How to Snake a Drain

It happens to everyone. Either it’s a clogged sink, toilet, shower, or bathtub. In most cases, a plunger and a little help from a clogged drain product can help you flush the clog through your drains. However, there are some stubborn clogs that are either too large or too far down in your pipes to shake loose. This is the time when you typically call a plumber, but there is one more option for you to try — a drain snake. If you’ve never had to use it before, you might have a lot of questions. It’s time to learn everything you need to know.

Tool Introduction

So when you need to know how to snake a drain, it all starts with knowing what a drain snake is. A drain snake is a metal cable with a coiled wire tip at one end. Most drain snakes have a handle that you turn to push the flexible cable down the drain. You’ll feel the cable balk when it hits the clog. The flexible cable allows the drain snake to navigate the twists and turns in the pipes. The metal tip sinks into the clog and pulls it back up with the cable, so you can dispose of it.

Types of Drain Snakes

Before you go to buy a drain snake, you’ll need to decide the type you want. There are three major types of snakes — auger, ribbon, and power. An auger is best used when you want to break up the clog and force it through your pipes. When you’re working on smaller, flexible pipes, a ribbon drain snake is your best option. This type of pipe is usually connected to a sink or shower. Power drain snakes are usually used by professional plumbers. They offer more power for stubborn, hard-to-get rid of clogs.

Safety Precautions

When snaking a drain, you want to keep safety in mind at all times, especially when you’re working with water. You need to start by turning off the water in the house. There should be a shutoff valve outside your home. Before starting, you need to find some sort of eye protection. Eye goggles are always best, and you can pick up a pair when you buy the drain snake.

Steps for Using a Drain Snake

Using a drain snake is simple and straightforward. Here’s a look at a step-by-step guide:

1. Insert the snake into the drain opening.
2. Feed the snake into the clog while turning the handle.
3. Remove the clog and debris from the drain.
4. Flush the drain with hot water to clear the residue.

You should be able to feel when the drain snake hits the clog. When you reel the drain snake back in, the clog should come back up with the snake. You might consider having a trash bag ready for the clog. It can be wet and needs to be disposed of safely. You could also put some towels down on the floor around the clogged item to keep the area cleaner.

Additional Information

If you’re snaking a drain on your own, you want to get the appropriate type for the drain. Augers are used to break up and flush a clog, while a ribbon is used on smaller pipes, such as sinks or showers. There are times when you’ll need to call a professional. For example, the clog may be too far into the drain to reach or when it won’t budge.

Contact Herrmann Services for All Your Plumbing Needs

If you still can’t budge that clog, Herrmann Services is ready to help. We’re a family-owned and operated plumbing company with more than 50 years of experience. Our team is ready to find that clog and get rid of it for you. Contact us today.

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