How to Use a Plumbing Snake

Drain clogs can be a significant hassle to deal with. When they happen, our first instinct is to reach for a plunger to loosen the blockage. But what happens when this fails? If a clog is too much for the old plunger, it’s probably time to reach for a plumbing snake (also known as an auger). There are a few different types of snakes, but they are generally made from a spiraled piece of metal attached to a long cable. The cable reaches far into pipes to break apart or dislodge obstructions in your pipe. Read on to learn more about using a plumbing snake and when it might be necessary. As your local plumbing experts in Greater Columbus, Greater Cincinnati, and Greater Dayton, we at Five Star Home Services are always here to help, and we are always a fast and easy phone call away! 

We offer the following on when and how to use an auger or plumbing snake: 

When To Use a Plumbing Snake

Have you been struggling with your plunger to unclog your drain with no result? That probably means it’s time to break out the plumbing snake. If a plunger isn’t working properly on your clogged toilet, drain, or sink, that likely means the clog is too large to dislodge with pressure alone. It could be several inches or feet down your pipe. You will need more leverage to break it loose or pull it out. A plumbing snake can give you the reach and power to handle stubborn blocks. Next, we will look at how to use it. 

How to Use a Plumbing Snake

You can use two main types of plumbing snakes to loosen a tough clog: cable auger and closet auger. The cable auger houses the snake in a spool. You can release it far down into the drain using a hand crank. The closet auger houses the snake within a shaft. It usually features an angled tip to better fit through a toilet trap. Both options require different steps to operate.  

Using a Cable Auger

Use a cable auger on a sink drain through the following steps:

• Insert the coiled end of the snake into the drain. Then, slowly crank the handle to unfurl the snake. Then, guide the snake into the pipe.  
• Continue turning the handle until you feel it catch. If it doesn’t go any further, you’ve probably reached the clog. 
• Rotate the snake so it attaches to the clog. This enables the coil to either break it apart or pull the blockage up.   
• Then, crank the handle to reel the snake back up. The goal is to pull up the obstruction. 
• Finally, flush hot water down the drain to wash away any of the remaining clog. If it is still draining slowly, repeat the entire process until you remove the clog. 

Using a Closet Auger

If you have a clogged toilet, follow these steps to use a closet auger.  

• Ensure the end of the snake is aligned to the opening of the toilet bowl. Keep the tip facing up so it can maneuver the trap properly.  
• While keeping the auger steady, slowly crank the handle to lower the snake into the pipe. Crank until the snake is released.  
• After you release the entire snake, reel it back in while pulling the shaft at the same time.  
• Finally, see if your toilet flushes. If it doesn’t flush, repeat this entire process a few more times to see if you can loosen the clog.  

When to Call a Plumber

Sometimes, a snake won’t even loosen a clog. If you attempt the steps listed above three times or more without any luck, it is likely a problem you’ll need to consult one of our professionals about. Be sure to consult our trusted local plumbers once you’re sure a snake won’t do the trick. And whatever you do, never use Drano to unclog a pipe! This can damage your drain. 

Avoid Drain Clogs

In most cases, a clogged drain is avoidable. Because of this, it is essential to be proactive about maintaining good plumbing. Remember, never pour coffee grounds, oil, or eggshells down your drain. If you can, prevent too much hair from entering your drains as well. A drain screen can help with keeping your pipes clear.  

Taking proactive measures to clear small blocks is important, too. After heavy use, pour hot water down your drains to melt away stuck-on debris. For a gentle clean, you can also pour baking soda and vinegar into your drains. If you maintain proper drain maintenance, you’ll notice fewer issues with clogged pipes. 

Do you need a plumber in Central or Southwest Ohio? If so, call Five Star Home Services today! Click here to schedule services today.