Whether you call it a toilet snake, a toilet auger or one of the numerous other terms out there, the tool serves the same function to clear the drain on a clogged toilet. A toilet clog can quickly turn from a quick plunge to an absolute nightmare depending on the severity of the clog itself and what is at fault. Chances are, if you have a toilet in your home, you are going to have to unclog it at one time or another.
If you need some extra tips on battling a tough clog, take a look at our page how to unclog a toilet for more information.
How Does a Toilet Snake Work?
The design and process of a toilet snake is very simple. You insert the auger head or bit into the toilet drain and either turn on the power or begin cranking (depending on the type of snake you have). The auger cable begins to twist and spin around, while the auger head does its best to tear and push its way through any blockage it comes across. Fortunately, most clogs are found within the toilet itself, usually at the point where the drain begins to turn downward in the toilet. For this type of clog, a standard hand held closet auger will work just fine and can be purchased for under fifty dollars at just about any hardware store.
However, there are situations where the clog can be much further down the line. In these cases, a commercial toilet snake will be required. These come in by manual and power versions. They work the same, however with the power version it runs itself for the most part and the manual version will require you to do some old fashioned hand cranking. There is also a large difference in price between these types of auger units.
If you live in an older home with older plumbing, I would recommend starting out with a manual toilet snake. Power snakes are great and save some work, but I have seen many older pipes break and crack as a result of using them.
Shop for a Toilet Snake
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Ridgid 59787 K-3 3-foot Toilet Auger with bulb head List Price: Sale Price: $27.32 You save: $6.84 (20%) |
Description59787 Style: Len.:3 ft, Tip Bulb (part# 59787) This item features: -Available in drop head or bulb head models. -K-6 models telescope for additional reach. -Negotiate water-conserving toilets. -New, durable, kink-resistant, 1/2'' compression-wrapped inner core cable... |
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Cobra Products 40030 3/8-Inch by 3-Feet Home Toilet Auger List Price: Sale Price: $5.30 You save: $4.19 (44%) |
DescriptionCobra, 3/8" x 3' Economy Toilet Cleaner Tool. |
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Cobra Products 49360 3-Foot to 6-Foot Telescopic Toilet Auger List Price: Sale Price: $34.82 You save: $15.18 (30%) |
DescriptionThis Cobra Products Telescopic Toilet Auger features non-slip grip handles.1/2-inch x 6-foot High Carbon spring wireClears clogged toiletsCable extends from 3-feet to 6-feetSafety guide tubeVinyl bowl guard |
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LDR 512 1220 Deluxe Toilet Drain Clearing Auger, 7/16-Inch Wire x 3-Feet Sale Price: $11.99 |
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Plumb Craft 7730010 Titan Light Duty Toilet Auger List Price: Sale Price: $8.99 You save: $1.00 (10%) |
DescriptionWaxman 7730010 Titan Light Duty Toilet AugerWaxman 7730010 Titan Light Duty Toilet Auger Features:;Unclogs household toilets;Handle with safety guide tube;Steel turning rod;Manual;3/8" diameter x 3' length |
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General Pipe Cleaners T6FL-DH Teletube Toilet Auger with Down Head List Price: Sale Price: $43.99 You save: $15.86 (26%) |
DescriptionGuaranteed against manufacturing defects for a full year. This warranty includes damage to the cable, as well as the Closet Auger's other components. Two layers of tempered spring steel are coiled tightly over a core of 49-strand wire rope... |
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Toilet Auger, 6' List Price: Sale Price: $6.44 You save: $4.05 (39%) |
DescriptionFor use in most household toilets. Welded steel tube, rubber bowl guard. Plastic, non-grip handle. |
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25 Foot Sink Snake Pipe Drain Plumbing Auger Clog Repair Toilet Reel Tool Sale Price: $12.99 |
Description25Ft Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Drum Augers Drain Cleaner Toilet Plunger Sink Clogger These Drain Clearing Drum Augers have a power coated metal pistol grip handle with a wood turning knob. The high grade, high carbon, non-kink, rust resistant spring steel wire powers through clogs efficiently... |
Don't forget to read our free guide on how to use a toilet auger, if you have never used one. We also carry a variety of other tools and supplies on our toilet repair website. Let us know if you have any questions at all.
You may enjoy these random highlights from advice and information found right here on the My Clogged Toilet website.
Toilet repair can be tricky and very costly if you have to get a plumber to do the work for you.
You should be able to reach the clog in the toilet with the snake and move it until you feel it release.
You will want to slide it back onto the overflow and then clip it in place using a utility clip.
If the water in the floor is not coming from the bottom then you may have a cracked tank.