Tips on Using a Drain Snake
Removing the blockage from a clogged up bathroom or kitchen drain is usually a time-consuming, smelly and messy job. An effective way to clear pipe clogs quickly and efficiently is to use a drain snake, also known as a plumber's helper. Professional plumbers use drain snakes to break-up and remove the source of any drain clog. Buy a drain snake from a home improvement center or hardware store and keep it handy for dealing with clogged pipes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Preparation
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Fill clogged up drains with plenty of water to help the drain snake work properly. Before inserting the drain snake, run hot water into the drain. The water lubricates the drain and will also wash away the blockage material as the drain snake breaks it up. Put on protective, non-slip gloves to help you grip the drain snake.
Insertion
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Carefully push the corkscrew auger end of the drain snake into the blocked drain. Turn the device handle clockwise to drive the drain snake downwards into the drain. If the drain snake struggles to move downwards, try adding more hot water to the drain to further lubricate its path. Continue to move the drain snake down the drain until you feel the resistance as it meets the clog.
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Clog Removal
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Turn the drain snake handle counterclockwise to push the corkscrew auger on the end of the snake into the clog. The action of the screw penetrates and breaks up the clog inside the drain. If necessary, pull back the corkscrew and drive it back into the clog to loosen the blockage material further. You will know when the clog has broken up because the handle will suddenly become much easier to turn.
Retraction
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Continue to turn the handle counterclockwise. This will now pull the drain snake back up the length of the drain. Flush plenty of hot water down the drain to rinse it out and remove all remnants of the clog from the system. Drain snakes get dirty and grimy, so wipe the tool clean with a cloth moistened with hot water and a dash of dishwashing detergent.
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