Step 4 · Insert the Auger Cable

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

With the cleanout now open, select an appropriate cutter head for the auger's cable. A spiral or 'retrieving' head is a good general-purpose choice for starting. Attach it securely to the end of the cable according to the machine's instructions, often using a small pin or screw. Carefully begin to feed the cable by hand into the cleanout pipe. Keep pushing it in until you feel resistance. This resistance is likely the clog. Once you've located it, pull the cable back about one foot to give the cutter head space to work effectively.