A plumbing snake is one of the most effective tools for tackling stubborn clogs in your drains. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked kitchen sink, a slow bathroom sink, or a clogged drain in your shower, learning how to use a plumbing snake can save you time and money. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of using a drain snake, along with tips for drain cleaning and how to avoid common plumbing issues.
A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger or plumber’s snake, is a long, flexible tool designed to clear clogged drains. It works by being inserted into a drain pipe and manually or mechanically turning to break up and dislodge blockages. Plumbing snakes are versatile tools that can be used for various drain cleaning jobs, from clearing hair clogs in your bathtub drain to removing food debris from your kitchen sink.
Before reaching for the plumbing snake, it’s important to know when it’s the best tool for the job. Plumbing snakes are ideal for clearing more stubborn clogs that drain cleaners or plunging can’t fix. If you’ve already tried a drain cleaner or plunger and the clogged drain is still slow or blocked, it’s time to grab the plumbing snake. A drain auger or plumbing snake is especially useful when the blockage is deep in the drain pipe or when debris, such as hair, food, or grease, has built up over time.
Using a plumbing snake isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of patience and the right technique. First, prepare your workspace by clearing the area around the drain, whether it’s the sink, bathtub drain, or toilet. If you’re working on a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, remove any items near the drain and ensure the area is dry.
To start, slowly feed the plumbing snake into the drain opening. If you’re working on a clogged toilet, a toilet auger is the best option. Insert it carefully into the toilet bowl and begin turning the handle. The snake will travel into the drain pipe. Continue turning the handle while gently pushing the snake further into the pipe. If you encounter resistance, this usually means the drain snake is engaging with the clog.
Once the snake is fully inserted, continue rotating it to break up the blockage. You may need to work it back and forth to loosen and dislodge the clogged drain. If you’re dealing with a tough clog, such as grease or hair, it may take a few minutes of snaking to fully clear the pipe. Once you feel the blockage give way, slowly pull the plumbing snake out of the drain.
Afterward, run water through the drain to check that it’s cleared and flowing properly. If you still notice slow drainage, you might want to repeat the process or use a drain cleaner to help clear any residual buildup.
There are a few types of plumbing snakes available, depending on the severity of the clog. Manual plumbing snakes are commonly used for residential purposes and are perfect for smaller clogs in sinks or tubs. These hand-operated tools are affordable and easy to use. For larger, tougher clogs, you might need an electric drain auger, which is more powerful and can handle deeper, more stubborn blockages in pipes or sewer lines.
If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, a toilet auger is the best choice. This specialized plumbing snake is designed to navigate the curves in your toilet’s plumbing without causing damage.
While using a plumbing snake is an excellent way to clear tough clogs, it’s always better to prevent blockages before they occur. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a sink strainer in your kitchen sink and bathroom sink to catch food scraps and hair. These simple tools can stop large pieces of debris from entering your drain pipes, which is one of the leading causes of clogged drains.
Another prevention tip is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners too frequently. Over time, they can cause damage to your pipes, and they often don’t work well for deeper blockages. Instead, consider regular maintenance using a drain snake or consult a plumbing professional for more serious plumbing issues.
If you’ve tried using a plumbing snake and the clogged drain persists, or if you’re dealing with recurring clogs in your plumbing system, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Sometimes, clogs are caused by deeper issues within the drain pipe or sewer line that require professional-grade drain cleaning equipment. A plumber can also assess the condition of your pipes to ensure that there are no underlying issues, such as corrosion or pipe damage, contributing to the blockages.
Additionally, if you experience frequent issues with clogged drains or plumbing problems, regular maintenance and inspections by a plumbing professional can help keep your drains clear and your plumbing system in good shape.
A plumbing snake is an essential tool for tackling tough clogs and keeping your drains clear. With a little practice, you can efficiently clear blockages in your sink, toilet, or bathtub drain and avoid costly plumbing repairs. Just remember to use your plumbing snake carefully and take preventive measures to avoid future drain clogs. If you run into any issues or aren’t sure how to handle a more complex problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumbing professional to ensure your plumbing system stays in top condition.
A plumbing snake and a drain auger are similar tools used to clear blockages in drains, but the main difference is in their design and intended use. A plumbing snake is typically a flexible, manual tool used for smaller clogs in sink drains, toilets, and bathtub drains. A drain auger, on the other hand, is usually a more heavy-duty, motorized tool that’s designed to handle larger clogs in sewer lines or deep within drain pipes. Both tools are effective, but a drain auger is more powerful and is suited for more challenging blockages.
You should consider using a plumbing snake if your drain is clogged and other methods, such as plunging or using a drain cleaner, have not worked. If the water in your sink, toilet, or shower drain drains slowly or not at all, and you’ve already tried basic fixes without success, it’s likely time to grab a plumbing snake. It’s especially useful when the clog is deep in the drain pipe or made up of debris like hair or grease that can’t be dislodged with chemical cleaners.
If used correctly, a plumbing snake should not damage your pipes. However, improper use—such as applying excessive force or using the wrong type of snake for your specific drain—can cause damage to older or fragile pipes. To avoid this, make sure you choose the right plumbing snake for the job, such as a toilet auger for toilets, and handle the tool gently when snaking through your drain pipes. If you’re unsure about using the snake, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber to avoid potential damage.
While a plumbing snake is great for clearing minor to moderate clogs, you should call a professional plumber if the blockage is too deep or difficult to reach, or if you suspect there’s an issue with your plumbing system. For example, persistent clogs in multiple drains could indicate a problem with your sewer line. A plumber has the tools and expertise to handle more complex issues, such as tree root intrusion, pipe corrosion, or damage to your drain system, ensuring the problem is resolved without causing further harm to your plumbing.
