The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Toilet Auger

As a home improvement expert with over 10 years of experience in renovations and repairs, I‘ve learned that having the right tools for the job is critical. When it comes to dealing with clogged toilets, the most effective tool is a quality auger. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge on choosing, using and maintaining the best toilet auger for your home.

An Ounce of Prevention

Before we dive into augers, let‘s briefly cover how to prevent clogs in the first place. Small steps like these can reduce the need for augering:

• Install a toilet with a wider 3” flush valve and trapway

• Avoid flushing paper towels, wipes and other thick materials

• Use a toilet tablet cleaner monthly to freshen pipes

• Pour a kettle of hot water into drain weekly to clear soap scum

• Cut back trees and roots encroaching on drain lines

Toilet Auger Basics

A toilet auger is specially designed to bore through obstructions in the trap and drain line of a toilet. Let‘s look at the key components:

The Shaft

This is the length of steel cable that enters the toilet drain. Lengths range from 3 feet up to 6 feet. The shaft needs to be sturdy yet flexible.

Shaft Material

• Steel – More durable but heavier. Best for frequent use. Stainless steel resists rust.

• Plastic – Lighter weight. Okay for occasional home use. More prone to kinking.

• Coated cables – Prevent scratching porcelain. Plastic won‘t damage pipes.

Shaft Length Recommendations

• 3-4 feet – Enough for most basic residential toilets

• 5-6 feet – Reaches deeper clogs in long drain lines

• 7-10 feet – Tricky to maneuver in a toilet, best for main lines

I recommend choosing the 5 to 6 foot length for maximum reach. Measure from your toilet base to the main sewer drain and add a few feet.

The Auger Head

The auger head (also called the spiral) located at the end of the shaft is what bores into the clog. The two main types are:

• Corkscrew – Helical shaped, drills into and extracts clog

• Claw – Spring-loaded claws grasp and remove debris

Look for commercial grade auger heads made from hardened, shaped steel for durability. Plastic heads can break under heavy use.

The Handle

The handle provides control and leverage for turning the auger head to penetrate the clog.

• Pistol grip – Comfortable rubberized grip

• Crank handle – Provides maximum torque

• Drill adapter – Allows use with power drill for added force

A crank handle offers superior leverage compared to pistol grip models. Look for enclosed gears for smooth turning.

The Funnel

The funnel guides the auger into the bowl opening while protecting the porcelain from scratches. Funnel types:

• Removable – Allows precise positioning

• Integrated – Limited flexibility but prevents loss

• No funnel – Risks damage to toilet surface

I recommend getting an auger with a removable rubber funnel guide. This allows you to carefully direct the auger while safeguarding your toilet.

Auger Operation – Step By Step

Follow these steps to safely and effectively utilize your toilet auger:

1. Shut off water valve behind toilet.

2. Insert funnel into bowl opening and center auger cable.

3. Feed cable into drain line, turning handle to propel auger head into clog.

4. Clear debris by slowly pulling auger out while cranking handle.

5. Remove auger, restore water supply and flush toilet to test.

6. Repeat steps if needed to fully open drain.

Professional Grade vs DIY Augers

You can spend anywhere from $20 to $200 on a toilet auger. Let‘s compare pro models to basic DIY versions.

Pro-Grade Augers

• All stainless steel shaft and hardware

• Reinforced braided steel cables

• Large crank handle with enclosed gears

• Removable rubber funnel guides

• Lifetime warranty against defects

*Cost $70-$200

DIY Household Augers

• Plastic shaft and components

• Basic plastic coated cables

• Small pistol grip handle

• Integrated plastic funnel

• Limited or no warranty

*Cost $20-$50

Worth Investing in a Pro Model?

For homeowners who only occasionally deal with clogged toilets, a basic DIY plastic auger may get the job done. But for those with roots, kids or frequent issues, I recommend investing in a professional grade auger.

The enhanced durability, torque and accessibility provided by commercial augers make them well worth the additional cost over the long run. You‘ll spend less time wrestling with inferior equipment and more time tackling whatever comes up.

Drum Augers vs Toilet Augers

Don‘t make the mistake of grabbing a drum auger to clear your clogged toilet! Let‘s clarify when each tool is intended for:

Drum Augers

• 25-50 foot cables to clear main sewer lines

• Larger diameter cables won‘t fit toilet trap

• No funnel guide to protect porcelain

• High risk of damaging toilet or pipes

Toilet Augers

• 3-6 foot cables properly sized for toilet drain

• Removable funnel prevents bowl damage

• Curved end navigates toilet trap

• Specifically designed for toilets

While a stout 50 foot drum auger may theoretically clear a toilet clog after threading through the trap, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefit. Stick with an auger made specifically for toilets.

Unclogging Tough Toilet Clogs

On those rare occasions when a quality auger just won‘t do the trick, try these advanced tactics:

• Attempt plunging before and after augering

• Try a commercial drain cleaner formulated for toilets

• Remove the toilet for direct access to the drain pipe

• Rent a power auger drill attachment for added force

• Hire a plumber to hydro jet the drain line

With the right tools and techniques, you can ultimately clear even the most stubborn toilet clogs without having to replace the entire fixture.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your auger operating smoothly for years to come:

• Lubricate the cable with silicone spray monthly

• Rinse auger in bucket of water after use

• Store horizontally to prevent cable kinking

• Tightly wind cable to prevent tangling

• Occasionally disassemble and clean gears, grips and hardware

Conclusion

I hope this detailed toilet auger guide provides everything you need to know to choose the best model for your needs and use it effectively. My key takeaways:

• Invest in a professional grade auger for reliability

• Opt for a 5-6 foot steel cable for maximum reach

• Look for removable funnel guides to prevent damage

• Practice preventive measures to minimize clogs

• Handle tough clogs with advanced techniques

• Maintain your auger properly for longevity

With the right auger and know-how, you can quickly clear clogged toilets and prevent damage from overflow incidents. Let me know if you have any other plumbing or home improvement questions!