The Ultimate Guide: How to Use a Drain Snake Like a Pro

It’s a disaster when water starts pooling around your feet after you take a shower or when a sink won’t drain after washing dishes. That gurgling sound and stagnant water is a sign of a blocked drain, and if left unattended, it can lead to nasty odours and even bigger plumbing problems. While blocked drains are frustrating, the good news is that one simple tool can help clear out most clogs effectively: the drain snake.

Using a drain snake might sound intimidating, but with a bit of guidance, you can tackle stubborn blockages without calling in a professional right away. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a drain snake, so you can keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.

What is a Drain Snake?

A drain snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is a flexible, coiled wire designed to reach deep into your pipes and break up or remove blockages. It’s a simple yet powerful tool, especially when plungers fail to work. Drain snakes work by either hooking onto or separating clogs to let water flow through pipes again.

Unlike chemicals that can sometimes damage your plumbing, the drain snake is a mechanical solution that doesn’t rely on harsh substances, making it safer for your pipes and the environment.

When Should You Use a Drain Snake?

Not all blockages require the use of a drain snake, so it’s important to know when this tool is necessary. A drain snake is your go-to solution when:

1. Plunging Doesn’t Work: If you’ve already tried using a plunger and the water still won’t drain, it’s time to break out the drain snake.
2. Slow-Draining Water: If your sink or shower drains very slowly, there’s likely a blockage deeper in the pipe that needs to be dislodged.
3. Persistent Clogs: If you’re facing frequent blockages, it might mean that debris is stuck further down the drain. A drain snake can reach places that a plunger can’t.

However, if you’re dealing with extensive pipe damage or recurring clogs, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional plumber, like those at Sydney Plumbing Group, to inspect the underlying issue.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Drain Snake

Using a drain snake may seem tricky at first, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Area

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need a drain snake, rubber gloves, a bucket or towels to catch any water or debris, and possibly a wrench if you need to remove any drain covers.

Pro Tip: Use protective gloves and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Clogs are often filled with hair, soap scum, and other unpleasant substances that can be a bit gross to handle.

2. Remove the Drain Cover

Depending on where the blockage is, you may need to remove the drain cover. In showers and bathtubs, this is usually a simple screw-on cover. For sinks, you may need to remove the pop-up stopper by loosening it from underneath with a wrench.

Once the cover is off, you’ll have direct access to the pipe opening where the snake will go.

3. Insert the Drain Snake

Slowly and carefully feed the drain snake into the drain, rotating the handle as you go. This twisting motion helps guide the snake down the pipe while ensuring it navigates bends and turns in the plumbing system.

As you push the snake further down, you may encounter resistance when it hits the blockage. Continue rotating the handle, allowing the head of the drain snake to latch onto the debris.

4. Break Through the Blockage

Once you’ve reached the clog, you can use the snake to either break it up or pull it out. Apply steady pressure while twisting the snake. You’ll feel the resistance give way as the clog begins to dislodge.

If the snake latches onto debris, such as hair or food particles, slowly pull the snake back out. Be prepared for some gunky material to come up with it!

5. Flush the Drain

After you’ve removed the blockage, it’s essential to flush the drain with water. Turn on the hot water tap and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that the pipe is completely clear. This helps wash away any remaining particles and ensures smooth water flow.

If the water is still draining slowly, you may need to repeat the process or try a longer drain snake to reach further down the pipe.

6. Clean and Store the Drain Snake

Once the job is done, clean off your drain snake thoroughly to remove any debris or residue before storing it. Proper maintenance will ensure that your drain snake remains in good condition for future use.

Preventing Future Clogs

While using a drain snake can effectively clear blockages, it’s always better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your drains clear and flowing:

• Use Drain Strainers: These simple devices can catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system.
• Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: Grease and oil can solidify in pipes, causing stubborn blockages.
• Run Hot Water After Use: Running hot water down your drains after using them can help clear away soap scum and food particles before they become a problem.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Consider hiring a professional plumber from Sydney Plumbing Group to inspect your plumbing system annually and prevent major clogs before they happen.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While a drain snake is a powerful tool, it won’t fix every plumbing issue. If you find that the clog keeps coming back or that you can’t clear the blockage yourself, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Recurring clogs could indicate a more significant issue with your plumbing system, such as broken or collapsed pipes, tree root intrusions, or large blockages deep within the system. In these cases, professional plumbers have access to advanced tools like hydro-jetting and CCTV cameras to locate and fix the problem at its source.

If you’re in Sydney, the experienced team at Sydney Plumbing Group can provide expert drain cleaning and inspection services to help keep your pipes in top condition.

Conclusion

Using a drain snake is an effective way to tackle stubborn clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can quickly learn how to use this handy tool to remove blockages from your drains. However, if the issue persists or if you’re dealing with major plumbing problems, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumber for expert advice and assistance.

Blocked drains can lead to much bigger problems if left untreated, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. With regular maintenance and proper use of a drain snake, you can keep your pipes clear and avoid the headache of persistent blockages.