How to use a plumbing snake to unclog your drain

This article will show you how to use a plumbing snake or auger to try and clear a clog. Blocked drains are a common issue in plumbing systems. Sometimes, you can fix them at home, but not always. If you can’t clear a blockage or are unsure, call a licensed plumber. So, if you have a bunged-up drain and need a plumber Kellyville and other Hills and North Shore residents can rely on, get in touch. We have the right tools to fix even the toughest clogs.

A plumbing snake, also referred to as a drain snake, can be very helpful for blockages. These snakes, or electric eels, as they are sometimes called, are usually under 50 feet long, and you turn them by hand. Knowing how to use one can sometimes save you money on plumbing services. This article will explain how to use a drain snake the right way.

Plumbers use a snake to unclog small clogs, but it can be risky. They might damage pipes, not work on hard clogs, or be unsafe². Plumbers use special tools that go deeper and work better for tough clogs¹. Sometimes, they use high-pressure water jetters to clear blockages fast and safely².

Key Takeaways

• Plumbing augers, also known as drain snakes or augers, are useful tools for unclogging blocked drains.
• Most drain snakes that are available for homeowners measure about 50 feet long or less and are hand-powered¹.
• Plumber’s snakes can be effective for minor clogs but may pose risks such as pipe damage or ineffectiveness on tough clogs².
• Professional plumbers often use powered drain cleaning tools that extend further to reach deep clogs¹.
• High-pressure water jetters have become a preferred method for modern plumbers due to their efficiency and safety².

What Is a Plumbing Snake?

A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger or snake cable, is a long, flexible tool. It is used to remove clogs and blockages from pipes, drains, and toilets. These tools are smaller and made for blockages inside the home.

This tool has a long, coiled metal cable with a spiral or blade-shaped head at one end. The other end has a handle. 

Plumbing snakes come in different sizes. They range from 2-4 feet for toilets to 100 feet for heavy-duty tasks like main sewer line clogs⁴. They fit drains from 1.25 to 3 inches wide, depending on the snake or auger type.

Alternative Names for Plumbing Snakes

Also called a drain auger, plumbing snakes are also known as:

• Drain augers
• Drain snakes
• Sewer augers
• Toilet augers
• Sink augers

These names are often used together, but some differences exist. For example, drain augers are a bit wider than drain snakes. They are used outside the home for things like clearing a clogged sewer drain3. Plus, the way they work is often a bit different, too. Augers are usually used to force the clog through, but a snake is made to pull the clog out. 

Basic Components of a Plumbing Snake

This is the main way a drain snake works:

1. A long, flexible steel cable that goes through pipe twists and turns
2. An auger head or coiled spiral tip to break through and remove clogs
3. A handle or drum for feeding and pulling the cable back into the pipes

Drain snakes have a long flexible steel cable, an auger head, and a hand crank or drum for feeding the cable⁴. They also have a helix-shaped hook with a big gap between coils3, which makes them good at grabbing and removing tough blockages.

Knowing about a plumbing snake’s parts helps you pick the right tool for your drain problem and use it to fix your plumbing system.

When to Use a Plumbing Snake

Most homes and places of work have various types of drains. If your drain is slow to clear, you may be dealing with a blockage of some kind. It may be time to push an auger through the drain. A plumbing snake is a great tool. But how do you know when it’s the right time? Let’s look at common drain problems and signs that show you need one.

Common Drain Issues That Require a Plumbing Snake

Plumbing snakes are used when a plunger can’t clear a stubborn clog⁶. These clogs are often too big or deep, making them hard to remove with a plunger⁶. A drain snake is great at getting rid of soft debris like hair, soap scum, and small items⁷.

Here are some common drain problems that might need a plumbing snake:

• Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bath
• a bad smell coming from a drain, sink, shower drain or bath
• bunged-up drain pipe
• Frequently clogged drains
• Complete blockages that prevent water from draining

A drain snake is a simple, affordable way to clear minor blockages in sink drains and showers⁸. But for big blockages or deeper plumbing issues, it’s best to get a professional drain-cleaning plumbing company to help. One who adheres to industry codes and appropriate regulations.⁸

Signs That You Need to Use a Plumbing Snake

Look out for these signs to know when to use a plumbing snake:

1. Water backing up or not draining properly
2. Bunged-up sewer drain
3. Gurgling sounds coming from your drains
4. Unpleasant smells coming from your drains
5. Multiple drains in your home are clogged at the same time

It’s important to fix clogs quickly to prevent bigger plumbing problems later. If a plunger doesn’t work, it means the clog is likely too big or deep. In this case, a plumbing snake might be needed.⁶

A plumbing snake is a long cable and they can reach 15 to 25 feet down the pipe7. If the clog is beyond this distance, it’s best to call a professional plumber. If you are at all unsure, call the professionals.

Different Types of Drain Cleaning Snakes

Plumbing snakes are key for unclogging drains. Homeowners and professional plumbers use drain snakes. There are many types, each for different drain problems. Knowing them helps you pick the right one. With manual snakes, you have to turn the handle; others are electrically powered.

Manual Plumbing Snakes

The most common manual drain snakes, or hand augers, are made of metal or plastic and have a thin, flexible cable910. The cable is 25-50 feet long and reaches deep into drains⁹¹⁰. They work well for small clogs in sinks, showers, and baths. They’re not too expensive and fairly easy to maintain and store,  making them a favourite for homeowners.

Motorised Plumbing Snakes

Motorised plumbing snakes, or electric drain augers, are more powerful. They’re for big clogs in the main sewer lines¹⁰. Some can be attached to an electric drill⁹. They’re pricier and take up more space, but great for hard clogs. But be careful to avoid pipe damage¹⁰.

Choosing the Right Plumbing Snake for Your Needs

Think about the clog’s size and location before picking a snake. For small clogs, a manual snake is enough. But for big clogs or sewer line issues, you might need a motorised one to snake into the pipe.10. If you’re not sure or if the clog doesn’t go away, call a professional plumber¹⁰. They have the right tools, like hydro jets and cameras, to fix the problem¹⁰.

Preparing to Use a Plumbing Snake

Before you start using a plumbing snake, make sure you’re ready. These tools are better than harsh chemicals for the environment and safe pipes¹¹. Getting ready helps you clear drains safely and effectively. Thoroughly read the manual and prepare the area you’re going to be putting the snake into.

Safety Precautions and Necessary Equipment

Always wear gloves and safety glasses when clearing drains. Home plumbing snakes are hand-held¹². Keep a bucket and rags ready for spills.

You’ll also need tools to get to the drain:

• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Flashlight

These plumbing tools help you take apart parts like the p-trap and make it easier to see what you’re doing. Whatever happens, never force the snake, as it could cause more damage to your plumbing. 

Accessing the Drain or Pipe

Some people find these augers difficult to use. Firstly, locate the drain entrance or pipe. Often, the clog is under the sink in the p-trap or trap arm, which is usually made of PVC¹².

To reach the drain, you might need to remove the p-trap and trap arm. Loosen the slip nuts with an adjustable wrench. Then, carefully remove the p-trap and trap arm, catching any water or debris in a bucket or with rags.

“If the trap arm is glued in place, don’t force it out. This could damage the pipes. In this case, snake the drain through the p-trap opening instead.” David Vanny – Business Owner

After removing the p-trap and trap arm, you can access the drain. Most home plumbing augers are 20-50 foot-long flexible steel cables12. Using a snake is a good middle option between plunging and calling a professional plumber.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Drain Snake

Here’s how to use one to fix your drains:

1. Insert the snake: Place the plumbing snake into the drain. Start by putting the coiled end into the clogged drain or pipe.
2. Feed the snake cable: Slowly insert the cable into the drain, applying pressure. Stop when you feel resistance, which means you’ve reached the blockage. If your cable isn’t long enough, you may reach the end of the drain snake or the end of the snake cable before you get to the clog!
3. Uncoil the snake: Rotate the handle to uncoil the cable and push through the clog.
4. Break up the blockage: Move the auger back and forth while rotating to break up the clog. Be careful not to damage the pipe. The snake’s coil catches debris¹³.
5. Rotate the auger: Keep rotating the handle and moving the cable to loosen and remove the clog. Some snakes have blades for tough blockages¹⁵.
6. Pull the snake: Slowly pull the snake out when the resistance goes away. This means the clog is cleared.
7. Flush the drain: Flush the drain with hot water to remove any leftover debris and check that it’s working properly.

Be careful when pushing the cable through the P-trap, as it can cause resistance13. If water drains slowly after using the snake, you might need to reroute the drain13. For stubborn clogs, you might need to use the snake a few times  15.

“Always clean the drain snake after use. Clean and disinfect it to keep it ready for next time.” David Vanny – Business Owner ¹³¹⁵.

Some clogs are hard to clear with a drain snake, so you need to call a plumber¹³. Don’t take chances! If you can’t clear it, get a proper plumber in to avoid damage¹⁵.

Tips for Successfully Using a Plumbing Snake

Using a plumbing snake to clear a clogged drain is key. It’s a cost-effective way to fix minor issues and avoid big repairs later¹⁶. But, you must use it right to get the best results and protect your plumbing.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t push too hard with the plumbing snake when you snake into the drain. Too much force can harm the drain or pipe, leading to big repairs¹⁷. Listen for scraping sounds, which means you might be damaging the actual pipe. If it’s hard to push or you meet strong resistance, stop and think again.

Another mistake is choosing the wrong plumbing snake. There are many types, like standard snakes for drains and toilet augers for toilets18. The wrong one won’t work or might damage things. Experts warn against using a regular snake on a toilet, as drain snakes may scratch the porcelain; instead, they suggest using a snake for plumbing. They suggest using toilet snakes instead¹⁷.

Expert Drain Cleaning And When to Call a Plumber!

A plumbing snake works well for many clogs, but some jobs need an actual plumber to fix them. If the clog stays after using a snake or gets stuck, get help. Experts have the skills, tools, and knowledge to handle tough clogs and plumbing problems.

If you’re not sure how to use a snake or feel unsure about clearing the blockage, it’s best to call a plumbing service¹⁶¹⁷. A plumber can figure out the best way to fix it and won’t make things worse.

“When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional plumber. They have the expertise and tools to handle even the most stubborn clogs safely and effectively.” David Vanny – Business Owner

A plumbing snake is great for minor clogs, but know its limits and when to ask for help. Following these tips and knowing when to call a plumber keeps your drains clear and saves you money on repairs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Plumbing Snake

Using a plumbing snake can be a good way to fix a clogged drain without spending a lot. These tools have been around for nearly 100 years¹⁹. They range from simple, cheap hand augers to powerful motorised roto augers¹⁹. Plumbing snakes have many benefits but also have some downsides and risks you should know before using one.

Benefits of Using a Plumbing Snake

One big plus of using a plumbing snake is its affordability. For some simple clogs in pipes, it may be less expensive than other ways to clear drains19. Many people find them easy to use and cheap, too, making them a top choice for small blockages.

They also let you fix clogs yourself, saving you from calling a plumber¹⁹. Plumbing snakes are safe for many types of pipes²⁰. They can clear deep clogs and tough blockages like tree roots and grease. Saving you time and effort compared to other methods²⁰.

They work on many drain types, including bathroom sinks, showers, and anything else that goes into the main sewer lines20, making them useful for both homes and businesses.

Limitations and Potential Risks

Plumbing snakes have some downsides, too. They can be rough and might damage older pipes if not handled properly, which could lead to expensive repairs.

They can also take a long time to clear a blockage, sometimes making it worse¹⁹. For really tough clogs, a snake might not work, and you’ll need other tools like a hydro jet²⁰. You don’t want to waste your time as well as your money on a plumbing snake, only to make things worse!

Using a plumbing snake requires effort and can be unsafe if not carried out properly. The wire can hurt you if it snaps back or if you touch sharp parts. Also, it might leave behind debris that can cause more blockages¹⁹. So there are a lot of things to weigh up.

Maintaining Your Plumbing Snake

Keeping your plumbing snake in good shape is key to its long life and best performance. Regular care not only makes it last longer but also saves you time and money²¹. We’ll show you how to clean, store, and know when to get a new one.

Cleaning and Storing Your Plumbing Snake

Always clean the tool after use to stop corrosion. Start by wiping it with a clean rag. Use Snakeoil to protect it from rust and moisture, and to get rid of bad smells from the drains²¹. When pulling out the snake, keep a rag around it to stop water from getting in and rusting the snake. ²¹

After cleaning, coil the snake and keep it in a dry spot. To keep it working well, clean the snake retriever every six months21. These simple steps will make your plumbing snake last longer and be ready when you need it.

Identifying When to Replace Your Plumbing Snake

Even with regular care, you’ll need a new plumbing snake at some point. Watch for cable wear and replace it when it’s worn out, especially when you frequently use a drain snake.²¹. Depending on how often you use it, you might need to replace the cable after a few months to a year21.

Check your plumbing snake for damage, such as frayed cables or a broken handle. If it’s hard to use or doesn’t clear blockages well, it’s time for a new one. A well-kept snake can save you from expensive plumbing fixes later.

“Teaching and promoting maintenance routines, such as preventing rust on cables and cleaning moving parts, can significantly impact a company’s bottom line” David Vanny – Business Owner ²¹

Along with cleaning and storing your plumbing snake, do these maintenance tasks:

• Inspecting drive belts
• Testing the GFI switch in the power cord
• Checking the movement of stair-roller tracks²¹

Doing these tasks regularly keeps your plumbing snake in great shape. It will be ready to clear even the toughest clogs.

Conclusion

Using a plumbing snake can clear minor blockages in your drains and pipes, saving you from expensive plumbing bills. Plumbing snakes come in many sizes and types for different drains and blockages22. Prices range from about $20 to over $2000, depending on the features and what they can do²³.

But, it’s important to use the tool right and know its limits. This prevents damage to your plumbing system. Proper plumbers are fully insured if something should go wrong. This is not the case if you try and fix the plumbing yourself with a plumbing snake.

If you have a stubborn clog or don’t know what to do, call a professional plumber. Signs you might need help include slow draining, bad smells, gurgling sounds, water backup, standing water, more pests, and changes in the toilet bowl water level²². A skilled plumber can use special tools and methods to quickly fix even the toughest blockages.

At Andrew Vanny Plumbing Sydney, our expert team provides top-notch drain cleaning services. We have the latest tools and know-how to efficiently solve any drain problem. By choosing Andrew Vanny Plumbing Sydney, you save time and money on repairs. And you make sure your plumbing system lasts longer²².

FAQ

What is a plumbing snake?

A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is a long, flexible cable with a coiled spiral or blade at one end and a handle at the other. It’s used to unclog a drain, pipe, toilet, or any other drainage that goes into a sewer.

When should I use the plumbing snake?

Use a plumbing snake when a plunger doesn’t clear a blockage. Or if sinks, showers, or baths drain slowly. Or if you get frequent clogs in your plumbing or your plumbing system gets completely bunged up. In these situations, you may need to use a drain snake.

What are the different types of plumbing snakes?

There are two main types: manual and motorised plumbing snakes. Manual ones are hand-operated for minor clogs, while motorised ones are more powerful for tough blockages in main sewer lines.

How do I prepare to use a plumbing snake?

Wear protective clothing and have a bucket or rags ready for spills. Get the tools that you will need ready. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the p-trap and trap arm and access the drain.

How do I use a plumbing snake?

Feed the coiled end into the drain or pipe. Feed the cable slowly until you feel resistance. Then, rotate the handle to uncoil the snake and push through the clog.

Use a back-and-forth motion to break up the blockage. Slowly pull the snake out, removing any debris caught on the coil.

What should I avoid when using a plumbing snake?

Don’t use too much force, as it can damage the drain or pipe. Listen for scraping sounds, which might mean you’re damaging the pipe. If you hit significant resistance or the snake is hard to move, stop and think again.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a plumbing snake?

Plumbing snakes are a cheap and effective way to unclog minor blockages without a plumber. But, they have limits and risks, like damaging pipes, pushing blockages further, or not working on tough clogs.

How do I maintain my plumbing snake?

Clean the tool well after use to remove debris and prevent corrosion. Coil the cable securely and keep it in a dry place. Check it regularly for wear and tear. Replace it if it’s hard to use or doesn’t clear blockages well.

Photo by Pexels: Karolina Grabowska