Extend and Rotate the Auger — Clear Stubborn Clogs with a Drain Auger
Part of project
How to Clear a Clogged Plumbing Vent Stack · Step 4 of 5
In this video
Hold the main shaft of the auger steady with one hand. With the other hand, simultaneously push the handle down towards the shaft and turn it in a clockwise direction. This action extends the metal snake out of the protective tube and into the toilet's trap and drainpipe. The rotating motion helps the auger head to either break through the blockage or to hook onto it. Continue this motion until the entire length of the cable is extended or you feel the clog give way. You may need to pull back slightly and push forward again to work through the clog.
Goal: Clear the clog
- If you feel resistance, don't force it too hard. Gently work the auger back and forth while rotating to navigate bends or break up the clog.
- A sign that the clog is clearing is when the water level in the bowl begins to drop.
Used in this video
- Toilet Auger (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Plastic, Auger Type: Toilet auger, Cable Length: Short, Protective Features: Rubber boot to prevent scratching the toilet bowl) — To extend into the drain and clear the clog.
733 subscribers
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my plumbing vent stack is clogged, and not just a regular drain?
Common signs include multiple slow drains throughout your home, gurgling sounds from various drains or toilets, or a persistent sewer gas odor. If these symptoms appear in several fixtures simultaneously, it's a strong indicator of a main vent stack blockage rather than a localized drain issue.
How do I safely access my roof to clear the vent stack, especially if I'm not comfortable with heights?
Always use a sturdy extension ladder, like the XTEND+CLIMB 760P+, ensuring it's on level ground and secured. Wear slip-resistant shoes (e.g., Shoes For Crews) and consider having a spotter to stabilize the ladder. If you're genuinely uncomfortable or inexperienced with roof work, it's safer to call a professional.
What if my garden hose isn't long enough or powerful enough to clear the blockage in the vent stack?
If a standard hose like the GardenJoy 5/8 in. x 50 ft. doesn't reach or clear the clog, consider using a longer, more flexible hose like the Pocket Hose Silver Bullet 100 ft., which is designed to be kink-free. You might also need to use the drain auger (THEWORKS 3/8 in. x 25 ft.) as the next step for more stubborn blockages.
What should I do if the drain auger gets stuck in the vent pipe during the clearing process?
If the auger gets stuck, try gently rotating it counter-clockwise while pulling back to disengage it from the blockage or a pipe joint. Avoid excessive force, as this could damage the pipe or the auger itself. If it remains firmly stuck, do not force it; you may need to call a professional.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Extend and Rotate the Auger — Clear Stubborn Clogs with a Drain Auger
Part of project
How to Clear a Clogged Plumbing Vent Stack · Step 4 of 5
In this video
Hold the main shaft of the auger steady with one hand. With the other hand, simultaneously push the handle down towards the shaft and turn it in a clockwise direction. This action extends the metal snake out of the protective tube and into the toilet's trap and drainpipe. The rotating motion helps the auger head to either break through the blockage or to hook onto it. Continue this motion until the entire length of the cable is extended or you feel the clog give way. You may need to pull back slightly and push forward again to work through the clog.
Goal: Clear the clog
- If you feel resistance, don't force it too hard. Gently work the auger back and forth while rotating to navigate bends or break up the clog.
- A sign that the clog is clearing is when the water level in the bowl begins to drop.
Used in this video
- Toilet Auger (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Plastic, Auger Type: Toilet auger, Cable Length: Short, Protective Features: Rubber boot to prevent scratching the toilet bowl) — To extend into the drain and clear the clog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs that my plumbing vent stack is clogged, and not just a regular drain?
Common signs include multiple slow drains throughout your home, gurgling sounds from various drains or toilets, or a persistent sewer gas odor. If these symptoms appear in several fixtures simultaneously, it's a strong indicator of a main vent stack blockage rather than a localized drain issue.
How do I safely access my roof to clear the vent stack, especially if I'm not comfortable with heights?
Always use a sturdy extension ladder, like the XTEND+CLIMB 760P+, ensuring it's on level ground and secured. Wear slip-resistant shoes (e.g., Shoes For Crews) and consider having a spotter to stabilize the ladder. If you're genuinely uncomfortable or inexperienced with roof work, it's safer to call a professional.
What if my garden hose isn't long enough or powerful enough to clear the blockage in the vent stack?
If a standard hose like the GardenJoy 5/8 in. x 50 ft. doesn't reach or clear the clog, consider using a longer, more flexible hose like the Pocket Hose Silver Bullet 100 ft., which is designed to be kink-free. You might also need to use the drain auger (THEWORKS 3/8 in. x 25 ft.) as the next step for more stubborn blockages.
What should I do if the drain auger gets stuck in the vent pipe during the clearing process?
If the auger gets stuck, try gently rotating it counter-clockwise while pulling back to disengage it from the blockage or a pipe joint. Avoid excessive force, as this could damage the pipe or the auger itself. If it remains firmly stuck, do not force it; you may need to call a professional.
Video Transcript
(736 characters)Hide
Video Transcript
(736 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.