Trying to figure out how to snake a drain? Clogged drains are a common household issue that every homeowner will encounter at some point. Whether it’s in your shower, sink, or toilet, a blockage can cause water to back up, creating an inconvenient and often unsanitary situation. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can clear most minor clogs yourself using a plumbing snake.
In this guide, the experts at Mammoth Plumbing walk you through a step-by-step process on how to snake a drain in your home, including shower drains, sink drains, and toilet drains. You’ll learn the tools you need and the exact steps to follow for each.
So, whether you’re facing a slow-draining shower or a stubbornly clogged toilet, we’ve got you covered!
Tools You’ll Need to Snake a Drain
Before you learn how to snake a drain, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Here’s a list of the essential supplies you’ll need for snaking any drain in your home:
- Drain snake (also known as a plumbing auger): There are different types of augers that are designed to tackle specific jobs. That said, it’s important to choose a drain snake appropriate for the type of drain you’re unclogging.
- Bucket: To catch any water or debris that may come up when snaking the drain.
- Rubber gloves: To keep your hands clean and protect against any bacteria.
- Old towels or rags: For cleaning up any spills or water that comes out of the drain.
- Pipe wrench or pliers: These may be necessary if you need to remove sink traps.
- Flashlight: To help you see into dark spaces like under sinks.
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s dive into the specifics of how to snake a drain.
How to Snake a Shower Drain
When first learning how to snake a drain, nine times out of ten, it will be for a shower. Shower drains are notorious for clogging, often due to hair, soap scum, and other debris building up over time. Here’s how you can tackle a clogged shower drain step-by-step.
Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover
Use a screwdriver to remove the shower drain cover, if necessary. Some covers can simply be pried off, while others are secured with screws. Be sure to set the screws aside so they don’t get lost.
Step 2: Feed the Snake Into the Drain
Put on your gloves and begin feeding the snake into the drain. Slowly turn the handle clockwise to move the snake deeper into the pipe. You will feel resistance once the snake hits the clog.
Step 3: Break Up the Clog
Once you’ve hit the blockage, rotate the snake to break it up. Push and pull the snake gently to dislodge the debris. Be careful not to force it, as you don’t want to damage your plumbing fixtures or pipes.
Step 4: Pull Out the Debris
Slowly retract the snake from the drain, and you should see hair, soap scum, or other debris attached to it. Another important part of learning how to snake a drain is making sure to place all the debris in your bucket to keep things as tidy and sanitary as possible.
Step 5: Test the Drain
After removing the debris, run hot water down the drain to test if the clog has cleared. If the water drains properly, replace the drain cover and clean up your work area. If not, you may need to repeat the snaking process.
How to Snake a Sink Drain
Now, let’s discuss how to snake a drain for sinks. Sink drains, especially bathroom sinks, are prone to clogs from hair, toothpaste, and other small items. Here’s how to handle a clogged sink drain:
Step 1: Remove the Sink Trap (Optional)
Sometimes, the clog is located in the sink trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink). Use a pipe wrench or pliers to unscrew the P-trap and inspect it for debris. If the clog is in the trap, clean it out and reattach it. If the trap is clear, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Insert the Snake
Feed the snake into the drain or the pipe beneath the sink, turning the handle to push it deeper. You’ll feel resistance once you hit the clog.
Step 3: Break Up the Blockage
Rotate the snake to break apart the blockage, using a combination of pushing and pulling motions to loosen the debris. If you are new to learning how to snake a drain, it is especially important to be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.
Step 4: Remove the Clog
Retract the snake and remove any debris that comes up with it. Be sure to place it in your bucket.
Step 5: Reassemble the Sink (If Needed) and Test
If you removed the sink trap earlier, reattach it before testing the drain. Turn on the faucet and let water flow through the pipes to ensure the clog is cleared.
How to Snake a Toilet Drain
Snaking a clogged toilet can be a bit more challenging due to the shape of the plumbing, but with the right type of auger and some general knowledge on how to snake a drain, it can be a manageable task for more confident DIY’ers.
Step 1: Use a Toilet Auger
Unlike a regular drain snake, a toilet auger is specifically designed to navigate the curved pipes of a toilet without damaging the porcelain. Insert the auger into the toilet bowl, guiding the tip into the drain opening.
Step 2: Crank the Auger Handle
Turn the auger handle clockwise to extend the cable down into the drain. Once you hit the clog, you’ll feel resistance.
Step 3: Break Up the Clog
Keep turning the handle to work the auger through the clog. The goal is to either break up the clog so it can be flushed away or pull it out.
Step 4: Retract and Test
Once the clog has been dislodged, retract the auger and flush the toilet to see if the water drains normally. If it flushes properly, you’re all set. If not, you may need to repeat the process or consider professional help.
Unsure About Learning How to Snake a Drain?
That’s Understandable; Call a Professional Plumber!
Knowing how to snake a drain is a valuable skill that can occasionally help you save time and money on plumbing repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink, a clogged shower drain, or a backed-up toilet, following these steps should help clear minor blockages quickly and efficiently.
While snaking a drain can often solve minor clogs, there are instances when the issue may be too severe or located deep within your plumbing system. If you’ve tried snaking and the drain is still clogged, or if you notice recurring clogs, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.
At Mammoth Plumbing, you can rest assured that our highly-trained plumbers know how to snake a drain quickly and efficiently. We have the expertise and equipment to handle tough clogs and drain cleaning projects, as well as offer preventive maintenance to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
For professional drain cleaning services in the Houston area, contact our team today at 281-398-1700. We’re here to help keep your home’s plumbing in top condition!
