How to Use a Snake to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
A clogged sink can put a damper on any homeowner's day. If you have tried several other options and your sink is still clogged, you might have to resort to using a plumbing auger, also known as a snake. A snake is often used as a last-ditch effort to remove a stubborn clog before having to call a plumber. It might look a bit daunting, but using a snake is fairly straightforward. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Rent a drain auger from a hardware store or tool supply store, or purchase one if you want one to be handy for future clogs.
-
2
Put on a pair of gloves. You might also want to change into old clothes that you would not mind getting wet or dirty.
-
-
3
Put the end of the drain auger into the sink's drain. Turn the hand crank on the side of the auger clockwise to push the cable into the trap. Keep turning until you feel some resistance in the drain, which means you've reached the clog.
-
4
Push the auger a little farther into the clog, then pull it out a few inches by turning the crank counter-clockwise. If the clog does not come out with the retraction of the cable, turn the crank clockwise again to push the cable back down. Repeat this process until the clog comes loose.
-
5
Drop the clog into your bucket if it comes out attached to the end of the auger. Use a rag or old towel to wipe up any mess. Rinse off the end of the auger's cable with hot water to clean it.
-
6
Run hot water through the sink for a few minutes to flush out any bits of the clog that might still be attached to the walls of the pipes. Recoil the auger and put it aside to dry.
-
7
Remove the trap beneath the sink if the clog is still a problem. Place the bucket beneath the trap, unscrew it and set it aside. Take the auger directly into the branch pipe and turn the crank clockwise until you reach the clog again. Continue trying to push through the clog, then turn the handle counter-clockwise to pull the clog out. Put the clog in the bucket, clean off the auger, replace the trap and flush the sink with hot water.
-
1
