How to Snake a Drain: Step-by-Step for Homeowners

A drain snake, also called an auger, is a flexible metal cable with a corkscrew tip. You feed it into the drain, rotate it to hook or break up the blockage and then pull it back out or push it through. Unlike chemical cleaners, a snake removes the clog itself instead of dissolving part of it, which is gentler on old pipes and on the environment.

Work slowly and let the tool do the job. Forcing the cable can scratch pipe walls or push the clog deeper.

1. Remove the stopper or strainer and clear visible debris.
2. Feed the tip into the drain until you feel resistance.
3. Tighten the thumb screw and turn the handle clockwise.
4. Push gently while rotating to break through or hook the clog.
5. Pull the cable back slowly, cleaning it as it comes out.
6. Run hot water for a minute to confirm the drain is clear.

Floor drains and basement lines are larger and often connect to the main sewer. A hand snake may not be long enough, and a clog here can signal tree roots or a collapsed section. If water backs up in several places, stop and call a professional.

• Backups in more than one fixture
• Water coming up in the floor drain
• Gurgling when other fixtures drain
• Recurring clogs after snaking
• Foul sewer smell in the basement

Freezing weather can narrow drain lines and slow flow, especially in outbuildings and garages. Keep warm water running briefly after use in cold snaps and insulate exposed drain pipes. Persistent winter backups are a sign that a line is partly frozen or belly damaged.

If the clog keeps returning, affects several drains or comes with sewage smells, call a plumber. Professional cleaning also includes a camera check that shows what caused the blockage. For stubborn grease or root clogs, our hydro jetting service cleans the pipe walls thoroughly.

For most homes, a 25 foot handheld drum auger covers sinks, tubs and showers. Look for a comfortable handle, a sturdy cable and a tip designed to bore through or hook debris. After each use, wipe the cable with a disinfectant, dry it and store it coiled in a dry place so it does not rust or kink. A well kept snake can last many years and costs far less than a service call for each minor clog.

If you snake the drain three or four times and water still moves slowly, the blockage may be beyond reach or the pipe may be damaged. Stop, avoid pouring chemicals into standing water and have a plumber check the line with a camera. A recurring clog in the same fixture is often a sign of a bellied pipe, heavy grease coating or intruding roots.

• Water stays high after several passes
• The snake stops at the same point every time
• Odors come back after cleaning
• Other fixtures begin to drain slowly
• You hear gurgling in the pipes

Wear gloves, since drain debris contains bacteria. Keep your face away from the opening, and never use a power snake on a drain if you are unsure how to operate it. After you finish, wash tools with hot soapy water, dispose of debris in the trash and wipe surfaces with a disinfectant. Reassemble the trap carefully and check for drips.