Auger and Plunger

The plunger is a common bathroom fixture. Plungers come in handy when drains get clogged. Most issues with toilets can be handled with a plunger. The official term for a plunger is a "hydroforce blast cup." Plungers usually consist simply of a rubber cup attached to a wooden stick. The plunger is pushed down into the drain to create suction or a vacuum that will loosen or break the clog.

When a plunger just won't cut it, a plumber might employ the use of a snake, or plumber's auger. A plumber's auger usually consists of a flexible, coiled, metal wire with a crank that allows it to go deep into the drain to break up the blockage. Some more advanced augers are motorized and have blades attached to the ends of them. If the auger is still unsuccessful, a portion of the pipe might have to be replaced. See the articles below to find out more about augers and plungers.