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

What is a Drain Snake?

One of the most important tools for installing drains is the drain snake. A hand drain snake, also called a plumber’s snake, is a 25-foot-long flexible steel cable usually used to unclog drains that cannot be unclogged with a plunger.

There are different types of drain snakes on the market, each suitable for different clogs and plumbing needs. For tub and sink drains, a hand drill is the best type of drain snake. Although hand drills are not ideal for unclogging toilets, they are more suitable for removing debris from sinks and bathtubs.

How Does These Drain Snake Work?

If you cannot unclog the drain with a plunger, the next step is to use a hand drill. A hand drill consists of a drum and a strong cable with a pigtail end that is fed into a drain to clear the clog.

As the auger is lowered into the drain, the corkscrew end of the snake removes any hair and debris it encounters. The coil catches debris so it doesn’t go further down the drain and cause a major clog.

How to Use a Drain Snake – Step by Step

Learn how to use your manual drain snake by following this guide:

1. Prepare Yourself

Unclogging your pipes can be complicated! Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and rubber gloves. Also be prepared to use a trash bag or trash can to remove debris kicked up by the drain auger.

2. Remove Sink Stopper or Shower Grate

If you want to know how to use a kitchen sink drain snake, you will first need to remove the sink stopper if you have one. Once removed, insert the wire rope from the auger into the sink drain.

If you’re here to learn how to use a drain snake as a shower drain stopper, start by removing the metal or plastic screen that typically covers the opening of a shower drain. These grilles are usually attached with simple screws and can be removed with a screwdriver. Remove any hair or soap residue stuck to the grate and insert the drain hose spiral.

3. Crank the Handle of the Drain Snake

Once the cable is in the drain, slowly begin turning the drain snake handle. This moves the cable forward and twists the end of the corkscrew to loosen the clogs.

Pushing the cable through the P-trap, the U-shaped piece of pipe under the sink, can cause friction and resistance. In this case, push the cable while slowly rotating the spool. A few twists make it easier to maneuver the cable around pipe bends.

4. Remove Cable

Once you have successfully worked your way through the pipes, remove the cable from the drain. When you put it in the drum, wipe the cable to keep it clean. When the end of the corkscrew comes out, remove any debris and throw it in the trash (don’t throw it down the drain!).

You can check your pipes by running hot water from the faucet and checking how well the pipes drain. If the water drains slowly, you may need to reroute the drain.

The same goes for shower drains; Run the shower to see how well the shower drain drains the water.

5. How to Snake a Drain With a Stubborn Clog

If your sink stopper doesn’t respond to the auger, you may need to remove the trap. To do this, place a bucket under the siphon to prevent water from splashing out of the siphon onto the floor. Loosen and remove the slide rail at the end of the P-trap using a pipe wrench or pliers.

Once these are removed, insert the drain snake into the pipe leading to the wall and drill. Next, assemble the P-trap and run hot tap water to flush the drain.

6. Clean the Drain Snake

To properly care for your drain snake, it is important to clean it after use. Wipe the cord clean when placing it back into the drum and clean the end of the corkscrew. You can also rinse the used cable as it exits the tube and then allow it to air dry before placing it back in the drum.

When to Call a Plumbing Professional?

Don’t worry if a snake won’t go down the bathtub drain or if a P-trap is seriously clogged. Some clogs are difficult to clear with a simple drain snake. If the work goes beyond your DIY knowledge or skills, there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s why plumbers exist in the first place. If diving and snake fishing don’t seem to produce positive results, it may be time to call a professional plumber.

For fast, reliable and professional plumbing service, contact Heartland Plumbing immediately.