How To Use A Drain Snake

A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake is a slender, flexible tool used to remove clogs in drains and piping. This tool is made up of a coiled metal wire on one end and a handle on the other.

Clogged drains is a common plumbing problem that homeowners face on a daily basis. Therefore, knowing how to use a drain snake to unclog drains can save the day when you’re dealing with a clog that cannot be cleared by a plunger or baking soda and vinegar.

In this article, we will highlight the steps to follow to use a drain snake.

Step One: Insert The Drain Snake Down the Drain or Toilet

Insert the coiled end of the snake into the drain and rotate the handle in a clockwise direction as you continue to push the snake into the drain. If the drain has a cover, you’ll need to remove the cover before inserting the snake into the drain. If you are unclogging a sink, you’ll have to remove the p-trap to make snaking easier.

Step Two: Continue Pushing the Snake into The Drain Until You Encounter the Clog

If you start to feel some resistance, you’ve likely reached the clog. Be careful not to use too much force as it may damage the snake. If the snake gets stuck in the obstruction, pull it back and try again.

Step Three: Rotate The Handle to Try and Break Up the Obstruction

Upon reaching the clog, rotate the snake so that it attaches to the clog. Move the handle back and forth and up and down to break up the obstruction. The clog may either break apart or attach itself to the snake allowing you to pull it out. Simply crank the handle to pull the snake out of the pipe.

Step Four: Flush Hot Water Down the Drain

Once you’ve pulled the clog out of the drain, pour a kettle of hot water into the drain to clear any remaining debris and reassemble any components you may have removed.

A drain snake should be able to clear severe clogs in your drains and piping. Using a drain snake is absolutely easy for just about anyone as long as you follow the above-mentioned steps. If the tool doesn’t clear a clogged drain, you’ll need to call a plumber to help you resolve the problem. Experienced plumbers are equipped with top-of-the-line drain cleaning tools for getting rid of even the most stubborn clogs.

Are You in Need of Drain Cleaning Services? Call Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Are your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets draining slower than normal? Do you hear gurgling noises coming out of your drains? Is sewage backing up into your drains? If so, your drains may be clogged, and you need to take immediate action to prevent more expensive problems. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we are committed to providing a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including drain cleaning, pipe repair sewer line replacement, leak detection, and many more.

Contact us today to schedule drain cleaning services.