Water backing up in your sink, a shower that doesn’t drain, or a toilet that won’t flush properly will disrupt your daily routine and can lead to bigger plumbing issues if left unaddressed. They’re all reasons to learn how to use a drain snake. This flexible tool, also called a plumber’s snake or drain auger, can clear blockages in your pipes and tackle many common clogs without calling a professional. Quick Actions Plumbers has compiled this DIY guide for our valued customers in Mableton, Cobb County, and Metro Atlanta, but we’re here to help if you need more advanced plumbing expertise. We handle everything from simple clogs to complex drain issues.
How to Use a Drain Snake
Understanding the basic technique helps you snake any drain effectively. Here are the key principles:
- Feed Slowly – Don’t force the snake. Let it work its way through the pipe naturally.
- Rotate as You Go – Always turn the handle clockwise. This helps the snake navigate bends and grip onto clogs.
- Feel for Resistance – You’ll know you’ve hit the clog when the snake stops moving forward easily.
- Push and Pull – Once you reach the blockage, alternate between pushing forward and pulling back while continuing to rotate.
- Extract Carefully – When pulling the snake out, do it slowly to bring debris with it.
Snaking a Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks often clog from grease, food particles, and soap buildup. Below are the steps to clear them on your own.
What You’ll Need
- Hand-crank drain snake
- Bucket
- Rubber Gloves
- Towels
Steps for Snaking a Kitchen Sink
- Clear the Area Under the Sink – Remove any items stored in the cabinet below.
- Try the Drain Opening First – Remove the drain cover and feed the snake directly down the drain. Turn the handle clockwise as you push the cable forward.
- Access the P-Trap if Needed – If the drain opening doesn’t work, place your bucket under the P-trap, which is a curved pipe beneath the sink. Unscrew the slip nuts and remove the trap. This gives you direct access to the drainpipe.
- Feed the Snake Into the Pipe – Insert the cable into the drainpipe opening. Push it forward while turning the handle. You’ll feel resistance when you hit the clog.
- Break Through the Blockage – When you reach the clog, push and pull the snake while rotating it. This action breaks up the debris. You may need to pull the snake out and clean it several times.
- Flush With Hot Water – Once the clog clears, reassemble the P-trap and run hot water for several minutes to wash away remaining debris.
Snaking a Bathroom Sink
Bathroom sinks typically clog from hair, soap scum, and toothpaste. The unclogging process is similar to snaking a kitchen sink, but bathroom sinks often have a pop-up stopper that you must remove first.
Steps for Snaking a Bathroom Sink
- Remove the Pop-Up Stopper – Unscrew the pivot rod under the sink or pull the stopper straight up if it lifts out easily.
- Insert the Snake – Feed your drain snake into the drain opening. Rotate the handle clockwise as you push it down.
- Work Through the Clog – When you hit resistance, continue cranking and pushing. The snake will either break through the clog or hook onto it so that you can pull it out.
- Clean and Test – Pull out the snake and remove any debris. Replace the stopper and run water to make sure the drain flows freely.
How to Snake a Tub Drain
Tub drains collect hair, soap, and product buildup. A shower drain snake works well for these clogs.
Steps for Snaking a Tub Drain
- Remove the Overflow Plate – Most tubs have an overflow drain near the top. You can often reach clogs more easily if you unscrew this plate.
- Feed the Snake – Insert the snake through either the overflow opening or the main drain. The overflow route often provides better access.
- Work the Clog – Push the snake through until you hit the blockage. Rotate and maneuver it to break up the clog.
- Flush the Drain – Run hot water for several minutes after clearing the clog.
How to Use a Toilet Auger
Our valued customers have asked, “Can you snake a toilet?” The answer is yes, but you must use the right tool. Standard drain snakes can scratch toilet porcelain. However, a toilet auger is specifically designed for toilet clogs. It has a shorter cable – usually three to six feet –a curved tube that protects the toilet bowl, and a protective rubber coating.
Steps for Using a Toilet Auger
- Position the Auger – Place the curved end of the auger into the toilet bowl with the tip pointing toward the drain opening.
- Insert the Cable – Hold the tube steady and crank the handle clockwise to extend the cable into the drain.
- Break Through the Clog – Keep cranking until you feel the cable push through the blockage or hook onto it.
- Retrieve or Push Through – You can either pull the clog back out or push it through into the main drain line.
- Test the Flush – Once the auger is removed, flush the toilet to make sure water flows freely.
Important Tips
- Never use chemical drain cleaners before or after snaking. They can be dangerous if they splash back.
- If the toilet still won’t flush after augering, the clog may be further down the line. This requires professional help.
When to DIY vs. Call a Plumber
Drain snakes work great for many clogs, but some situations require professional attention. Quick Action Plumbers has more powerful equipment, including motorized drain snakes and video inspection cameras, to handle severe clogs, diagnose underlying issues, and prevent future problems.
Call a Plumber If:
- You can’t reach the clog with your snake
- Water backs up in multiple fixtures at once
- You’ve snaked the drain but the clog returns quickly
- You hear gurgling sounds from other drains when you run water
- You smell sewage or see sewage backup
- You’re uncomfortable doing the work yourself
- Your building has old or fragile pipes that could break
DIY Drain Snakes Are Appropriate When:
- The clog is in a single fixture
- You have the right tools and feel confident using them
- The blockage is relatively close to the drain opening
- There’s no sewage backup or foul odors
Contact Quick Action Plumbers for Assistance Today
Knowing how to use a drain snake gives you a valuable skill for handling common household clogs. With the proper technique, you can clear many blockages in your sinks, tubs, and toilets yourself. However, some clogs require professional equipment and expertise. For these problems, contact Quick Action Plumbers in Metro Atlanta today for lasting solutions.