How to Use a Plumbing Snake to Unclog a Toilet (Step-by-Step Guide)

A clogged toilet is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a household emergency that can quickly turn messy. If your plunger isn’t doing the trick, how to use a plumbing snake to unclog a toilet becomes your next best solution. Don’t worry: with the right tool and a little know-how, you can clear even stubborn blockages yourself, saving time and money on a plumber.

What Is a Plumbing Snake (Toilet Auger)?

A plumbing snake—also called a toilet auger or closet auger—is a specialized tool designed specifically for clearing clogs in toilets. Unlike standard drain snakes used for sinks, a toilet auger features a protective sleeve and a curved tip that fits the unique shape of a toilet bowl without scratching porcelain.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), over 60% of minor household plumbing issues can be resolved with basic tools like a toilet auger—if used correctly.

💡 Pro Tip: Never use a regular drain snake on a toilet. Its exposed metal cable can permanently scratch or chip the porcelain glaze, leading to costly replacements.

For more background on drain-clearing tools, see Wikipedia’s entry on plumbing snakes .

When Should You Use a Plumbing Snake?

Before reaching for the auger, ask yourself:

• Has plunging failed after 3–5 firm attempts?
• Is water rising dangerously close to the rim?
• Is the clog recurring in the same toilet?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time for a plumbing snake.

Common causes of toilet clogs include:

• Excessive toilet paper
• Non-flushable items (wipes, cotton balls, toys)
• Mineral buildup in older pipes
• Tree root intrusion (in rare cases with main line issues)

Tools & Safety Gear You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

✅ Toilet auger (manual, 3–6 ft long)
✅ Rubber gloves (heavy-duty, waterproof)
✅ Old towels or rags
✅ Bucket (for potential overflow)
✅ Disinfectant spray (for post-job cleanup)

Avoid electric drain snakes for toilets—they’re overkill and increase the risk of damaging your fixture.

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

Follow these precise steps to clear the clog safely and effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

• Put on gloves.
• Lay towels around the base of the toilet to catch splashes.
• If water is near the rim, use a cup to remove some into a bucket (leave ~2 inches to help lubricate the auger).

Step 2: Insert the Auger

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

Step 3: Crank the Handle

• Slowly turn the handle clockwise while gently pushing the cable forward.
• You’ll feel resistance when you hit the clog—this is normal.
• Continue cranking and pushing until the cable moves freely (usually 18–24 inches deep).

Step 4: Break Up or Retrieve the Clog

• Once past the blockage, rotate the auger 3–5 full turns to hook or break apart the debris.
• Slowly retract the cable. If you snag something (like a toy or clump of wipes), pull it out carefully.

Step 5: Flush and Test

• Flush the toilet once to test drainage.
• If it drains slowly, repeat the process.
• If it flushes cleanly, disinfect the auger and bowl with a bleach-based cleaner.

⏱️ Time Estimate: Most clogs take 5–10 minutes to clear with an auger.

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

Rule of thumb: Always try a plunger first. If it fails after 3–5 attempts, switch to a toilet auger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Using a sink auger on a toilet → Scratches porcelain.
🚫 Forcing the cable too hard → Can crack the trapway.
🚫 Skipping gloves → Exposure to harmful bacteria (E. coli, salmonella).
🚫 Flushing repeatedly → Risks overflow and water damage.

According to a 2023 study by HomeAdvisor, 22% of DIY plumbing injuries occur due to improper tool use—most involving chemical drain cleaners or wrong auger types.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While most clogs are DIY-friendly, call a pro if:

• The clog persists after 2 auger attempts
• Multiple drains are backing up (sign of main sewer line issue)
• You notice foul odors or gurgling sounds from other fixtures
• Your home is over 30 years old (possible pipe corrosion)

The average cost for a plumber to clear a toilet clog is $150–$300, but emergency calls can exceed $500—making a $25 auger a smart investment.

FAQ: How to Use a Plumbing Snake to Unclog a Toilet

Q1: Can I use a regular drain snake instead of a toilet auger?

No. Regular drain snakes lack the protective sleeve and curved tip needed for toilets. They can scratch porcelain, leading to stains, leaks, or costly replacements. Always use a toilet-specific auger.

Q2: How deep should I insert the plumbing snake?

Most toilet clogs occur within the P-trap, located 12–24 inches below the bowl. Insert the auger until you feel resistance, then crank through it. Don’t force beyond 3 feet unless you suspect a main line issue.

Q3: Why won’t my toilet unclog even after snaking?

Possible reasons:

• The clog is beyond the toilet trap (in the main sewer line)
• The auger didn’t fully break up the blockage
• There’s a venting issue causing suction problems
  If water drains slowly but doesn’t overflow, try a second pass or call a plumber.

Q4: Can I rent a plumbing snake?

Yes! Most hardware stores (like Home Depot or Lowe’s) rent manual toilet augers for $10–$15/day. However, buying one ($20–$30) is more cost-effective if you own your home.

Q5: How do I clean and store my toilet auger?

After use:

1. Wipe the cable with disinfectant wipes
2. Rinse under hot water
3. Spray with vinegar or bleach solution
4. Store coiled in a dry place (never leave it damp)

Q6: Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use before snaking?

Avoid them. Chemicals like Drano can damage pipes, create toxic fumes when mixed with standing water, and won’t dissolve solid objects (toys, wipes). They also make snaking messier and more hazardous.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use a plumbing snake to unclog a toilet is a valuable DIY skill that can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters. With the right tool, a few minutes of effort, and this step-by-step guide, you’ll restore your toilet’s function quickly and safely.

✅ You’ve just avoided a plumbing bill.
✅ You’ve protected your home from water damage.
✅ You’ve gained confidence in handling household emergencies.

If this guide helped you, share it with a friend or on social media—someone you know might be standing in front of a clogged toilet right now! 💧🚽

Got questions or a snaking success story? Drop a comment below!