How To Use a Drain Cleaner Snake

You’re standing in the bathroom, possibly staring at a shower drain that won’t drain or a sink that is draining at a snail’s pace. Before you reach for harsh chemicals or call a plumber, learning how to use a drain cleaner snake could save the day.

These handy tools are perfect for clearing blockages in pipes, sinks and even toilets. Whether it’s a hair tangle in the trap arm or a mystery clog further down the toilet bowl, a drain snake will break through and clear it out. With a little effort, some proper drain maintenance (let’s call it “draintenance”) and the right tools, you’ll have your plumbing back to normal in no time.

So … What Is a Drain Cleaner Snake?

A drain snake; strange name, right? You might sometimes hear it called a plumbing snake, drain auger or plumber’s eel. But no matter the name, it’s a must-have tool for dealing with stubborn blocked drains and other drain clogs.

The drain snake is a long flexible cable that navigates through pipes. It breaks up blockages like hair, grease or debris. The coiled end or auger head latches onto or dislodges the obstruction to get your sinks, shower drains and even toilets draining properly again.

There are different types of drain snakes. They include manual snakes with a hand crank, toilet augers for specific bathroom clogs and electric snakes for tougher jobs. Affordable and widely available at hardware stores, a drain snake works without the need for harsh chemicals.

When to Use a Drain Snake

In the event of a plumbing blockage, knowing how and when to use a drain snake can save you a lot of stress and money. If your shower or the water in your bathroom or kitchen sink is draining slowly, it’s a good sign that you may need a drain auger to clear soft debris or hair in the pipes.

For a clogged toilet, a drain auger can work wonders by reaching beyond what a mere plunger can. Stubborn clogs in the trap arm or P-bend that cause sewer gases to linger are also good candidates for a plumbing snake.

Whether the blockage is in a drain pipe or wall pipe, use a drain snake to clear the flow and get your plumbing back in peak condition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Drain Snake

With the right steps, and equal parts patience and elbow grease, using a drain cleaner snake is easy. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged sink, shower drain or toilet, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your tools: Get a drain snake, safety glasses, old towels and possibly an adjustable spanner for stubborn drain covers.
2. Access the drain: Remove the drain cover or P-trap to expose the drain opening.
3. Insert the snake: Feed the snake cable into the pipe slowly until you feel resistance.
4. Break the blockage: Rotate the hand crank or use the auger head to break through the clog.
5. Pull and clean: Slowly pull the snake out as well as any debris attached to the auger end.
6. Flush the drain: Run hot water down the drain to clear it out.

If you’re ever unsure about what you’re doing, or the blockage persists, always call a licensed plumber.

Common Drain Snake Problems

In some situations, using a drain snake can be tricky. Even more so if you’re new to the tool or dealing with a stubborn blockage. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to get around them:

• The cable won’t advance: This can happen if the snake hits a sharp bend or tight P bend in the pipe. Rotate the cable gently while applying steady pressure to move it forward.
• Snake cable is stuck: If it feels like the snake is caught it may have wrapped around a solid object. Reverse the crank slightly to release it.
• The clog remains after snaking: Stubborn clogs like tree roots or solid debris may require professional tools or a plumber.
• Damaged pipes: Aggressive snaking can scratch or puncture older pipes so use caution, especially in fragile plumbing systems.

While these are manageable with care, always call a licensed plumber if the blockage is too tough or you’re worried about damaging your pipes.

Why Call a Plumber for Severe Blockages?

Sometimes even the best drain snake and most comprehensive “how to use a drain cleaner snake” instructions won’t fix a stubborn blockage. Problems like tree roots in your pipes or a solid object lodged deep in the plumbing system require special tools and expertise.

Licensed, professional plumbers use advanced equipment like high-pressure water jets and camera inspections to locate and remove these blockages without damaging your pipes.

Trying to DIY-clear severe clogs can scratch or puncture the pipes and cost you more in repairs. Professionals can also identify underlying plumbing issues like a misaligned trap arm or cracked drain pipe that may be causing recurring blockages.

When the clog won’t budge, even with a standard plumbing snake, a licensed plumber is the safest and most efficient solution.

Maintaining Drains After Clog Clearing

Once you’ve cleared a clog with a drain snake, you must maintain your drains to prevent future blockages.

Regular drain maintenance will keep your plumbing running smoothly. A good start is to flush your drains with hot water after each use to clear out any debris. For a natural solution, pour a small amount of baking soda followed by vinegar into your drains every month. Let the solution sit for a few minutes then flush with water.

Avoid pouring grease, hair or food scraps down your sink drain as these can cause stubborn clogs. Regularly cleaning your drain covers and checking for slow drainage will also help keep your pipes clear of blockages.

By taking care of your drains you’ll save time, money and hassle in the long run.

Useful Drain Snake Alternatives to Consider

If you don’t have a drain snake or need a quick fix there are several alternatives.

• The plunger: A trusty plunger will often work wonders for loosening blockages in toilets and sink drains.
• The coat hanger: Believe it or not, you can use a straightened-out coat hanger as a makeshift auger to fish out small blockages made by hair or soft debris.
• Chemical drain cleaners: These may seem the obvious go-to option, but be careful. These cleaning products can damage pipes and should be used sparingly.
• Baking soda and vinegar: We mentioned it above, but it bears repeating as a natural alternative to caustic chemical cleaners.

If these don’t work, it’s time to call a licensed plumber for professional help.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly

Knowing how to use a drain cleaner snake will save the day when you’re facing a clogged drain or blocked toilet. With a little patience and the right technique, you can clear the blockage and get your plumbing working again. Remember to follow up with regular drain maintenance to keep things flowing.

A drain snake will clear most clogs but if you have tree roots or persistent drainage issues don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber. With the right tools and expertise, they’ll get your plumbing system back to normal without damaging anything. Keeping your drains clear has never been easier!

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