How to Use a Plumbing Snake in a Toilet – DIY Fix in Minutes

A backed-up toilet is more than just an inconvenience—it’s an urgent household emergency. If your plunger isn’t doing the trick, how to use a plumbing snake in a toilet might be your next best move. Fortunately, this DIY method is straightforward, cost-effective, and can save you a costly service call—if done correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps, tools, and precautions to get your toilet flowing again without damaging your plumbing.

What Is a Plumbing Snake, and Why Use It on a Toilet?

A plumbing snake—also called a closet auger or toilet auger—is a specialized tool designed to clear deep clogs that plungers can’t reach. Unlike generic drain snakes, a toilet auger features a protective sleeve and curved tip that prevents scratching your porcelain bowl.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), over 30% of residential plumbing service calls involve clogged toilets—many of which could’ve been resolved with the right DIY tool.

Note: Never use a standard drain snake (metal coil without a sleeve) in a toilet. It can scratch or crack porcelain, leading to expensive replacements.

For more on drain-clearing tools, see Drain Cleaner (Wikipedia).

When Should You Use a Plumbing Snake?

Use a plumbing snake when:

• Plunging fails after 3–5 firm attempts
• Water drains slowly or not at all
• You suspect a foreign object (e.g., toy, excessive paper) is lodged deep in the trap or drain
• You notice recurring clogs in the same toilet

Avoid using a snake if you’ve recently used chemical drain cleaners—mixing tools and chemicals can cause splashing of hazardous substances.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these essentials:

• Toilet auger (closet auger) – 3 to 6 feet long, with a rubber-coated handle
• Rubber gloves – waterproof and durable
• Old towels or rags – to absorb spills
• Bucket – for overflow water
• Disinfectant spray – for post-job sanitation

Pro Tip: Invest in a high-quality auger like the RIDGID 59787 or Korky 9460. They feature non-scratch coatings and ergonomic handles for better control.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Plumbing Snake in a Toilet

Follow these detailed steps carefully to avoid damage and ensure success:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

• Turn off the toilet’s water supply valve (located behind or below the tank).
• Flush once to lower water level in the bowl. If the bowl is full, use a cup to remove excess water into a bucket.
• Lay towels around the base to catch drips.

Step 2: Insert the Auger

• Extend the auger cable and gently feed the curved tip into the toilet drain (the hole at the bottom of the bowl).
• Do not force it—let the curve guide naturally into the trap.

Step 3: Rotate and Advance

• Crank the handle clockwise while gently pushing the cable forward.
• When you feel resistance, continue rotating—this helps the cable hook or break up the clog.
• Advance 12–18 inches past the trap (typically located 18–24 inches from the bowl opening).

Step 4: Retrieve the Clog

• Once you feel the clog loosen, slowly retract the cable.
• If you hooked debris (e.g., paper wad, cloth), remove it carefully.
• Wipe the auger clean with disinfectant-soaked rags.

Step 5: Test the Drain

• Turn the water supply back on and let the tank refill.
• Flush once. If water drains quickly and the bowl refills normally, you’ve succeeded!
• If not, repeat the process or consider calling a professional.

Safety Note: Never crank the handle counterclockwise—that can unwind the cable inside the pipe and cause jams.

Plumbing Snake vs. Plunger: Which Should You Use First?

Rule of thumb: Always try a plunger first. Use a snake only if plunging fails—this minimizes wear on your pipes and reduces splash risk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a regular drain snake: Can scratch porcelain—always use a closet auger.
• Forcing the cable: May bend the pipe or push the clog deeper.
• Skipping gloves: Toilet water contains bacteria like E. coli—protect your skin.
• Over-cranking: Can kink the cable or damage internal toilet components.

How to Maintain Your Plumbing Snake

After each use:

1. Rinse the cable thoroughly with hot water.
2. Wipe down with disinfectant.
3. Store coiled loosely (not tightly wound) to prevent metal fatigue.
4. Lubricate the crank mechanism yearly with silicone spray.

A well-maintained auger can last 5–10 years.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a regular drain snake in my toilet?

No. Standard drain snakes lack the protective sleeve and curved tip of a toilet auger. They can scratch or crack your porcelain bowl, leading to leaks or costly replacements.

Q2: How do I know if the clog is too deep for a DIY snake?

If you’ve snaked 3–4 feet with no improvement, the clog may be in the main sewer line. Signs include gurgling sounds, multiple slow drains, or sewage backup. Call a licensed plumber immediately.

Q3: Is it safe to use a plumbing snake if I have a septic system?

Yes—snaking only clears the immediate drain line and doesn’t harm your septic tank. However, avoid chemical cleaners, which can kill beneficial bacteria in your tank.

Q4: Why does my toilet keep clogging after snaking?

Recurring clogs may indicate:

• Excessive toilet paper use
• Flushing non-flushable items (wipes, feminine products)
• Low-flow toilets with weak flush pressure
• Partial pipe collapse or tree root intrusion (older homes)

Consider a video pipe inspection if clogs persist.

Q5: Can snaking damage PVC pipes?

Unlikely—if done gently. PVC is durable, but aggressive force or sharp bends in the cable can cause cracks. Always rotate while advancing, never shove.

Q6: How often should I snake my toilet?

Only when clogged. Preventative snaking isn’t necessary and may wear down seals over time. Focus on prevention: use less paper, never flush wipes, and install a high-efficiency toilet if yours is outdated.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use a plumbing snake in a toilet empowers you to tackle stubborn clogs quickly, safely, and affordably—without risking damage to your plumbing or calling a pro for minor issues. By following the steps above and using the right tool (a toilet-specific auger), you’ll restore function in minutes and avoid future headaches.

If this guide saved your bathroom day, share it on social media to help others dodge plumbing disasters! 💧🚽

Got a clog story or tip? Drop it in the comments below—we love hearing from DIY warriors!