Unlike a plunger, which can only force water through the toilet’s U-trap, a toilet auger features a spring cable that can extend all the way through the U-trap up to three feet or more. This allows it to clear away deeper clogs. First, you need to know how to use a toilet auger. Begin by placing cable end of the auger in the bowl, then pull the handle back all the way and crank it to extend the cable into the drainpipe. You may need to reverse crank back and forth several times to get the cable all the way into the toilet. Once the clog is cleared and water drains out of the bowl, reverse crank the cable all the way back to remove it.