How to Use a Plumber Drain Snake? Step-by-Step Guide

Clogged drains are a common household problem, causing frustration and inconvenience. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up bathtub, or a completely blocked toilet, clogs disrupt daily life and can lead to expensive plumbing repairs if left unattended. According to a survey by the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), nearly 50% of homeowners face some form of drain clogging each year, with kitchen sinks and bathroom drains being the most affected.

While many people resort to chemical drain cleaners, these products can be harsh on pipes and harmful to the environment. A plumber drain snake is a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for clearing blockages. Unlike chemical cleaners, which may only provide temporary relief, a drain snake physically removes or breaks up the clog, ensuring a longer-lasting fix.

If you’re dealing with stubborn blockages, professional blocked drain services in Sydney can help. However, for minor clogs, learning to use a plumbers drain snake can save you time and money. This “ How to Use a Plumber Drain Snake?” guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a drain snake, from understanding how it works to step-by-step instructions and preventative tips. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to save money on plumbing bills, mastering this skill can help keep your drains clear and functional.

Understanding a Plumber Drain Snake

A plumber drain snake, also called a drain auger, is a flexible, coiled metal tool used to clear clogs in pipes. It works by physically breaking up or pulling out blockages that are too stubborn for plungers and too deep for simple drain strainers. Unlike chemical cleaners, which can erode pipes over time, a drain snake is a safe and effective mechanical solution.

What is a Drain Snake?

A drain snake consists of:

• A long, flexible metal cable (typically 25 to 50 feet in length).
• A corkscrew-like tip or auger head that grips and breaks apart clogs.
• A manual crank or electric motor to rotate the cable.
• A protective handle for better grip and control.

Types of Drain Snakes

There are different types of drain snakes designed for specific types of clogs and plumbing systems.

1. Manual Drain Snakes (Hand Augers)

• Best for minor clogs in sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
• Operated by hand-cranking to push and rotate the auger.
• Typically 25-50 feet in length and made of flexible metal.

2. Drill-Attachable Drain Snakes

• Can be attached to a power drill for easier use.
• More effective than manual snakes for tough clogs.
• Ideal for small household drains.

3. Toilet Augers (Closet Augers)

• Specifically designed for unclogging toilets.
• Features a plastic or rubber sleeve to prevent damage to porcelain.
• Has a shorter, more rigid cable to maneuver through the toilet’s curved pipes.

4. Electric Drain Snakes

• Ideal for stubborn or deep clogs in larger pipes.
• Uses a motorized system to spin the auger at high speed.
• Can clear out tree roots, grease buildup, and other hard blockages.

5. Professional Drain Snakes (Sewer Augers)

• Heavy-duty, long-reach drain snakes used by plumbers.
• Can extend up to 100 feet or more to clear deep sewer line clogs.
• Requires experience to operate safely.

How Does a Drain Snake Work?

The basic principle of using a drain snake is simple:

• The cable is inserted into the drain until it reaches the clog.
• The user rotates the auger head to either break through the blockage or pull it out.
• The clog is removed, and the pipe is flushed with water to ensure smooth drainage.

Effectiveness of a Drain Snake

• Can clear 90% of typical household drain clogs.
• Works on a variety of materials, including hair, grease, food particles, and soap scum.
• Safe for pipes when used correctly, unlike high-pressure hydro-jetting, which can damage older plumbing systems.

When Should You Use a Drain Snake?

A plumber drain snake is a powerful tool, but it’s not always the first solution for a clogged drain. Knowing when to use a drain snake can save you time and prevent unnecessary damage to your plumbing system.

Signs That Your Drain Needs Snaking

Before reaching for a drain snake, look for these common signs of a serious clog:

• Slow Drainage: If water is draining sluggishly from your sink, bathtub, or shower, there may be a partial blockage restricting water flow.
• Standing Water: When water refuses to drain at all, a complete clog has likely formed in the pipe.
• Gurgling Noises: A gurgling sound from your drain indicates trapped air caused by an obstruction.
• Foul Odours: A persistent bad smell coming from the drain may be due to decomposing food, hair, or grease buildup.
• Water Backup: If water starts to back up in other drains when you use a particular sink or appliance, the clog might be deeper in the plumbing system.

Situations Where a Drain Snake is the Right Choice

A drain auger is useful in these cases:

• When a Plunger Fails: If plunging doesn’t remove the blockage, it likely requires a tool that can reach deeper into the pipes.
• For Medium to Severe Clogs: Small clogs can sometimes be cleared with boiling water, vinegar, or a wet/dry vacuum. However, larger obstructions need a physical tool like a drain snake.
• When Chemical Cleaners are Not an Option: Chemical drain cleaners may temporarily dissolve clogs, but they can damage pipes over time, especially in older plumbing systems.

When NOT to Use a Drain Snake

Despite its effectiveness, there are situations where using a drain snake is not advisable:

1. If the Pipes are Severely Damaged or Corroded

• Snaking a pipe that is already cracked or corroded could worsen the damage.
• If you suspect pipe deterioration, consult a professional plumber.

2. For Sewer Line Blockages

• If multiple drains in your home are clogged simultaneously, the problem may be in the main sewer line.
• Using a professional-grade sewer auger or hydro-jetting service may be necessary.

3. When the Clog is Due to a Foreign Object

• Items like jewelry, children’s toys, or solid objects stuck in the drain may require professional removal.
• Attempting to snake a foreign object could push it further into the pipe.

4. If the Plumbing System is Complex

• In homes with intricate pipe layouts, using a drain snake incorrectly can cause unintended damage.
• If you’re unsure about your plumbing configuration, calling a professional is a safer option.

How to Use a Plumber Drain Snake To Unclog A Drain

Using a plumber’s drain snake correctly ensures that you effectively remove the clog without damaging your pipes. Follow this detailed guide to unclog your drain efficiently.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, set up your workspace to minimize mess and make the process easier.

What to Do:

• Put on protective gear: Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to shield yourself from dirty water, debris, and bacteria.
• Lay down towels or rags: This prevents water spills from making a mess on your floors or countertops.
• Place a bucket under the drain (if applicable): For sink or bathtub clogs, put a bucket beneath the pipes to catch any dirty water that might spill.
• Remove standing water (if present): If your sink or bathtub is full of water, scoop it out with a cup or use a wet/dry vacuum.

Step 2: Access the Drain

Depending on where the clog is located, you may need to remove certain components before inserting the drain snake.

For a Sink Drain:

• Remove the sink stopper or drain cover. Some pop-up stoppers can be pulled out manually, while others need to be unscrewed.
• If the clog is further down, you may need to detach the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink). Use a pipe wrench or pliers to loosen it.

For a Bathtub or Shower Drain:

• Remove the drain cover using a screwdriver if necessary.
• Clear any visible debris, such as hair or soap scum, before using the snake.

For a Toilet Drain:

• Use a toilet auger instead of a regular drain snake.
• Insert the auger into the toilet bowl’s drain opening.

Step 3: Insert the Drain Snake

Once you have access to the drain, you’re ready to feed the snake into the pipe.

How to Do It:

• Insert the snake’s head (auger) into the drain opening.
• If using a manual drain snake, hold the handle and begin feeding the cable slowly into the pipe.
• If using an electric drain snake, turn on the motor at a low speed while inserting the cable.
• Keep feeding until you feel resistance.
• Resistance usually means the snake has reached the clog.
• If you hit a bend in the pipe, rotate the handle gently to navigate through.

Step 4: Break Through the Clog

Once the snake reaches the blockage, it’s time to break it apart or pull it out.

For a Soft Clog (Hair, Grease, Soap Scum):

• Rotate the handle (manual snake) or activate the motor (electric snake) to grind through the clog.
• Move the cable back and forth to dislodge the blockage.
• If the clog feels loose, slowly pull out the snake.

For a Hard Clog (Solid Object, Large Debris):

• Try hooking the object with the auger head and pulling it out.
• If you cannot extract it, repeat the process several times to break it down into smaller pieces.

Step 5: Remove the Drain Snake and Clean Up

Once the clog is cleared, remove the snake carefully.

How to Do It:

• Slowly pull the snake back out while continuing to rotate it.
• If the auger head comes out with debris, clean it off with a rag.
• Dispose of any waste properly—do not flush it back down the drain.

Step 6: Test the Drain

Before putting everything back, check if the clog is completely removed.

How to Test:

• Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris.
• Observe the water flow—if it drains quickly without gurgling, the clog is gone.
• If the water is still slow, repeat the snaking process or consider a deeper blockage requiring professional assistance.

Step 7: Reassemble and Clean Up

• Reattach the P-trap (if removed).
• Replace the drain cover or sink stopper.
• Sanitize the area with disinfectant to eliminate bacteria from dirty water.
• Rinse and clean the drain snake before storing it to prevent rust and bacterial buildup.

What If the Clog Doesn’t Clear With A Drain Auger?

Final Tips for Drain Maintenance

• Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the kitchen sink.
• Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris in bathroom drains.
• Flush drains with hot water and vinegar once a month to prevent buildup.
• Be cautious with chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes.
• Schedule professional drain cleaning if you experience frequent clogs.

Read More: Clear Blocked Drain Tips

Conclusion

Keeping your drains clear and functioning properly is essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system. A plumber’s drain snake is one of the most effective tools for unclogging blockages, but knowing when and how to use it is key to success. By following the above information, you can prevent costly plumbing repairs and extend the life of your drains. If DIY methods fail, don’t hesitate to call a professional drain plumber to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens.