How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake

Apr 2, 2016 | How to

Everyone who has had a clog in the past knows there is one vital household tool essential to getting a drain clear. This vital tool is a drain cleaning snake also sometimes called drain augers. Snakes are a great way to free up minor clogs. When you have a major clog chances are you will need to call a plumber. Professional plumbers use industrial size drain snakes to reach deeper into drains.

Clogs in sinks can be difficult to reach without using a drain snake.  Luckily many clogs do not happen very deep and can be addressed without requiring a professional. If you are not able to reach the clog using the snake it is time to call a professional.

How To Use A Drain Snake

plumbers snakeRemove any sink strainers or drain covers and then push the end of the snake into the drain opening. Most drain augers with come with a handle causing the snake to bend and turn through the pipe. Apply pressure while feeding the snake down the pipes. Don’t worry about causing damage to the pipe. The snake will bend on its own to reach further down the pipe and turn on its own.

Keep pushing until you encounter resistance. Typically the first resistance will be the initial bends in the pipe and the second resistance will be the clog itself. The tip of the snake may attach to the clog and allow you to pull the clog out of the pipe. Once you feel the twisting become easier after encountering resistance try pulling the snake back out of the drain. If you are lucky you will pull the clog out!

This process may take a few times but once you feel like you have either broken up the clog or pulled it out start running water.  This will let you know if the clog is removed and push the bits further down to the main sewer pipe. It is best to let the water run at full force for a few minutes to completely clear your drains.

Snakes are essential for plumbing, and they can clear almost any clog. Keep one in your home, and it will come in handy if you encounter a clog.

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Jennifer Newsome
Jennifer Newsome
01/11/2021
We had a leak in our basement on a Sunday evening and Narrow Path Plumbing sent out Terry ASAP! He quickly found the leak, repaired it, checked all faucets to ensure good pressure. He cleaned everything up and it was like he was never even here. I appreciate this company sending out someone late on a Sunday and also doing such a great, fast and professional job!! Great job Narrow Path Plumbing!!
Mad MO
Mad MO
22/10/2021
Have used Narrow Path for multiple jobs on multiple properties. They have always been extremely informative, punctual, and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.
Vicki Singer
Vicki Singer
05/10/2021
Mike & Terry remodeled 2 of my bathrooms along with the drywall finisher and did a beautiful job. Had multiple leaky shut off valves replaced & a kitchen faucet replaced. Had lines run so I could move my laundry up out of my basement & poor Mike had to run wiring through my attic on a 90 degree day. I was so worried he would have a heat stroke but he never complained once. Also had a whole house filter replaced & a valve replaced on my hot water tank by another plumber whose name I can't remember but they all were polite and did professional work.
Michael Brice Keller
Michael Brice Keller
10/09/2021
The whole team was great. Joe, Glenn, Justin, Mike and Terry. Thanks for an awesome new bathroom addition
David Brown
David Brown
09/09/2021
Josh S cleaned a tankless hot water system, repaired two toilets, and unclogged a drain in a little over an hour. He was professional, listened carefully, and was very personable. We have never had a bad experience with Narrow Path, and we highly recommend them.
Patricia Mullins
Patricia Mullins
03/09/2021
Toilet leaking from the tank. Not good 😪. Enter Tom and Drey. I love these guys. New toilet replaced and new shut off valve. Everything is perfect now. These guys are a 10 star team. Polite, professional, clean and neat. Same day service at a reasonable price. Can't beat them. Highly recommend. Give these boys a bonus!!