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How do you use a cobra drum auger on a toilet?

Author

Chloe Ramirez

Updated on March 10, 2026

How do you use a cobra drum auger on a toilet?

Press down and rotate the toilet auger handle to extend the auger cable through the toilet trap. Avoid using too much force so that you do not kink or knot the cable. It may take several attempts to fully clear the clog. Falling and siphoning water in the toilet bowl is an indication that the blockage may have cleared.

Regarding this, how do you use a drum auger in a kitchen sink?

Instructions

  1. Remove the Sink Stopper. Remove the stopper from a lavatory (bathroom) sink, as applicable.
  2. Push the Cable Into the Drain. Push the cable into the drain until you feel it hit the clog.
  3. Turn the Auger Handle. Slowly turn the crank handle of the auger.
  4. Remove the Cable.
  5. Remove the P-Trap (as Needed)

Additionally, what happens if a toilet auger doesn't work? Wear gloves and remove visible debris, then pour hot water into the toilet. Dislodge the clog with a toilet plunger. If that doesn't work, use a toilet auger to remove the offending material. Flush your toilet, then rinse and dry your toilet auger.

Also to know is, how do you use a plumbers auger?

How to Use a Drain Auger

  1. Step One: Insert the Drain Auger. Grab your drain auger and insert the end of it into the drain or directly into your toilet.
  2. Step 2: Navigate The Drain Auger Towards The Clog. Crank the handle clockwise as you slowly push the drain snake into the toilet.
  3. Step Three: Pull the Drain Auger Out.

Can I use drain auger in toilet?

Plumbing snakes (also called drain cables) that are used to unclog sinks can actually scratch your porcelain toilet bowl. If plunging didn't work, you want a toilet auger (also sometimes called a closet auger). The auger is a plumbing snake, but it has a protective sleeve that protects the bowl from damage.

What is the difference between a toilet auger and a snake?

Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you'll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range. When they do, it's often from roots growing into the pipes.

How do you use an electric snake for toilet?

Using a cordless drill attachment on the top of the electric snake, begin to pull the trigger on the drill, slowly at first, which will feed the cable into the drain. Use a bit of force to get it down the drain. Once you start to feel resistance, then you've reached your clog.

How long of a toilet auger do I need?

The length of a toilet auger may vary, so you'll want to keep in mind the extent of a toilet auger's reach when attempting to clear a toilet drain. Most toilet augers extend anywhere between 3 to 6 feet in length to remove clogs.

How do you snake a drain around a corner?

Make sure when you wind your drain snake into the pipe that you are rotating it the whole time. This winding motion with your drain auger helps it to make its way through corners in your pipes. If you feel your snake getting jammed on an elbow, apply steady downward pressure as you wind the cord around.

What is the best drain snake to buy?

Here, the best drain snakes available on the market.
  • Best Overall: FlexiSnake Drain Millipede Hair Clog Tool.
  • Best for Toilet: Ridgid 59787 K-3 Toilet Auger.
  • Best Budget: Green Gobbler Hair Grabber Drain Tool.
  • Best for Hair: BrassCraft 20 in.
  • Best Extra Long: Husky 1/2 in.
  • Best Powered: Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Drain Auger.

Can you break a pipe with a snake?

Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes

Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding. When a drain snake is inserted into a pipe, the end may flop around, scratching the pipe.

How do you clean a drained snake after use?

Wearing protective gloves, use a scrubbing brush to clean the full length of the drain auger. Lay it out on newspapers spread out on the ground so that you can properly check it. Use a wire pipe cleaner to remove any debris that remains. Rinse the auger in clean water.

How does drain auger work?

The auger on the snake looks like a drill bit or a corkscrew. You manually insert the auger end of the snake into the drain and then begin uncoiling by rotating the handle. As the snake uncoils, the auger moves further through the drain pipe, until it breaks through the obstruction.

When kitchen sink is clogged?

Kitchen sink not draining?Here are 6 ways to unclog it
  1. Attack with boiling water. When hair, grease, soap residue and other debris get stuck in your drain, boiling water may be all your pipes needs to loosen the blockage.
  2. Check the garbage disposal.
  3. Plunge away the blockage.
  4. Break it down with baking soda and vinegar.
  5. Try the plumber's snake.
  6. Clean the P-trap.

How do you use a husky 15 foot drain auger?

To use, you run the auger line through the handle and push the wire through the pipe. Once you are set to auger, tighten the nut on the handle and turn it. As it moves through the pipe, you can move the handle. The end of the auger wire will grab clogs (long hair in my case).

Can I snake my own kitchen sink?

Unlike tubs or showers, sinks cannot be snaked from above. Sink openings are designed to prevent objects from getting into the pipes. Even if the cable fits, the drain traps will make it difficult to get the snake though. This project is of average difficulty and should take only 30 minutes to an hour.

How much is a plumbing auger?

For tougher clogs deep in the pipes, you will need a machine auger, which runs from $250 all the way up to $3,250 for the professional models. This innovative plumbing tool uses up to 100 feet of wire cable to clear blockages.

Where can I rent a plumbing snake?

So when you're faced with an awful smell coming out of your garbage disposal due to food stuck in the drain or a flooded basement due to a faulty sump pump, remember that The Home Depot offers rentals of everything from submersible pumps to mini sewer snake drain cleaners so you can quickly and safely remove blockages

How do you unclog a drain without a snake?

10 Really Easy Ways to Unclog Drains
  1. The Bent Wire Hanger. Simple enough, but surprisingly effective.
  2. Baking Soda and Vinegar. Mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup.
  3. The Wet & Dry Vacuum.
  4. Boiling Water.
  5. Caustic Soda.
  6. Cleaning the Pipe.
  7. The Drain Snake.
  8. Salt and Baking Soda.

Can you snake a PVC pipe?

To snake the drain, insert the snake and spin it as you push it down the drain until it reaches the clog. Continue rotating the snake to loosen and remove the clog.