How to Use a Plumbing Snake

When you need a clog removal, an easy to use method would be using a drain or plumbing snake. These easy to use tools are great for minor clogs that don’t require a professional. Below we will help run you through how to use a plumbing snake and also some preventative measures you can take to help prevent further clogs before they become an issue. 

Why Choose to Snake?

While there are multiple ways to clear out a clogged drain, some options might not be right for your plumbing system. Depending on the type of pipes and sink you have, using an unclogging chemical could damage pipes. The chemicals are usually highly acidic, which could lead to corrosion and damage. Using a plumbing snake is the best option for quick fixes on smaller clogs that you can resolve with a little bit of time and work. 

How to Use a Plumbing Snake

• Step 1. Remove any sink traps or p-trap from the drain. There can be excess water so make sure you have a towel or bucket to drain any water.
• Step 2. Extend the snake cable into the opening and keep pushing it (or turning the drum handle) until you feel an obstruction.
• Step 3. Depending on your type of drain snake, either tighten the thumbscrew on the snake or rotate the snake to attach it to the clog. 
• Step 4. Twist the snake a few times. 
• Step 5. Pull the drain snake out of the drain. It should bring the obstruction or clumps of debris to the end of the drain. Clear this away.
• Step 6. Test the drain by running water to see if it is still clogged. If the drain is clear, clean off the snake and you are finished. 

Preventive Measures

If you want to try and prevent a clog before a plumbing snake is needed, try to use any of the following:

• Use sink traps and strainers to collect larger obstructions
• Toss as much obstructions and objects into the garbage as possible
• Perform preventative maintenance on garbage disposals to prevent malfunctions
• Check on a routine basis that sinks are draining properly

Please contact a local professional who can help with larger plumbing issues and any that you are not comfortable handling yourself.