A
Plumbing Term

Auger

/aw-ger/

A coiled cable tool used to break up and clear drain clogs, also called a plumber's snake.

Full Definition

A coiled metal cable with a cutting head used to break up and remove clogs from drain pipes, also known as a plumber's snake or drain snake.

Common Usage

For stubborn toilet clogs that a plunger can't clear, a toilet auger (closet auger) is specifically designed to navigate the toilet's curved trap.

Did You Know?

Professional drain augers can extend 100 feet or more and are motorized to cut through tough blockages. The term comes from the Latin "augere" meaning "to increase" - referring to the tool's spiral design.