How to Use a Toilet Auger to Clear a Stubborn Clog

Before starting, prepare the area to prevent a mess and ensure your safety. Lay down several old towels on the floor around the base of the toilet to catch any water that may splash out. Put on a pair of waterproof gloves to protect your hands from toilet water and germs. If you have one, place a 5-gallon bucket nearby; it will be useful for holding the wet auger after you've finished.

Hold the toilet auger upright and pull the crank handle all the way up. This retracts the flexible metal cable completely inside the metal guide tube. Carefully lower the curved end of the auger into the toilet bowl. The rubber boot on the J-bend is specifically designed to rest in the drain opening at the bottom of the bowl and protect the porcelain from being scratched.

With one hand firmly holding the guide tube to keep the auger stable, use your other hand to slowly turn the crank handle in a clockwise direction. As you turn the handle, apply gentle downward pressure. This combined action will feed the flexible cable out of the guide tube and down into the toilet's S-shaped trapway. Continue this motion until the cable stops advancing, which indicates you have reached the obstruction.

Once you feel the resistance from the clog, the goal is to either break it up or hook it. Continue to slowly crank the handle clockwise. The corkscrew tip of the auger cable will work its way into the mass of the clog. Gently push and pull the auger a few inches while continuing to turn the crank. This motion will macerate soft clogs (like toilet paper) or securely hook onto solid objects (like a washcloth or toy).

After working the clog, begin retracting the cable. Crank the handle in a counter-clockwise direction while simultaneously pulling the handle up and away from the toilet bowl. This will draw the cable back into the protective guide tube. If you have hooked the clog, you will feel resistance as you pull. Continue with a slow and steady motion to pull the object out of the trap and into the bowl. Once the cable is fully retracted, carefully lift the entire toilet auger from the bowl, keeping the end pointed down to avoid drips, and place it on the towels or directly into your bucket.

With the auger removed, test if the clog has been cleared. Flush the toilet. Observe the water in the bowl; it should swirl and drain quickly and completely. If it does, congratulations, you've fixed the clog. If it still drains slowly or backs up, you can try the auger process one more time. If a second attempt fails, the clog may be further down the main drain line, requiring a professional plumber. Finally, clean your toilet auger thoroughly with soap and water, dry it, and store it for future use. Gather and launder or dispose of the used towels.