How to Unclog a Sink Using a Drain Snake

A blocked sink drain can be a nuisance, but it doesn't have to be an expense. With a little time and some persistence, you can avoid a high plumbing bill by using a drain snake to clear your drain. Read on to learn how to unclog a sink using a drain snake.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Slip-joint pliers
• Drain snake
• Old towel

Instructions

1. Find the valve under your sink and turn it to the left to shut off the water supply. Check the tap to make sure the water is completely off. In older homes with unfinished basements, the switch may be in the rafters and look like a sprinkler shutoff valve.

2. Set a bucket underneath the bend of your sink. The bend is called a trap and is used to trap water, preventing sewer gases and critters from coming up through your drains.

3. Take your slip-joint pliers and loosen the slip nuts, which are located at both ends of the trap. Water and debris comes out as the trap comes off the pipe; let it fall into the bucket.

4. Insert the drain snake into the drain towards the wall, turning the handle clockwise as you go, until you reach the blockage. Push the drain snake through the blockage.

5. Pull the blockage out and into your bucket, turning the handle counter clockwise. This is messy, so hold a towel under the drain snake to wipe it off as you reel it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• The trap can be in the shape of a U, S, P or T. Plumbers recommend that you use an S-shaped trap, available at hardware stores.

• After you remove the trap, it's a good idea to clean it using another sink in your home. Take a thin wire bristle brush and clean out any grease, hair or food particles.

• Always wear protective goggles and gloves when removing a trap that has drain cleaners or chemicals in it.