How to Use a Drain Auger

One of the most inconvenient problems in your home is a clogged sink drain. You can use a plunger, chemical drain cleaners or an auger to solve the problem. The best option by far for a big clog is to use an auger. You can generally get the clog to pass in a few minutes and get on with your business. This is not always true with a plunger, and chemical drain cleaners are hazardous to your health and the environment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drain auger
• Old rags
• Bucket

1. Clear everything out of the sink and remove anything that will stop the drain from being cleaned, such as filters. Pull the snake-like protrusion out of the drain auger.

2. Insert the auger and move it around with the attached handle as you are snaking it through the drain area. Continue as far through the drain as you can go. You should feel it when you run the auger into the blockage.

3. Pull the auger back toward you slightly at this point, then forward again, in order to dislodge the blockage in the drain. Repeat as many times as you feel necessary. You may be able to push the clog on through the pipe or bring it back to you.

4. Run hot water through the drain to see if the blockage has released its hold on the pipe.

5. Use the drain auger directly on the drainpipe area if the clog still is not released. This is located on the wall where the pipe is coming from the drain area.

Tips & Warnings

• You should wear rubber gloves and eye protection while using the drain auger during the unclogging process.
• If you pull the clog out towards you, it will be very messy. Grab up some old rags and a bucket to keep it manageable.
• If you have tried everything in the above steps to no avail, you probably need to call a professional plumber for this job.

Resources

• Home Tips is a good place to find answers to plumbing problems.
• Home Time shows tips on clearing a drain with an auger.
• This Old House has information on clearing drains using an auger.