opening of the drain as possible. Continue to |
| but occasionally you can get a super clog. The only | | | | reposition the grip as the coil moves deeper into the |
| solution then is to break out the snake. | | | | drain. Eventually, the tip should reach the clog. When |
| The majority of clogged toilets can be cleared by | | | | the clog can be felt or the coil will go in no further, |
| using the old pumping action of a plunger. Every once | | | | you can begin to turn the handle, rotating the coil. |
| in awhile, there is going to be a clog that resists. The | | | | The rotation of the coil causes the auger tip to chew |
| next step is to apply a snake or auger. The snake is | | | | into the clog. It is usually necessary to move the |
| a tightly coiled piece of spring steel with an auger tip | | | | auger tip back and forth during the part of the |
| on one end and a cranking handle on the other. | | | | operation. In some cases, the clog might be broken |
| There are two basic types. One is called a drain | | | | up. You will be able to tell this because the tip will |
| auger. The other is a closet auger. | | | | advance further into the drain. In other cases, the |
| The closet auger is shorter and has a stiffer coil. It is | | | | clog might be snagged on the tip. In this case, it will |
| actually designed for use in the toilet. Many closet | | | | be possible to pull the clog back out of the drain. This |
| augers come with a protective, rubberized collar over | | | | is the preferred method. When the clog is not |
| the insertion part of the tool. This prevents | | | | removed, it may reform deeper in the drain clogging |
| scratching of the enamel of the toilet bowl when | | | | it again. |
| inserting it. The drain auger can come in many | | | | If you do manage to pull out the clog be prepared |
| different sizes and also can be powered. On some, | | | | for a mess. A toilet clog is not going to be the most |
| the crank handle can be attached to an electric drill to | | | | pleasant thing. It is a good idea to prepare the |
| provide the turning power. Other models, designed | | | | bathroom, and yourself, for this mess. Make sure |
| for the use of professional plumbers, are self | | | | there is an ample supply of old towels and rags |
| powered and can be quite expensive. | | | | handy to protect the bathroom floor and to clean |
| The coil of the snake is inserted into the mouth of | | | | the snake coil as it is withdrawn from the toilet. |
| the toilet drain. Slowly insert the coil into the drain. It | | | | Snaking a toilet is not a job that is done best in your |
| is important to move the grip of the snake as close | | | | best clothes either. |