How to Use a Plumbing Snake to Unclog Your Drainage

A plumbing snake is a tool that plumbers use to unclog blockage from drain pipes. You can picture it as a long metal cable with an auger at one end and a hand crank at the other. Unblocking sink drains are the most common service calls that plumbers make, thereby showing just how important this tool can be.

Plumbing snakes are often considered the last resort after pouring hot water or industrial strength drain-clearing chemicals down the drain doesn't work. When you've tried each and every unclogging solution possible, and still the problem sticks stubbornly in place, it may be time for you bring in a plumbing snake.

Plumbing snakes can be either hand-cranked or motorized. The motorized ones come in two forms: the hand-held model or the drum auger. For most home plumbing problems, a hand-held motorized plumbing snake will suffice. Drum augers, on the other hand, are meant for professional plumber use.

To use a snake for plumbing repair, you need to protect your hand with gloves. Make sure to buy the ones that don't slip easily. It will be a good idea to have a bucket and towels ready within arm's reach before you begin. It's likely that the floor space you're working on will get wet once you start to unclog the drain, so wear a pair of working shoes as well to prevent drain filth from getting on your feet.

To begin unclogging the drain, push the snake into the drain while running the motor or turning the crank handle clockwise. As soon as you feel a tough spot, slowly ease the snake back. Push it forward again until you feel some resistance. Don't forcibly shove the cable through, though, because this could tangle it up.

Once you feel that the blockage has been cleared, withdraw the snake, pulling the debris out with the auger end. It is important that you pull the debris out instead of pushing it deeper in. This way, you are making sure that the debris won’t cause any more clogs further down the drain.

Using a plumbing snake isn't difficult, but it sure can be messy. You can keep your hands clean by hiring a professional plumber to do the job instead. They will have the necessary skills and know-how to perform the job quickly and efficiently. Unclogging drains is not the only thing professional plumbers like the ones at Milani are good at. So for any drainage problems or plumbing installation you may require, it's always a good idea to keep a plumber’s number listed in your phone’s emergency contacts.