How to Use a Drain Snake

Is your sink or toilet all clogged up? It happens! Instead of calling a plumber right away (and spending a bunch of money), you might be able to fix it yourself. A drain snake, also called an auger, can be your best friend. It's a simple tool that can break up those nasty clogs. I'll walk you through how to use a drain snake like a pro.

Understanding Drain Snakes

First, let's talk about the different kinds of drain snakes. You can't just grab any snake. You need the right one for the job, or you could mess up your pipes. Seriously!

Types of Drain Snakes

• Toilet Auger (Closet Auger): Got a clogged toilet? This is the one you want. It's made so you don't scratch the toilet bowl.
• Sink Auger (Drum Auger): Perfect for sinks in your bathroom or kitchen. It has a cable in a drum that you crank to push into the drain.
• Hand Auger (Plumbing Snake): A beefier sink auger. Use it for bigger pipes, like in your shower or tub.
• Electric Drain Snake (Power Auger): This one's a beast! It uses a motor. Best for long pipes and really stubborn clogs. Maybe leave this to the pros, though.

Choosing the Right Drain Snake

So, how do you pick the right one? Think about where the clog is:

• Toilets: Toilet auger, always.
• Sinks: Start with a sink auger. If it doesn't work, try a hand auger.
• Showers and Tubs: Hand auger is usually your best bet.
• Main Drain Lines: You might need that electric snake for these tough ones.

Safety First!

Listen up! Safety is super important. Here's what you need to do before you start:

• Wear Gloves: You don't want to touch that gunk!
• Eye Protection: Splashes happen. Trust me.
• Old Clothes: Things will get messy.
• Ventilation: Open a window! Especially if you've used any drain cleaners before (but I really don't recommend those).
• Turn Off the Water: If you can, shut off the water to what you're working on. Less mess!

How to Use a Sink or Hand Auger

Okay, let's get down to business. This is for sink and hand augers – the most common ones.

Step 1: Get to the Drain

Take out the drain stopper or strainer. You might need a screwdriver. For tubs, you might have to remove the overflow plate thingy.

Step 2: Insert the Snake

Carefully put the tip of the snake into the drain. Gently push it in while turning the handle. This helps it get around those bends.

Step 3: Fight the Clog!

Keep pushing until you feel something. That's probably the clog. Turn the handle harder to break it up or hook it. Don't force it too much, though!

Pro Tip: Try turning the handle at different speeds and with different pressure.

Step 4: Get It Out!

Once you think you've broken up the clog, slowly pull the snake back out while turning the handle. Get ready for a mess! Have a bucket handy.

Step 5: Clean the Snake

As you pull the snake out, wipe off all the gunk. Keeps things cleaner!

Step 6: Flush It!

Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes. Did it work? If not, try again.

Step 7: Put It Back Together

Put the drain stopper and everything else back where it belongs. Test the drain to make sure it's working right.

How to Use a Toilet Auger

Toilets are a little different. Here's how to use a toilet auger:

Step 1: Get It In There

Put the curved end of the auger into the toilet bowl, pointing it towards the drain. The plastic part should touch the toilet so you don't scratch it.

Step 2: Feed the Cable

Gently push the cable in while turning the handle. It's made to go around those toilet curves.

Step 3: Fight the Clog (Again!)

When you hit the clog, turn the handle firmly. Toilet clogs are usually solid stuff, so you might need to use some muscle.

Step 4: Pull It Out

Slowly pull the auger out while turning the handle. If you hooked the clog, carefully pull it out and throw it away!

Step 5: Flush!

Flush the toilet. Is it working now? If not, try the whole thing again.

Uh Oh, Problems?

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some things that might happen:

• The Snake Won't Go In: Make sure there's nothing blocking the drain. Try turning the snake while pushing. If it's really stuck, you might need a different snake or a plumber.
• The Snake Gets Stuck: Don't force it! Try turning it the other way while pulling gently. You could also try putting a little dish soap on the cable.
• The Clog Won't Break Up: Really tough clogs might need an electric snake or a plumber. Drain cleaners might help, but I don't like them because they can hurt your pipes.

Take Care of Your Snake!

If you want your drain snake to last, you gotta take care of it:

• Clean It: After every use, wash the cable with soap and water.
• Dry It: Dry it completely so it doesn't rust.
• Oil It: Put a little oil on the cable to keep it from rusting and to keep it flexible.
• Store It Right: Keep it in a dry place, like in its box.

When to Call a Plumber

Sometimes, you just need a pro. Call a plumber if:

• Clogs Keep Coming Back: There might be something wrong with your pipes.
• It's a Really Bad Clog: If you've tried everything and it's still stuck, it's time for a pro.
• Your Pipes Are Damaged: Don't mess with damaged pipes!
• You're Not Comfortable: If you don't know what you're doing, it's okay to call for help.

Other Ways to Unclog Drains

Before you grab the drain snake, try these first:

• Boiling Water: Sometimes, hot water can melt grease.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour in baking soda, then vinegar. Let it fizz, then flush with hot water.
• Plunger: Sometimes, a plunger is all you need!

Keep Your Drains Clean!

It's better to stop clogs before they happen. Here's how:

• Use Drain Screens: These catch hair and stuff.
• Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain: Grease gets hard and clogs things up.
• Flush with Hot Water: Run hot water down your drains often.
• Don't Flush Weird Stuff: Only flush toilet paper!

Get the Right Tools

If you're going to do plumbing stuff, get some good plumbing tools. Besides a drain snake, get a plunger, a wrench you can adjust, and a pipe wrench.

You Got This!

Knowing how to use a drain snake can save you a lot of money. Just remember to be safe, use the right tools, and take care of your snake. And hey, drain snakes beat chemical drain cleaners because they don't hurt the environment. Keeping your drains clean will help keep your plumbing working great!

One last thing: If you're not sure about something, call a plumber!