Do not flush yet! You don't want to risk a re-clog while the tank is full. Instead, dump a bucket of water into the bowl from about waist height.
With the snake inserted, hold the handle tube steady with one hand. With the other, begin turning the crank handle clockwise.
: Lay down old towels around the base of the toilet to catch splashes. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.
: Hold the shaft steady with one hand and slowly turn the handle clockwise with the other. This pushes the flexible cable into the trap.
: If you hit a hard wall that won't budge, stop. Forcing the snake can damage the porcelain or the internal pipes.
: Pull the handle of the auger all the way up so the metal coil is tucked inside the curved plastic "boot" or sleeve.
: When you feel resistance, you’ve likely hit the obstruction. Continue cranking while gently pushing and pulling the handle. The goal is to either break up the clog so it can flush or hook it to pull it back out.
It sounds aggressive. It looks like a medieval torture device. But using a toilet snake is actually a delicate art form—a combination of physics, anatomy, and a little bit of patience. Here is how to wrestle the beast and win.
