How to Use a Drain Snake

Occasionally, you may experience a clogged drain at home. Whether it’s your sink, shower, bathtub, or toilet drain, a drain snake can be helpful in clearing blockages. Drain snakes are an at-home solution for fixing small clogs.

Using a drain snake isn’t difficult once you understand the process. It’s a safe and affordable tool for clearing small clogs. This step-by-step guide shares how to unclog a drain with using a snake. Read on for drain snake instructions so you can keep your home’s drains free and clear.

What Is a Drain Snake?

A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s auger, is a tool used to dislodge clogs in your pipes. It uses a flexible, coil-like design with a handle to “snake” its way down pipes. It has a corkscrew bit at the end to help catch hair or other debris while the handle is rotated. Drain snakes break up debris and remove obstructions in sinks, toilets, and other pipes.

Hand-Cranked vs. Motorized Versions

There are two different kinds of drain snakes: hand-cranked and motorized.

1. Hand-cranked are the traditional option and are less expensive than motorized versions. Hand-cranked drain snakes are great for simple clogs in accessible pipes.
2. Motorized drain snakes are more powerful tools and are ideal for deeper clogs. They save you effort on clearing stubborn blockages but are more expensive.

When to Use a Drain Snake vs. When to Call a Plumber

How do you know when to use a drain snake vs. when it’s time to call in a professional? Drain snakes are effective for simple clogs in accessible pipes. You can DIY drain cleaning for compacted debris like hair, grease, soap scum, and paper blockages.

When you have persistent clogs or multiple clogged fixtures, it may indicate a larger issue in the main line. Call a plumber if you suspect sewer line issues or see signs of water damage, such as pooling water or stains. If you’re having frequent blockages, a plumber can assess the main line for issues.

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

There are a few tools you’ll need to unclog a pipe using a drain snake.

• Drain snake (hand or powered)
• Bucket or towel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Drain Snake

Step 1: Prepare the area

First, clear the space you’ll be working in and place a bucket or towel beneath the pipe you’ll be trying to unclog.

Step 2: Insert the snake

Next, insert the snake into the drain slowly, being careful not to shove it forcefully.

Step 3: Rotate the handle

Rotate the handle as you’re inserting the snake deeper into the pipe or power on the snake for motorized versions.

Step 4: Break through or hook the clog

Once you reach resistance, break through the clog or hook it with the corkscrew bit.

Step 5: Pull back slowly

To remove debris, pull the drain snake up the pipe slowly to see if you broke through the clog or hooked it. In some cases, a blockage may need to be removed bit by bit.

Step 6: Flush drain with hot water

Flush the drain by running hot water to clear remaining residue.

Tips for Success

Here are a few pro tips for unclogging a pipe with a drain snake.

• Avoid forcing the snake: Do not force the drain snake down the pipe. This may damage pipes which can lead to costly repairs. Be gentle and slow when inserting the drain snake down the pipe.
• Use gentle, steady pressure: Gentle and steady pressure works best to breakthrough debris and clear a clog.
• For toilets, use a toilet auger: Toilets require a special drain snake called a closet auger. Toilet augers have a protective rubber or vinyl guard on the end to prevent scratching the porcelain surface of the toilet bowl.

When Not to DIY With a Drain Snake

There are times when clogged drain repair isn’t a DIY job. Here are some times when you should not use a drain snake.

• Recurring or severe clogs: For severe clogs, a drain snake may not be effective for removing blockages. Recurring or sever clogs can indicate more serious issues than a simple clog.
• Older pipes at risk of damage: In older homes, pipes may be at risk for damage due to their age and condition. If you suspect your pipes are at risk, avoid using a drain snake to prevent costly damage.
• Clogs deeper in the main sewer line: If clogs are deep in the main sewer line, a drain snake will not be able to reach it. A standard household drain snake is too flexible and can get tangled or create a worse blockage in the pipe. Call a professional plumber for deep or severe clogs in the main sewer line.
• Situations requiring professional plumbing inspection: There may be situations that require professional plumbing inspection such as multiple drains being clogged, sewage backups, foul odors, and gurgling noises.

Need Help? Call Dauenhauer Plumbing

Using a drain snake is an affordable and effective way to unblock minor clogs in your home. If you have small clogs in your sink, toilet, bathtub, or shower drain, try using a standard or motorized drain snake.

If your clog won’t budge or you’re dealing with frequent blockages, call Dauenhauer Plumbing — your trusted local experts in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Shelbyville. Schedule an appointment online or call (502) 497-8913 for emergency services!