A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is a flexible cable designed to manually clear blockages deep within household drain lines. This tool provides a mechanical solution for clogs often caused by hair, soap scum, or grease buildup that resist chemical cleaners or plungers. Understanding the proper technique for using this device can restore full drainage capacity without requiring a professional service call.
Selecting the Right Plumbing Snake and Safety Preparation
Choosing the correct auger type is the first step toward successfully clearing a blockage. For small fixtures like bathroom sinks and tubs, a handheld or “top” snake with a thin cable and manual crank is appropriate. Toilets require a specialized closet auger, which has a protective sleeve to prevent porcelain scratching while navigating the fixture’s unique trap design. For longer lines, such as those leading from a kitchen sink or laundry, a medium drum auger offers greater cable length and leverage.
Before beginning the process, gather safety equipment and prepare the work area. Always wear work gloves to protect hands from the cable and drain debris, and use eye protection to shield against splashback. Place towels and a bucket near the drain opening to manage water and retrieved debris.
Accessing the drain line often requires removing the fixture’s stopper mechanism or, in some cases, the P-trap beneath the sink. Removing the P-trap provides a direct, straight entry point into the wall drain, which can be beneficial for reaching deeper clogs. Ensure the area is clear and the access point is wide enough to feed the auger head without obstruction.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing the Clog
The process begins by slowly feeding the auger cable into the drain opening, pushing the coiled wire forward by hand. Continue to push the cable until you feel distinct resistance, which indicates the location of the blockage. Do not force the cable, as excessive pressure can cause the cable to kink or potentially damage the pipe walls.
Once the resistance is met, pull back slightly, then tighten the locking screw or chuck on the drum to secure the cable length. This locking mechanism prevents the cable from slipping back into the drum while you work to engage the clog. Rotate the drum or handle in a clockwise direction while simultaneously pushing the cable forward.
The rotation allows the auger head to either bore through the obstruction, breaking it into smaller, manageable pieces, or to hook onto the material, such as a mass of hair. Continue rotating and gently pushing until the cable feels like it has passed through the initial resistance point. This indicates the clog has been successfully engaged or broken up.
To retrieve the cable, maintain a slow, steady rotation in the same direction while pulling the cable back out of the drain. It is important to keep the cable taut during retrieval to ensure any material hooked onto the tip is pulled out of the pipe rather than being dropped back into the line. Pulling the cable out too quickly can cause the debris to fall off and potentially create a new, deeper blockage.
If the cable comes out clean but the drain is still slow, repeat the entire process, feeding the cable further down the line to ensure the entire blockage has been addressed. Always clean the retrieved debris from the cable before feeding it back into the drain for a second attempt.
After successfully removing the debris and retracting the auger, the final step is to test the drain’s functionality. Run hot water down the drain for several minutes at full pressure to flush away any remaining small particles or residue clinging to the pipe walls. A clear, fast-draining flow confirms that the line is completely open and the blockage has been resolved.
Post-Clog Cleanup and Drain Maintenance
Proper care of the plumbing snake ensures its longevity and prevents the spread of bacteria and rust. Immediately after use, clean the entire length of the cable with a hose, removing all debris and residue. A light disinfectant can be applied to the cable before allowing it to air dry completely, which is necessary to prevent corrosion of the metal wire.
Preventative maintenance is the most effective way to avoid future drain blockages. Installing drain screens in sinks and tubs captures hair and larger particles before they enter the pipe system. Regularly flushing the drain with very hot water helps to keep soap scum and minor grease deposits in a liquid state, allowing them to pass through the pipes.
Avoid pouring cooking grease or coffee grounds down any drain, as these materials solidify and adhere to the pipe interior, forming the base for most stubborn clogs. If the auger cannot penetrate the blockage after multiple attempts, or if the problem appears to be affecting all drains in the home, it may indicate a blockage in the main sewer line. In these cases, professional plumbing assistance is required to address the larger, more complex issue.