How to Use a Snake to Unclog a Drain

A plumbing snake is a flexible metal rod used to unclog drains. It can be used on a clogged bathtub drain, plugged-up toilet or sink drain that is running slow. The snake has a handle on one end and a hook or ball on the other end that is used to unclog the drain. When ordinary liquid drain cleaner does not do the trick, and before you put out the money to hire a plumber, use a plumbing snake.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Lay towels all around the area where you will be working on the clogged drain. This keeps the area clean and dry. Remove the drain cover if working on a bathtub, shower or sink clog.

2. Insert the snake into the drain while holding the handle. When you feel a resistance, you have found the clog in the drain. Stop pushing at this point.

3. Carefully rotate the snake until you feel it working into the clog. Do not push too hard, or the debris can get pushed further into the drain. The key is to gently rotate the snake so that the debris catches on the hook or ball on the end of the snake.

4. Slowly pull the snake back out of the drain, bringing the debris with it. Deposit the debris into the bucket and dispose of outside in a garbage can. It's important to get the debris out of the drain instead of pushing it further in, or you will have problems later on.

5. Flush the drain with hot water to clear out any small pieces of leftover debris. Replace the drain cover.

Tips & Warnings

• If the clog persists, call a professional plumber.