A clogged drain is a crude problem. If your bathtub, shower, or sink is clogged, a clog will leave you in the middle. But you don’t need to call on the plumber’s services first. snaking a drain out your drain is an easy, effective way to unclog drains and restore pipes to their former glory. We’ll walk you through doing it, step by step, here.
What is a Drain Snake
A plumber’s auger or drain snake is a long, flexible-tipped metal cable. You insert it into the drain to break up or remove clogs. It performs beautifully with removing hair, clumps of food, soap scum, and other typical causes of clogs.
Tools and Materials Required
Have the following tools and materials ready before you start your work:
- A drain snake manual or electric
- Rubber gloves
- A bucket
- Old rags or towels
- A wrench (to unbolt the P-trap, if needed)
- Baking soda and vinegar (to clean up after)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clear the Area
Before snaking the drain, clear the area around it. If you’re working on a sink, remove any items from the countertop. Place old towels or rags around the drain opening to catch any water spills. Have a bucket nearby to catch any debris or water that comes out.
Remove Drain Cover (If Needed)
Some drain covers may form an obstruction to the snake. If your drain has a pop-up stopper, remove it by rotating the stopper clockwise or removing it by unscrewing it. You may have to remove the cover of a shower drain using a screwdriver. Switch on a flashlight and attempt to see if you can spot the clog at the top level.
Insert Drain Snake
Put on your rubber gloves and insert the coiled portion of the snake gradually into the drain. Feed gradually while rotating the handle in the clockwise direction. Don’t force if you encounter resistance. Rotate and push the snake instead to push it through pipe curves.
Reach the Clog
While you hit the clog, continue to turn the handle. The snake will push the clog out or grab it so that you can draw it out. If the snake gets clogged, pull it back a bit, then shove forward again to fight through the clog.
Remove the Clog
You should be able to feel the clog loosen. Slowly extract the snake from the drain. There is the debris that will be pushed out with it. Clean the snake with a rag and place the debris in a bag to discard it.
Flush the Drain
After you have dislodged the clog from the drain, pass hot water through the snaking a drain for a few minutes. This loosens up any other trash. You can also pass vinegar and baking soda solution through the drain to give it an extra bit of cleaning. Leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with hot water.
Clean Up and Reassemble
If you removed the drain cover, replace it. Clean with a towel and discard loose material. Disinfect and wash your tools, then put them away to use again at another time.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have snaked the drain and still have clogging, there may be something more serious with your plumbing. If:
The clog repeats.
- Water overflows in various drains.
- There is a smell emanating from the drain.
- Gurgling occurs in other drains when water runs through.
Tips on How to Avoid Clogs in the Future
To maintain smooth flows in your drains, apply these simple tips:
- Place a strainer before the drain to trap hair and food.
- Do not pour grease or oil down the drain.
- Flush hot water down the drain after each use.
- Run baking soda and vinegar through your drains every so often to clean them out.
- Be careful what you’re flushing down your toilets and sinks.
Final Thoughts
Unclogging with snaking is simple and inexpensive. Most clogs will be cleared easily using the appropriate tools and a bit of perseverance. It will take care of your free-flowing drains and save you on plumbing costs. If the clog does not clear, do not hesitate to call upon the expert plumber to help. Have fun snaking!
