A stubborn drain clog can bring your home to a halt. Before you reach for a chemical drain cleaner, which can damage your pipes, a drain snake (or “plumbing snake”) is a safe and effective tool for tackling common blockages.
But what’s the difference between a drain snake you can buy at a hardware store and a professional plumber’s auger? And more importantly, when do you need to call in the experts?
At Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling, we’ve handled countless clogged drains across the Okanagan. Here’s our guide on how to use a drain snake and when a professional is needed.
What is a Drain Snake?
A drain snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is a flexible steel cable with a coil or corkscrew tip at the end. It is designed to navigate the curves of your pipes to reach and break up a clog. Most homeowners will use a simple hand-crank model, which is effective for blockages close to the drain opening.
How to Use a Drain Snake
Using a drain snake is a great first step for a clogged bathroom sink, bathtub, or shower drain. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a snake in a drain safely:
- Preparation is Key: Put on gloves and have a bucket and old towels handy. Water will likely overflow as you work.
- Remove the Drain Cover: Use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover or stopper. This gives you direct access to the pipe.
- Insert the Snake: Feed the tip of the drain snake into the drain opening. Continue pushing the cable into the pipe, uncoiling it from the drum.
- Feel for the Clog: As you feed the snake in, you’ll likely feel resistance. This is usually the clog.
- Work the Clog: Once you hit the blockage, lock the cable in place using the thumbscrew on the handle. Begin cranking the handle clockwise to work the plumbing auger through the clog. Ideally, the tip will either grab the clog and pull it out, or break it up.
- Pull It Out: Once you feel the clog give way, pull the snake out slowly. The clog may come out with it, or it may have been broken up enough to be flushed down.
- Flush the Drain: Run hot water for a few minutes to flush away any remaining debris.
While using a drain snake is a great DIY method, it’s not always the answer.
When to Call a Pro: The Limits of a Drain Snake
A standard drain snake is effective for many simple blockages. But for bigger, deeper, or more complex clogs, you need the power and expertise of a professional plumber’s auger. A professional plumber uses powerful motorized augers and cameras to see inside your pipes, accurately diagnose the problem, and clear the blockage without damaging your plumbing system.
Here’s when it’s time to call us for clogged drain services:
- The Clog is Too Deep: If you’ve extended your entire drain snake and still haven’t cleared the blockage, it’s likely too far down your plumbing system for a hand-crank model to reach.
- The Problem is in the Main Sewer Line: A sewer snake (or a professional-grade sewer auger) is required for blockages in your main sewer line. These clogs affect all drains in your home.
- You Have a Clogged Toilet: Never use a drain snake on a clogged toilet. The sharp tip can damage the porcelain. Use a toilet auger instead, or call a professional.
- Recurring Clogs: If the same drain keeps clogging, it’s a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as tree roots, pipe damage, or major grease buildup. A professional can diagnose the root cause and provide a lasting solution.
- You’re dealing with a commercial property: Commercial drains face high usage and different types of blockages than residential drains. If you’re running a business, a clog can be a major disruption. We offer specialized commercial clogged drain services (including plumbing stack cleaning and auger services for condos/apartments) to get you back to business fast.
Don’t Wait for an Emergency
While a simple clog can be annoying, a major blockage can lead to significant plumbing emergencies, including burst pipes and water damage. Waiting to address a stubborn clog can turn a simple repair into a costly disaster.
If you have a drain that won’t budge or a recurring clog, don’t hesitate. Our team is available for emergency plumbing in Kelowna and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’ve got a minor clog or a serious blockage, the experts at Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling can help. For fast, reliable service, contact us today.
Clogged Drain FAQs
To use a drain snake, insert the coiled cable into the drain opening. Once you feel resistance, you have likely hit the clog. Lock the cable in place and crank the handle clockwise to break up or pull out the blockage.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but a “drain snake” typically refers to the smaller, hand-cranked models available for homeowners. A “plumbing auger” or “sewer auger” usually refers to the larger, professional-grade motorized machines used by licensed plumbers to clear more serious clogs deep within the plumbing system.
Hand-crank drain snakes are generally safe for sink, shower, and bathtub drains. However, you should never use one on a toilet, as the sharp tip can easily scratch and damage the porcelain. For toilets, a specialized toilet auger is required.
You should call a professional if a drain snake doesn’t clear the clog, if you have a recurring clog in the same drain, or if multiple drains in your home are backed up at the same time. These are signs of a deeper issue, like a main sewer line blockage, that requires professional tools and expertise.
The cost of professional drain snaking varies depending on the severity and location of the clog. It’s always best to get a quote from a licensed plumber. While it may cost more than a DIY attempt, a professional service ensures the job is done safely and effectively, preventing future issues.
Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended as they can corrode and weaken pipes, especially older ones, leading to costly leaks and major damage over time. These products often fail to clear the entire clog and, in extreme cases, can pose a safety risk for both the user and a plumber who later works on the drain.
