Can an auger permanently scratch porcelain. Had toilet snaked today. Scratches in toilet after Rotor Rooter man leaves. Won't come out. Is he responsible 4 damage. Looks bad. Pls Advise?

Answer 1

I suspect he gave you the option of pulling the toilet or going through it with the auger. If he didn't, he should have. It's an additional charge, maybe $40. If he did and you decided not to pull it, you would probably be responsible for any damage. It may not be scratches in the porcelain but instead metal that has rubbed off of the auger. If it is below the water line, shut the water off and get the water out of the bowl to below the marks. Use some baking soda and a damp towel to polish out the marks. Scouring powder will probably take them out also but is more abrasive and may leave more scratches that may tend to collect stains.

In doing plumbing for over 43 YEARS I yet to have a toilet scratched by using an auger properly.

The augers have rubber sleeve to protect the metal from coming into contact with the china.

The problem with many franchises is lack of FORMAL training and licensing of their employees (Journeyman's card)

They should be held responsible for toilet replacement, that is why they should have liability insurance. When my augers have the slightest signs of wear (rubber sleeve tearing) I replace them as a good quality auger cost about $125 and a toilet stoppage to clear cost $125 - $175 (without removing the bowl) thus the very first time the auger is used it pays for itself so it does not make any sense to have use a defective one