How to Use a Plumber's Helper or "Snake"

Got a clogged drain? A plumber's snake can be a helpful tool to have around the house. Better than a regular plunger, you can use it to avoid some major plumbing bills. Follow these few steps to help unclog your pipes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Gloves
• Gloves
• Plumber's Snakes

1. Put on gloves with a nonslip grip. The snake - essentially a long cable - can get slippery and dirty.

2. Start with the smallest snake you can, graduating to a larger size if the first one doesn't work.

3. Insert the business end of the plumber's snake - the end opposite the handle - into the drain or toilet. Use care to avoid damaging sinks, toilets and pipes.

4. Turn the handle slowly in a clockwise direction, gently pushing the snake. Let it find its own way through - it may take quite a few revolutions of the handle.

5. Fill the sink or toilet bowl about halfway with water to help lubricate and provide some pressure to wash the clog out once it begins to break up.

6. Pull out the snake when the snake crank becomes hard to turn, clean its end, and reinsert it into the drain.

7. Repeat this process until the drain is clear.

Tips & Warnings

• Some snakes are motorized. If you're using a motor-driven snake, don't spin it too quickly, and be careful when retrieving it from the drain - it may whip around and strike you as it comes out of the pipe.

[terence]

on 2/17/2008 my husband used the snake to get toilet unplugged and scratched the whole bottom of the toilet bowl! How can I fix it? it is all black and I fill it up with clorox but it is not coming out. Please help!!!

[david85306]

on 1/25/2007 I tried. I couldn't do it. The snake gets stuck and I don't know how to "lead it" down the pipes.

on 1/6/2006 After you've managed to get the toilet unplugged, shake the tip out inside the toilet bowl, swishing it around until it's cleaned out. This way you can flush a couple times and the water will also help clean the tip.

on 11/22/2005 Just a little more explanation on how to put in the snake for the complete novice. Step 2: Before putting snake in, pull up on handle until wire part of snake is fully retracted. Make sure that the padded end goes in so that you don't scratch the toilet.