If you’re constantly dealing with clogged drains that don’t seem to stay clear for very long, it might be time to consider a drain snake, also known as a plumber’s auger. This plumbing tool is a fast and effective way to remove debris and blockages from drains that you may otherwise need to call a professional to remedy.
Below, you can learn what this innovative tool is, how to use a drain snake, and how to snake a drain so water can flow freely once more.
What Is a Drain Snake?
A drain snake is known by many names, including a plumber’s auger, plumber snake, or shower drain snake. It’s a long, flexible tool with a crank handle on one end and a helix-shaped metal wire on the other. There are many different drain snakes on the market, depending on what you need them for:
Hand Auger
Hand augers are plumbing tools with thin profiles that can fit down small drains. They are particularly helpful for clearing clogs in bathtub drains and sinks. However, they are not appropriate for toilets. They usually have either a drum-shaped crank handle or a simple crank.
Toilet Auger
A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, is a drain snake specifically for toilets. They are wider than traditional drain augers and have hook-shaped pipes to navigate toilet drains without damaging the bowl.
Drum Auger
Manual augers are the most popular for homeowners, but many professionals use drum augers. These are motorized augers with blades that can cut through powerful obstructions in drains like tree roots. Because improper use can lead to pipe damage, these are typically only recommended for experts.
How to Use a Plumber’s Auger/Drain Snake
Now that you know what these helpful plumbing tools are, you can learn how to use a plumbing snake to take care of your frustrating drain blockages! Proper use can be crucial to avoid damage to your drains. Follow the steps below:
- Identify the coiled end of your drain snake and insert it into the drain opening.
- Turn the handle on the drain snake as you’re lowering it into your drain.
- Keep feeding the snake into the drain while rotating the handle. You may need to apply pressure when you reach bends in pipes to keep it moving smoothly.
- When you hit a clog, turn the handle of the plumber’s auger clockwise. It should ‘bite’ into the solid objects and start breaking them up. If you notice that the drain snake is getting easier to twist, the clog is likely breaking up. If it remains difficult to twist, the snake may be thoroughly attached to the clog, and you can pull it out.
- Carefully pull the clog out of the drain and discard the debris.
- Ensure the clog is fully cleared by running water down your drain at full force. If it flows away quickly and smoothly, the clog is gone.
Can’t seem to clear the clog? It might be time to call an experienced plumber.
How to Know When to Use a Plumber Snake
You might know how to snake a bathtub drain, sink, and toilet, but do you know when to put your new plumbing tool to use? As soon as you notice these signs, it’s time to explore clog-clearing options:
- You have slow drainage
- You notice standing water
- Water is backing up in your toilet, sink, or tub
- There are frequent clogs
- You hear gurgling sounds
- You notice bubbling or hissing
- You’re experiencing foul odors around drains
You may also decide to use a drain snake if:
- Your plunger hasn’t cleared the clog
- You have deep or stubborn clogs
- You suspect the clog is beyond the P-trap
- You don’t want to damage your plumbing with harsh chemical drain cleaners
- You’re not yet ready to call a professional
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for Clogged Drains
Even if you know how to snake a drain, that doesn’t mean you feel confident doing it. Sometimes, clogs can also be so stubborn that you just can’t clear them effectively!
That’s where Mr. Rooter Plumbing® comes in. Let our expert plumbers take the lead and use our clog-clearing tools and knowledge to take care of your blocked drains. Request a job estimate online or call us today.
