Who can’t relate to this: staring at a pool of water that simply refuses to drain down the sink? It can also happen in the shower or any area of your home that has a drain that we all rely on every single day. How on earth do you deal with that? Calling a plumber might be your first instinct – and it’s not a bad one at all! But before you dial or click, let us introduce you to a simple, cheap tool that we do encourage you to try – the humble drain snake. Have no idea what it is, let alone how to use a drain snake? Don’t worry – because our exclusive guide is here to walk you through everything a beginner needs to know.
Are you wondering if the few bucks in the hardware store are even worth it? As professional Brisbane plumbers, we’re tempted to say no. But the actual answer is yes!
While nowhere near as powerful as the heavy-duty, powered augers that us professionals all use, a handheld drain snake is perfect for minor drain unblocking and can save you time and money. Plus, using one is easier than you probably think – even if you’ve hardly ever attempted a DIY plumbing project like this!
What is a drain snake?
Before we dive into the simple steps, let’s zoom in on the drain snake a little more. Also known as a plumbing snake or plumbers snake, it’s actually fairly simple – a flexible, coiled metal tool designed to break up or retrieve clogs in pipes. It’s a straightforward, manual device that you can buy at most hardware stores for a very reasonable price.
However, it’s important to note that a handheld drain snake is VERY different from the powered augers that professional blocked drain plumbers use. Those are larger, a lot more powerful and complex, and designed to blast through serious blockages. A handheld drain snake, on the other hand, is perfect for small jobs like clearing hair, soap scum, or food debris from household drains. Alongside the plunger, every home should have one in the tool shed! So: how to use drain auger products that are easily buy-able? Let’s read on:
How to use a drain snake – A beginner’s guide
‘Drain auger how to use?’ If that’s your internet search, you’re definitely in luck! Because if you’ve never used a drain snake or auger before, don’t worry too much – because we’re going to show you that it can be quite a straightforward process. If you follow our steps, you’ll be tackling basic clogs like a pro in no time!
Step 1: Get your supplies together
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:
- A handheld drain snake (available at any hardware store)
- Rubber gloves (to keep your hands clean)
- A bucket or towel (to catch any mess)
- A flashlight (to help you see into the drain).
If you’ve got all of that, your process will not only be smoother, but a lot less messy.
Step 2: Remove the drain cover
If your sink or shower has a drain cover … remove it! Most covers can be unscrewed or popped off easily. Set it aside and take a look inside the drain with your flashlight. You might be able to see the clog, which will give you an idea of what you’re dealing with.
Step 3: Insert the drain snake
Put on your rubber gloves and grab your drain snake!:
- Start by feeding the end of the snake into the drain
- Push it gently but firmly, letting the coil do the work
- If you encounter resistance, don’t force it – this could damage your pipes
- Instead, twist the snake slightly as you push to help it navigate the curves of the pipe.
Step 4: Break up & retrieve the clog
Once the snake reaches the clog, you’ll feel it. Now, it’s time to break up or retrieve the blockage. If the clog is made of soft material like hair or soap scum:
- Gently push and twist the snake to break it apart.
But if it’s a solid object, like a piece of food or a small toy:
- You may be able to hook it with the snake and simply pull it out!
Step 5: Remove the snake & clean up
Once you’ve dealt with the clog, slowly pull the snake out. Just be prepared for a little bit of stinky mess! This is where your bucket or towel comes in handy.
As you remove the snake, clean off any debris and dispose of it properly.
Step 6: Test your drain
Run some water down the drain to make sure the clog is completely cleared. Is your water flowing as it should be? Congratulations! You’ve successfully used a drain snake!
But if the drain is still slow or blocked, you may need to repeat the process. And if that doesn’t help, it may be time to consider calling a professional.
When exactly to call a professional
Even as professional plumbers, we agree that a handheld drain snake can be really good for minor clogs. However, it’s not a great solution for every plumbing problem.
Have you tried using a drain snake and the clog persists? Or do you suspect a more serious issue like a tree root intrusion or collapsed pipe could be the culprit? It’s definitely time to call in the experts.
Here at S&J Plumbing and Gas, we have the professional drain cleaning tools and years of expertise to handle even the toughest and most complex of stubborn blockages. We use super-expensive, professional-grade powered augers and a range of other extreme drain-clearing solutions that are infinitely more powerful than anything you can buy for a few bucks at a hardware store.
How to use a drain snake? Call us!
Still wondering how to use drain snake products? Need more than DIY-instructions on how to use a drain auger or snake? Yes, It can be a handy skill that can save you time and money. But remember – while a handheld drain snake is a helpful tool for small jobs, more serious plumbing issues will always require a shout-out to a licensed professional.
Need expert advice? If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog and want it handled quickly, don’t hesitate to contact S&J Plumbing and Gas. Our friendly team is always ready to help with all your plumbing needs across Brisbane Northside, Brisbane Southside, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redland Bay. Give us a call or send us a message today!