Step 4 · Work the Clog

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

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).