How to buy a Plumber's Helper or Snake

A plumber's helper or plumber's snake is a flexible auger that's available in different sizes, shapes and lengths. You grab this particular tool when you have a clogged drain that a plunger can't handle. The most commonly used snake is about 20 feet long and has a 3/8-inch diameter. The job you need it for will determine which auger you'll want to buy.

Instructions

1. Determine the depth of the clog and the inside diameter of the drain. The snake must be long enough to reach the clog and the right size to fit inside the drain. If it's too small, it may not be able to dislodge the obstruction and if it's too large, you won't be able to maneuver it inside the drain.

2. Choose a hand auger to clear a clog in a sink or a bathtub drain. Don't use this type of snake in a toilet bowl because it's a small diameter snake and can damage the bowl or knot up in the drainpipe beneath the toilet.

3. Unclog a toilet bowl with a closet auger. This type of plumber's snake feeds a short auger through a "J" shaped metal tube and has a plastic boot that protects the porcelain in the visible part of the bowl.

4. Work on a large clog with a drum auger. This is a heavy-duty, motorized snake with detachable blades on the end. You use it to cut up root systems or large objects stuck in a drainpipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave drum augers to the professionals as a novice user can damage pipes.