Your Home Plumbing’s Best Friend: The Auger

Stubborn Clog: Say Hello to Your Plumbing’s Best Friend: The Auger 

Nothing is more frustrating than the occasional clogs in your home’s plumbing. Because, whether it’s from flushable wipes down the toilet, or grease down the drain, it’s definitely no fun. And if you’ve ever dealt with a stubborn clog in your plumbing, you’ve likely tried the usual methods like plunging or using a chemical drain cleaner. But for tough clogs that won’t budge, a more effective tool might be needed—a plumbing auger. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply someone looking to avoid calling in a plumber, knowing how to use an auger can be a game-changer.

Therefore, in this blog the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber review everything you need to know about what a plumbing auger is, how it works, and how to use it to clear tough clogs.

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What is a Plumbing Auger?

A plumbing auger—sometimes called a drain snake or plumber’s snake—is a specialized tool used to remove blockages in pipes. And unlike plungers or drain cleaners that rely on pressure or chemicals, a plumbing auger physically reaches into the pipes to break up or pull out clogs.

The auger consists of a long, flexible steel cable or coil, typically with a corkscrew-like tip. And this tip can latch onto or push through debris in your plumbing, helping you clear obstructions that are deeper in the drain line.

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How Does a Plumbing Auger Work?

You can use a plumbing auger by carefully threading its cable into the drain and then manually turning the handle to push the cable deeper into the pipe. And, the rotating motion of the auger allows the corkscrew tip to grab, break up, or push through the clog. Once the clog is broken up or removed, water can flow freely through the pipe again.

There are different types of augers for different plumbing tasks:

• • Handheld Drain Auger: Best for minor clogs in sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
  • Toilet Auger: Designed specifically for toilets, it has a shorter, more rigid cable to navigate the tight bends of a toilet’s drain.
  • Electric or Power Auger: Used for more severe clogs in larger drain pipes, such as sewer lines. And these augers have a motor to help drive the cable further into the pipe.

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How to Use a Plumbing Auger

Using a plumbing auger might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a straightforward process if you follow the right steps.

1. Choose the Right Auger

• • If you’re dealing with a sink or shower drain, a handheld auger will do.
  • For toilets, use a toilet auger to avoid damaging the porcelain.
  • For tough clogs deep in a mainline or sewer, a power auger may be necessary. But this is typically better left to professionals at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

2. Insert the Auger into the Drain

• • Place the corkscrew tip of the auger into the drain opening.
  • Begin feeding the cable into the pipe by turning the handle clockwise.
  • Be patient as the auger works its way into the plumbing; avoid forcing it to prevent damaging the pipes.

3. Keep Turning the Handle

• • Continue turning the handle to push the cable deeper until you encounter resistance. Because, this resistance usually indicates you’ve hit the clog.
  • If it feels like the auger is stuck, gently pull it back and forth to break through or grab the clog.

4. Break Up or Pull Out the Clog

• • Once you’ve made contact with the clog, try rotating the auger a few more times to break it up. And for soft clogs like hair or soap buildup, this should be enough to clear the blockage.
  • If the clog is more solid, you may need to reel the auger back out slowly, bringing the clog with it.

5. Flush the Drain

• • After you’ve removed the clog, flush the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining debris.
  • Test the drain to ensure the water flows smoothly. And if it’s still slow, you may need to repeat the process.

6. Clean and Store the Auger

• • Clean the auger thoroughly after use to prevent rust and ensure its longevity.
  • Store it properly for future use.

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When to Call a Professional

While a plumbing auger can solve most minor clogs, some blockages might require professional assistance. So, if your auger doesn’t clear the problem, or if you suspect a more significant issue like a broken pipe or deep sewer blockage, it’s best to call Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

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A Plumbing Auger Can Be Your Best Friend When You’re Facing Stubborn Drain Clogs

Because it physically breaks up or removes debris. And this offers a more effective solution than plungers or chemical cleaners, especially for deeper or tougher clogs. But, if you feel your clog has gotten the best of you despite your auger, call Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Plus they are open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. So, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always there for you.