How to Snake a Clogged Pipe

Using a plumber's snake to remove clogs will get your sink draining properly.

When your sink does not drain properly it is typicslly due to a clog in the drain system. Usually, the clog is in the drain pipe directly under the sink. However, sometimes, the clog is in the main drain pipe of the home. Clearing clogs in the pipe requires a plumber's snake. Plumber's snakes are available for rent at home improvement centers. Snaking a clogged pipe involves either pushing through the clog or retrieving an object out of the pipe.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Pipe wrench
• Slip joint pliers
• Plumber's snake

Instructions

1. Find the clean-out plug for the clogged pipe. The plug is usually on an end where two pipes connect. The clean-out plug has a square protruding knob. There is also a clean-out plug on most p-traps of sink pipes under the sink.

2. Place the stopper in the sink, if the sink bowl is still full of standing water. This prevents the water from escaping as you open the pipe. Release the stopper once you unclog the pipe.

3. Place a bucket under the clean-out plug to catch any water that is trapped between the clog and the plug. Turn the clean-out plug counterclockwise with a pipe wrench and remove it from the pipe. If you are cleaning a sink pipe under the sink and the p-trap does not have a clean-out plug, remove the p-trap. Loosen the slip nuts connecting the p-trap at both ends with a pair of slip joint pliers, and remove it from under the sink.

4. Insert the end of the plumber's snake in to the pipe. If you are working on the pipe under the sink and you removed the p-trap, insert the snake into the pipe coming from the wall. Rotate the snake's handle clockwise to advance the snake through the pipe. Continue advancing until you feel resistance. The resistance is the clog in the pipe.

5. Continue rotating the snake handle clockwise, attempting to push through the clog. Most clogs in drain pipes are organic matter such as waste, paper or grease. Pushing through the organic matter usually removes the clog.

6. Turn the handle of the snake counterclockwise slowly, if the clog feels more solid. The end of the snake will wrap into the debris. Continue turning the handle counterclockwise slowly until you bring the debris out of the pipe. This might take several attempts.

7. Thread the clean-out plug back onto the end of the pipe once you remove the clog. Tighten the clean-out plug with the pipe wrench. If you had to remove the p-trap, reposition it back under the sink in between the drain pipes and secure with the slip nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Run hot water through the pipes once you remove an organic clog. This helps remove any remaining debris and flushes it through the pipe.

References

• Lowe's: How To Clear Clogged Drains
• Aubuchon Hardware: How to Unclog Drains, Toilets and Sewers