Imagine waking up one morning to find your sink or bathtub filled with water because of a stubborn clog. You might try plunging it, but sometimes that doesn’t work. If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears the clog, don’t worry! Your final weapon is a drain auger, often called a drain snake; it might be time to learn How to Use a Drain Snake.

This handy tool looks like a long, coiled steel wire (usually about 1/4-inch thick) with a handle on one end. Unlike a plunger, which pushes water, a drain snake works by being pushed into the clog, and then you crank it to drive it deeper into the obstruction. Some snakes even attach to an electric drill for extra power, making it easier to tackle deep clogs.

What is a Drain Snake?

A drain snake is a vital plumbing tool designed to clear clogs in various drains. It features a long, flexible, coiled wire with a corkscrew end. To use it, you feed the end into your sink or bathtub drain and turn the crank to push the wire through the pipe.

While drain snakes are great for clogged kitchen sinks and bathtubs, they aren’t suitable for toilets. Instead, it would help if you used a closet auger for toilet clogs, also known as a toilet auger.

This specialized tool has a protective rubber coating over the coiled wire to prevent damage to the toilet’s porcelain. The rigid tube helps guide the cable into the drain as you turn the crank, making it easier to clear clogs in this tricky area.

How Do Drain Snakes Work?

Drain snakes are designed to handle various clogs. Their cables can be up to 25 feet long, featuring a corkscrew-type spring at the end, which is effective at removing blockages. When using a snake, you push the cable into the drain, and as it uncoils from the drum, it advances into the pipe.

When the corkscrew end encounters an obstruction, the drum locks in place, allowing you to turn the cable. This twisting action helps the sharp end snag the blockage, allowing you to pull it back out. However, it’s important to note that drain snakes can’t pick up heavy items like rings, nor can they cut through solid obstructions in drainage pipes.

Which Types of Clogs Require Drain Snakes?

With a drain snake in hand, you can tackle many common types of clogs, such as:

• Hair Clogs: Often found in sinks and shower drains, hair can easily accumulate and create a blockage.
• Grease Clogs: Grease from cooking can solidify in pipes, causing stubborn clogs.
• Soap Scum Clogs: Soap residue can combine with hair and other debris, leading to blockages.
• Food Debris Clogs: Bits of food that go down the sink can also contribute to clogs.
• Mineral Deposits: Over time, minerals from hard water can build up and restrict water flow.

What Are the Different Types of Drain Snakes?

When you visit a hardware store, you’ll find various types of drain snakes, also referred to as augers. Each type is designed for specific purposes, so choosing the right one is important.

Handheld Drain Snake

Also known as drum augers, these versatile tools are great for clearing minor clogs in sinks, showers, and tubs. They consist of a flexible metal cable wound around a drum or reel and feature a handle for manual operation. Handheld drain snakes are affordable and easy to use, making them perfect for most household blockages.

Closet Auger or Toilet Auger

These augers are specifically designed for toilets, featuring a shorter cable with a bent tip. This allows them to navigate the unique shape of toilet drains without damaging the porcelain. Using a closet auger is essential for effectively clearing clogs in toilets without risking damage to your bathroom fixtures.

Flat Tape Drain Snakes

Ideal for tackling larger clogs in residential and commercial sewer lines, flat tape drain snakes consist of a flat, ribbon-like metal tape wound onto a reel. They are sturdy and designed to handle more significant blockages, making them a great choice for tough plumbing issues.

Power Drum Drain Snakes

These heavy-duty tools are professional-grade and come with a motorized drum that houses a large-diameter cable. Power drum drain snakes are used to address severe blockages caused by root infiltration, grease buildup, or foreign objects that may be lodged deep within the sewer line.

Manual Cable Snakes

The most basic option, manual cable snakes, are sometimes called top snakes or drum snakes. They typically come in 25- and 50-foot options and consist of a cable with a hook at the end. You feed it into the drain line and twist it to grab hold of the clog before pulling it back out. This simple tool can be very effective for smaller blockages.

How to Snake a Shower Drain

Snaking a shower drain is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather Tools: You’ll need a drain snake, a bucket, and gloves for hygiene.
2. Remove the Drain Cover: Use a screwdriver to remove the cover if necessary.
3. Insert the Snake: Feed the snake’s end into the drain until you feel resistance.
4. Work the Snake: Turn the crank to break up the clog.
5. Pull Out the Snake: Slowly pull the snake out to see what it has caught.
6. Run Water: Turn on the shower to check if the water drains properly.
7. Reattach the Drain Cover: Once everything is clear, put the drain cover back on.

How to Snake a Bathtub Drain

To effectively snake a bathtub drain, follow these steps:

1. Gather Tools: You’ll need a drain snake and a towel to wipe up any mess.
2. Remove the Stopper: If your bathtub has a stopper, take it out to access the drain.
3. Insert the Snake: Feed the snake into the drain until you reach the clog.
4. Rotate the Snake: Turn the crank to break up or snag the blockage.
5. Extract the Snake: Pull the snake out carefully, checking for debris.
6. Flush the Drain: Run water to ensure it flows freely.
7. Replace the Stopper: Put the stopper back in place.

How to Snake a Sink Drain

Here’s how to snake a sink drain effectively:

1. Gather Tools: Have your drain snake and a towel ready.
2. Remove the Sink Stopper: Take out the stopper to allow access to the drain.
3. Insert the Snake: Feed the snake into the drain until you hit the clog.
4. Turn the Snake: Crank the handle to grab or break up the blockage.
5. Pull Out the Snake: Slowly withdraw the snake, checking for debris.
6. Test the Drain: Run water to see if it drains properly now.
7. Reinstall the Stopper: Put the sink stopper back into place.

How to Snake a Toilet

Snaking a toilet requires a bit of care. Here’s how:

1. Gather Tools: You’ll need a closet auger, bucket, and gloves.
2. Prepare the Area: Lay down towels around the toilet to catch any spills.
3. Insert the Auger: Feed the auger into the toilet bowl and into the drain.
4. Crank the Handle: Turn the handle to break the clog.
5. Withdraw the Auger: Carefully pull the auger back out.
6. Flush the Toilet: Test to see if the clog is cleared.
7. Clean Up: Dispose of any debris and clean the area.

When Should You Not Use a Drain Snake?

While drain snakes are handy tools, there are situations where they should not be used. For example, if you suspect that tree roots are blocking the drain, using a snake could cause more damage.

Additionally, a snake may not be effective if the clog is due to heavy items lodged in the pipe. In such cases, it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can assess the situation and provide the right solution.

Contact TaskPro for Your Drain Cleaning Needs

When you encounter stubborn clogs you can’t clear on your own, TaskPro is here to help with drain cleaning and emergency plumbing services! We know how inconvenient a clogged drain can be, especially in cases where you’ve tried everything. Our licensed plumbers can quickly resolve issues in Surrey, Vancouver, Langley, or anywhere else in British Columbia.

Contact us today for a free quote and get back to enjoying a smoothly functioning plumbing system!

FAQs

How effective is a drain snake?

A drain snake is highly effective for clearing many types of clogs, especially those caused by hair, grease, and soap scum. However, its effectiveness can depend on the severity and location of the blockage.

Is it better to snake a drain dry or wet?

Snaking a drain is usually more effective when the drain is dry. However, it may still work if the clog is deep and wet. Always be prepared for some mess!

How many times should you snake a drain?

You should snake a drain as many times as necessary until the clog is cleared. If you find that you need to snake it repeatedly, it might be a sign of a more significant issue that requires professional attention.