Image: MomJunction Design Team
Most of us call a plumber when there is a clog in the sink or toilet. However, with the best toilet auger at home, you could easily fix clogs without assistance. A toilet auger is a tool that works beyond a plunger’s capacity to remove clogs in your drainage systems. The spring coil in the auger is long enough to reach the toilet U-trap and clear blockage.
Paula Tarling, a professional domestic cleaner, says, “I love using a sink auger for unclogging hair from drains. It’s amazing how much hair it can retrieve from a sink or shower drain. Removing the hair keeps water flowing properly, and your drains smell much fresher.”
You may need the help of a plumber only if the blockage occurs in the sewer line or the sink or toilet clog does not clear after you have used an auger. Read on as we list the best toilet augers you can choose from, tell you how it works, and give you a few tips on choosing one.
Top Picks
8 Best Toilet Augers Of 2024
1. Best Durable:Forlivese 5-in-1 Drain Auger Set
It’s easy to see why this Forlivese product features on top of our list. This quality-tested pack includes 5 pieces in 3 different styles and sizes. When one tool doesn’t work, you can quickly try another until you have found the right one to unclog your drain. The stainless steel one with a blue handle and spring design is an auger designed for cleaning the toilet, sink, floor, tub, and bathroom drains. Measuring at 40 inches, it can efficiently remove obstructions. Meanwhile, the 20.1-inch orange and green plastic snake tools are ideal for quick removal of medium blockages, and the 24-inch stainless steel snake with a red handle easily removes hair clogs and retrieves items that are stuck.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy operation
- Made of high-quality materials
- Suitable for use in different types of drains
- Green and orange ones feature a multi-tooth design
Cons
- Some may find the spikes on the plastic tools slightly fragile.
"Thanks to these anti-clogging tools, I can easily keep my shower drains clean from hair and debris. Although the sharp edges need to be handled carefully, I find them easy to work with and strong enough for repeated use. I'm quite happy with this purchase!"
2. Best Safe-To-Use:FOMMEN 6-Pack Drain Cleaning Tools Set
It’s always best to keep more than one drain cleaning tool handy, especially in different styles, with each one used for different purposes. This 6-piece toilet clog remover set is convenient to use and does the job well. It includes a 39.3-inch toilet auger, a 24-inch water snake catcher, a 27.5-inch hair cleaning brush (made of stainless steel), and 3 19.6-inch orange plastic drainage cleaning tools. While the auger is great for clearing out a blockage in the toilet, the other durable tools work well for removing hair and dirt from the drain. Trusted and tested by many reviewers, this high-performance tool can be helpful during plumbing emergencies.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Safe to use
- Auger doesn’t cause scratches
- Metal tools feature an easy-to-grip handle
Cons
- May not be rust-resistant
- The stainless steel tools may be slightly big for a bathtub drain.
"I got this small toolkit when the pipes in my new house malfunctioned. It helped me deal with the clogs effectively. I also like that tools can easily reach under the vents. Overall, they have been a great help so far."
Point to consider3. Best Water-Resistant:TOPWELL 25-Feet Toilet Auger
One of the nastiest things a homeowner may potentially have to deal with is a clogged toilet. The smell and mess can be so unbearable, and immediately attending to it is the only way to get rid of the discomfort. That’s why you should always have a toilet auger at home! This auger by Topwell is both flexible and strong and can extend up to 25 feet and bend more than 90° without breaking, making it easier to work with. Moreover, you won’t need a chemical cleaning solution for this job. For easy operation, this clog removal tool includes a thumbscrew that can be adjusted to increase the length of the steel wire and tightened to prevent it from falling off.
Pros
- Wear-resistant
- Easy to store
- Non-slip PE plastic handle
- Heavy-duty 72A manganese steel cable
- Features a telescopic handle that rotates clockwise
Cons
- Might scratch the inside of the toilet
"I got these cleaning tools for regular maintenance, and they have served me well so far. Although they're made of plastic, I like that the kit comes with several pieces for long-term use. They offer a fast way to repair sudden drain blocks."
Forlivese 5-in-1 Drain Auger Set Best Durable | FOMMEN 6-Pack Drain Cleaning Tools Set Best Safe-To-Use | TOPWELL 25-Feet Toilet Auger Best Water-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Orange | 6 pack （Cleaning tool combination） | - |
| Dimensions | 20 x 0.59 x 0.2 inches | 12 x 6 x 2 inches | - |
| Weight | 9.9 ounces | 9.6 ounces | - |
| Material | - | Stainless Steel | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,141 | 2,291 | 737 |
| Price | $9.99 | $11.59 | $8.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Ergonomic:Plumb Craft Titan Light Duty Toilet Auger
Effectively solve the problem of jammed household toilets with this simple-to-use and operate auger by Plumb Craft. Featuring a steel construction that ensures durability and strength, this effective tool offers fast clearing of toilet obstructions. Its 3-foot length flexible cable that’s 0.375 inches in diameter can be easily pushed into the toilet drain, while the sturdy head helps dislodge difficult clogs.
Pros
- Steel turning rod
- High-quality materials
- Anti-slip vinyl grip handle
- Ergonomically-designed safety guide tube
Cons
- Might show signs of rusting if used frequently
"This toilet auger gets rid of difficult blockages and works efficiently. Although it is easy to use, I had to handle it carefully as the metal tip scratched the porcelain. The handle's grip is anti-slip, so I stay worry-free about unpleasant accidents."
5. Best Slip-Resistant:RIDGID K-6P Toilet Auger
Image: Ridgid If you are looking for a toilet unclogging tool that does the job faster and costs less than a professional plumber, this toilet auger is your best option. Featuring a super-long 6-ft Tri-Wrap inner core cable, it can reach far into the inner depths of the toilet and drainage pipe. Plus, the cable is kink-resistant, allowing you to push it back and forth through the obstruction with ease. Suitable for any type of toilet and urinal, this plumbing equipment comes with a bulb head that can break down stubborn clogs smoothly. According to the reviewers, the best part about this auger is that you can use it with either the included vinyl handle or drill attachment. Take a look at this video detailing a tester’s experience to know more about the toilet drain auger.
Pros
- Slip-resistant handle
- Vinyl guard protects porcelain
- Goes up to 500 RPM with drill attachment
- Corrosion-resistant zinc-plated steel tubing
Cons
- Might be too big to be stored conveniently
"This heavy-duty toilet auger proved to be a reliable tool. It's well-made, but the instructions could be a little clearer. For repeated plumbing problems, I'd definitely recommend it."
Pro Tip6. Best Replaceable: General Pipe Cleaners I-T6FL-DH Closet Auger
Image: General Pipe Cleaners Do you have kids who like to flush down baby wipes and excess toilet paper into the toilet, making it easily and severely clogged that you have to clear it out quite frequently? What you need is a closet auger for toilets such as this one by General Pipe Cleaners. This professional-grade tool can break down obstructions causing tough blockage and also fish out items that can’t go down the pipe, thanks to the down head fitting and a durable and strong hook at the tip. This heavy-duty six-foot toilet unclogger has a three-foot Flexicore cable collapsed into the guide tube. While the first 3 feet can be pushed up until the toilet bowl, the remaining 3 feet help you push it further in when you need to clear stoppages beyond the toilet bowl. All you need to do is press the button and turn the crank handle. The Flexicore cable is replaceable and is made of a 2-layered tempered spring winded around a 49-strand wire rope, which means you don’t have to worry about it breaking or kinking during usage.
Pros
- Made of durable materials
- 125 inches in diameter outer steel tube
- Strong-build hexagonal guide tube
- Vinyl handle ensures a comfortable grip
- Includes a vinyl guard handle and Grip Clip (to secure cable)
Cons
- Storing the product might be difficult due to aesthetic and sanitary reasons.
"Having used this for quite some time now, I can vouch for this auger's dependability. It has a powerful double-spring flex that works well for unclogging. Although its size makes storing challenging, its effectiveness for severe blockages makes it worthwhile."
7. Best Flexible:Milwaukee TrapSnake Toilet Auger
Image: Milwaukee Are you on the hunt for a toilet auger that offers optimal porcelain protection while you’re clearing out a clog? Give the Milwaukee TrapSnake toilet auger a try! This clog remover features a fixed rubber boot design that prevents the toilet from getting scratched or chipped. As per the reviews, it ensures a snug fit in your hands for ease of usage. While the 6-foot toilet drain auger cable is flexible enough to navigate through even the tightest traps, the crank handle comes equipped with a locking mechanism that allows you to release or tighten the cable as needed.
Pros
- Delivers on durability
- Ergonomic design
- Replaceable metal cables
- Features a bulb head
- Can be used with a powered unit
Cons
- Locking and releasing the handles might be a little tricky initially.
"Reaching those hard-to-reach clogs is easy with this auger's long cable. The tool is pretty durable and easy to use. It has become a valuable item in my home maintenance toolbox, preventing me from hiring experts until absolutely necessary."
Do remember8. Best Build: Husky Toilet Auger
Get your toilet back to a fully-functioning state in minimal time with this tool designed to break down just about any shallow clogs and keep your drains running smoothly. Safe and convenient to use, the auger measures at 3 feet and comes with a high-carbon spring cable that does the job well. It also features a handy clip that keeps the spring cable secured when not in use. It’s an excellent manual operation tool that can handle your clogged drains for a good number of years.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Rust-resistant cable
- Includes a safety guide sleeve for effortless operation
- The non-slip handle ensures a comfortable grip.
Cons
- Might cause scratches on porcelain
- The length is not suitable for deep toilet cleaning.
How To Choose The Right Toilet Auger?
Here are a few pointers that might help you make an informed decision when choosing a toilet auger.
- Build material: The durability and reliability of an auger depends on the material used. Most augers are made of either metal or plastic. If you’re opting for a metal one, make sure it is resistant to corrosion since it comes in contact with water and hazardous waste. Also, the cable should not break or kink when dealing with heavy blockages.As for plastic ones, they do not rust, but they have a higher possibility of bending or snapping while clearing tough blockages or clogs.
- Mechanism: When it comes to the mechanism, there are 2 types — manual and electric or battery-powered. While manual toilet augers work well to clear out small obstructions, the battery-powered or electric ones can efficiently unclog difficult stoppages in a few minutes. The electric ones offer convenient storage too.
- Length: The length of an auger is an important factor to consider as it has to fit your toilet’s needs, else it becomes useless. The length varies from one brand to another, so choose one based on the size of your toilet. In addition to this, you should also consider the length of the cable that comes in different measurements, starting from 3 feet and going up to 50 feet.
- Cable diameter: The diameter of the cable is as important as the length and should be chosen based on the size of the pipe installed in the toilet. The diameter refers to the cord’s size. Cables with a larger diameter will not fit small/thin pipes, and cable with a smaller diameter may not be powerful enough to unclog large pipes.
- Protective guard: The protective guard is nothing but a vinyl covering at the end of the tubing that protects the delicate porcelain surface of the toilet from getting scratched or chipped.
- Ergonomic handle: Whether you use your bare hands or wear gloves while holding the auger, you should choose one that features an ergonomic and comfortable handle. This will allow you to comfortably grip the auger and hold it in place, preventing fatigue and cramps in your hands.
Toilet Auger vs. Snake: Is There A Difference?
Although the two terms are used interchangeably since they look similar, there are quite a few differences between them.
- Toilet auger: As the name suggests, this tool is commonly used to unclog clogged toilets. It is heavy-duty and efficient in clearing out tough blockages. Also known as a water closet auger, it usually comes equipped with a porcelain bowl guard, a manual crank, and a long cable with a closed-spear or bulb head.
Primarily used to push down the clog, an auger works its way down the toilet and through the drain until it reaches the clog. Its bulb-like tip helps break down the clog and force it down the sewage system by clearing the sewage blockage to some extent. Some augers feature a small hook at the tip that can help bring up waste from the toilet.
- Drain snake: Drain snakes are lightweight and smaller than an auger and are usually used to remove medium clogs in toilets and smaller drains such as sinks and bathtubs. Featuring a hook-like tip that can clasp onto the obstruction, snakes are specially designed to retrieve items such as tissues, coins, and hair from the drains.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a toilet auger better than a plunger?
A toilet auger is better than a toilet plunger because, with a toilet auger, you can actually feel the obstruction and force it down the sewer system rather than blindly clearing the clog with the help of water pressure. The toilet auger helps in easy bathroom maintenance.
2. Do augers work with all toilets?
Since toilet augers have a flexible length, they work with all toilets.
3. How can I prevent scratching the toilet with a toilet auger?
Typically, toilet augers have a plastic or rubber covering that prevents them from scratching your toilet.
4. Is a toilet auger easy to use?
Yes, it is easy to use. First, retract the auger’s cable so that the tip is at the end of the guide tip. Now, hold the housing in place with one hand and crank the auger clockwise to insert it inside the drain, ensuring the curve is facing the drain. Then, change the direction of the cranking periodically to ensure that it is in. Once you’ve changed the direction, crank the auger for some time to unclog the toilet. Remove it and flush it to see if it worked.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled a list of the best toilet augers that may help you manage your clogged toilets. Based on our comparative research and in-depth evaluations of product reviews, these tried-and-tested products ensure high quality, durability, and efficiency. We have also added each product’s description along with its pros and cons and included a buying guide to help you choose the right product for your convenience.
The Bottom Line
With the best toilet auger in your bathroom, you won’t have to fret over a clogged toilet again. This efficient and handy tool allows you to handle tough jobs without the help of a professional, helping you feel more self-reliant and keeping things functioning smoothly in your house. The options listed here come in various designs and are super-easy to operate. We recommend the Forlivese 5-in-1 Drain Auger Set for its versatility in unclogging different drain types and the Fommen 6-Pack Drain Cleaning Tools Set for its effectiveness in removing debris and hair clogs. Moreover, you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your needs based on factors like quality of materials, mechanism, length, and whether it’s ergonomic to hold.
Infographic: How Is A Toilet Auger Different From A Drain Snake?
Although a toilet auger and a drain snake perform the same task — unclogging a blocked drain — their design and mechanisms differ significantly. So check out the following infographic to understand the functional differences between the two devices in detail.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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