How to Make a Mini Drain Snake

Clear minor clogs with your mini snake.

Taking a shower or brushing your teeth only to discover that the tub or sink basin fills with water when it should drain away is a frustrating experience. Calling a plumber for every small clog is very costly. Instead, make your own mini drain snake to clear out minor blockages in your pipes.

Things You'll Need

• 3 wire hangers from the dry cleaners
• Electrical or duct tape

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Instructions

1. Bend a wire hanger that came from the dry cleaners and untwist the neck. Bend the rest of the hanger outward until the whole piece of metal becomes a straight line. Dry cleaner hangers are thin and flimsy enough to twist without too much effort. Repeat the process with two additional hangers.

2. Line the three former hangers up next to one another as evenly as possible. Twist the three sections together, overlapping the pieces so it forms one straight line.

3. Leave three ends of the hanger split apart in separate directions. This provides a place to snag the drain clog.

4. Apply electrical or duct tape around the top end to create a comfortable grip and protect your hand from the sharp ends.

5. Use the mini drain snake by removing the drain cover and slowly inserting the twisted hangers inside. Keep inserting it until you feel it hit the clog. Gently twist the snake into the clog. Pull it out slowly, to remove the clog. Repeat the process for any pieces that break off.

Tips & Warnings

• A mini drain snake only works for shallow clogs. Use a longer snake to remove clogs deep within a pipe.

References

• Tip Nut: Tips for Clogged Drains