How do I use a drain snake?
If no chemical drain cleaner is in the drain, pull the stopper, feed the snake's cable into the drain and crank it clockwise while pushing gently. When you hit resistance, keep cranking to break up or hook the clog, then pull the cable out slowly and run hot water to test. A 15- to 25-foot hand auger handles most sinks; tubs, showers, and laundry standpipes may need 50 feet. Wear gloves and eye protection, and use a closet auger for toilets, not a sink snake, which can scratch the porcelain.
What tools do I need before using a drain snake?
Tools:
- Hand-crank or drill-powered drain auger (15-25 ft for sinks, longer for showers)
- Rubber gloves and safety glasses
- Bucket (catches the gunk you pull out)
- Old towel or rag
What to know: Snaking won't fix every clog. If you've tried twice and it won't clear, the clog is deeper than your snake reaches or it's a more serious blockage. Stop trying: repeated snaking can damage the pipe or break the snake off in the line.
How do I use a drain snake step by step?
- Check for chemicals first: If anyone has poured a chemical drain cleaner down this drain, don't snake it; the cable can splash caustic water back at you. Call us instead.
- Get access to the drain: Pull out the sink pop-up stopper or the tub strainer. On a sink, put a bucket underneath, then remove the trap and snake into the wall pipe; that often works better.
- Feed the cable: Pull 6 to 12 inches of cable out, push it into the drain, tighten the lock screw, and crank clockwise while pushing gently. Loosen, pull out more cable, and repeat. With a drill-powered auger, use low speed and keep your hands clear of the spinning cable.
- Work through the clog: When you feel resistance, keep cranking clockwise and push lightly. Don't force it; if the cable starts to bend or kink at the opening, back off.
- Pull the cable out slowly: Keep cranking clockwise as you pull back, and wipe the cable into the bucket as it comes out.
- Test with hot water: Run hot water for a few minutes. If it still drains slowly, try once more. If the second try doesn't clear it, stop.
When to stop and call Sweetwater: If two tries don't clear it, the cable gets stuck, or more than one drain is backed up, call (909) 312-4516 or text (909) 247-6791. We clear deeper clogs with professional cabling and can run a camera to see what's in the line.
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