If you have a clogged drain or a backed-up toilet in your home, you know things are not all OK. You might reach for the plunger or pour chemicals down the drain to clear the blockage, and in most cases, this would work. But there are times when the water refuses to clear away, or the toilet does not flush away properly. That’s when you need to use a plumbing snake to locate the problem and unclog stubborn blockages.
But what is this device, and how do you use a plumbing snake?
It’s essentially a plumbing device that is often referred to as a drain auger as well. It’s a long and flexible metal cable that helps homeowners and plumbers remove stubborn clogs even deep within the drain. Your everyday rubber plungers use air pressure to shake whatever is blocking the drain and move it down the disposal. A plumbing snake can easily be inserted into the drain to physically reach the clog and then either break it up or pull it out.
How does a plumbing snake work to clear away a blockage in your pipe? The plumbing snake takes a coiled cable and rotates it down the drain. Some plumbing snakes are manual, while others might be powered. When you turn on the motor or turn the handle, if you have a manual plumbing snake, the cable moves forward easily, navigating the bends in the pipe. The plumbing snake pushes forward until it hits a clog, which could be hair, sediment build-up, wipes or tissues, and then either drills through it or hooks it. As you retract the snake, the clog comes out with it.
Types of Plumbing Snakes
Before you learn how to use a plumbing snake, you need the right kind of plumbing snake. Here is a list of the types of plumbing snakes that are easily available and convenient to use:
Handheld Drain Snake (Drum Auger)
Also called drum augers, these kinds are the most common types of drain snakes used and come with around 15-25 feet of cable. They are best for:
- Bathroom sinks
- Shower drains
- Small kitchen clogs
Toilet Auger
The toilet auger is designed specifically for blocked toilets. It has a curved metal tube with a rubber sleeve to prevent any scratches or cracks from coming on the porcelain of the toilet. We strongly recommend that you use only a toilet auger for unclogging the toilet as any other could cause long-term damage.
Power Auger
Main sewer lines are larger and longer, and need more powerful equipment. Motorized plumbing snakes are heavy-duty large plumbing snakes that are best for:
- Main sewer lines
- Deep blockages
- Recurring clogs
When Should You Use a Plumbing Snake?
A plumbing snake is useful when:
- Water drains slowly
- A plunger didn’t clear the clog
- You hear gurgling sounds
- The blockage feels deep in the pipe
How to Use a Plumbing Snake
If more than one plumbing fixture is backed up at the same time, you could have a complex sewer line problem. In such a scenario, we recommend you call a professional plumber who will know exactly how to perform snake plumbing. But if you are confident about your ability to successfully use a plumbing snake, here’s a step-by-step DIY guide on how to use a plumbing snake without damaging pipes.
Using a Plumbing Snake in a Sink
Step 1. Remove the stopper
Step 2. Insert the cable slowly into the drain
Step 3. Turn the handle clockwise while pushing forward
Step 4. When you feel resistance, keep turning the handle clockwise
Step 5. Pull back gently to extract the debris
Step 6. Run hot water to flush out remnants
Using a Plumbing Snake in a Shower Drain
Step 1. Remove the drain cover
Step 2. Guide the plumbing snake straight down
Step 3. Rotate gently
Step 4. Pull up gradually while extracting hair and soap scum
Using a Toilet Snake
Step 1. Insert the curved end into the toilet bowl
Step 2. Do not jam the snake into the toilet bowl
Step 3. Crank the handle clockwise
Step 4. Stop if the water level rises to the rim of the bowl
Step 5. Push gently until you feel resistance
Step 6. Continue turning to break up the clog
Step 7. Extract the toilet snake slowly
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Stop if:
- The snake won’t even inch ahead
- You hit solid resistance
- The cable keeps coming back clean
- Multiple drains are blocked
- The problem comes back within days
If the above issues exist, you could have:
- Tree root intrusion
- Collapsed pipe or pipes
- Sewer line blockage
- Heavy grease buildup
This is where professional expertise is needed. Call Albion Plumbing today for effective drain cleaning.
Safety Tips When Using a Plumbing Snake
- Wear gloves to avoid cuts from the cable
- Don’t use a snake with chemical drain cleaners
- Turn the handle clockwise only
- Never force the cable in or out
- Clean and dry the cable after every use for longer life
Conclusion
Learning how to use a plumbing snake can save you time and money for small clogs, especially if you know how to use one correctly.
But if the clog seems stubborn, or if the drain clogs again within a few days, there could be a deeper problem that needs a professional plumber. Remember, a plumbing snake is not a magic fix. If the problem seems especially complex, do not hesitate to call an expert plumber who will make the clogged drain go away for good.