DIY Drain Snake Fails (And How To Avoid Them)
We’ve all been faced with a stubborn blockage in a sink or drain from time to time – but you may have been reluctant to learn how to use a drain snake. In fact, you may not even have known what a drain snake is!
A drain snake – also called a drain auger or plumbing snake – is a really handy DIY tool for clearing basic clogs without calling in a professional plumber. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and widely available in hardware stores. But, like any tool, there’s a right way – and plenty of wrong ways – to use it.
Our guide will quickly walk you through exactly what a drain snake is, how to use one correctly, and then help you avoid the most common pitfalls. Don’t worry – if all else fails, your local plumbers at Fix-It Right can help.
But first, let’s dive in!
First things first – What is a drain snake?
Simply put, a plumbing snake is a slender, flexible cable made of coiled metal – usually steel – with a handle at one end and a corkscrew-like auger at the other. When you notice signs of a blocked drain like slow draining or gurgling, it’s time top whip out the drain snake. You push this cable down into your drain, spin it with the handle, and break up or extract whatever’s blocking your pipes. Simple, right?
Quick guide on how to snake a drain correctly
Before we jump into the common mistakes, here’s a quick refresher on properly using your manual drain snake:
- Insert the snake’s auger tip into your drain.
- Rotate the handle clockwise to extend the auger further down.
- Keep turning until you feel resistance (the clog).
- Break up or retrieve the clog by twisting gently and pulling the snake back slowly.
That’s the short and easy version of how to use drain snake tools effectively. Now, let’s explore the common mistakes DIY enthusiasts so often make when tackling blocked drains.
7 Common drain snake mistakes to avoid
Before you reach for that drain snake, make sure you’re not setting yourself up for one of these all-too-common DIY mistakes:
1. Using excessive force
One of the biggest mistakes made by beginners figuring out how to use a drain auger is applying too much force. Pushing too hard or forcing the snake can damage your pipes, leading to costly repairs.
Let the auger’s coil do the work, because gentle, consistent pressure is all you need.
2. Incorrectly choosing your drain snake
Don’t forget that drain snakes come in various shapes and sizes. For example, a sink snake is specifically designed for smaller pipes found in kitchen or bathroom sinks, while larger pipes require a sturdier, longer snake.
Choosing the wrong snake, such as a lightweight kinetic drain auger for a heavy blockage, can result in ineffective clog removal or damage to the snake itself.
3. Not cleaning the snake after use
A plumbers snake often retrieves unpleasant materials from drains, including hair, soap scum, and food particles. And too many people forget to clean their snake thoroughly after use.
Not only is this unhygienic, but it also reduces the snake’s effectiveness in the future and could spread bacteria around your home.
4. Skipping protective gear
It’s easy to underestimate how messy using a drain snake can be.
So, always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when learning those ‘drain auger how to use’ instructions for the first time. It will protect you from harmful bacteria and accidental splashes from drain contents.
5. Not confirming the type of blockage
Some DIY users think a snake solves every clog. However, before learning how to use drain cleaner tools like snakes, confirm what’s blocking your drain.
Snakes work best for solid blockages (like hair or soap scum). If your blockage involves grease build-up, chemical solutions might be required first, or you might need professional help.
6. Forcing past pipe bends
Plumbing pipes contain several bends to regulate water flow. When learning how to use coiled drain and sink cleaner tools, never force the snake through bends.
If you encounter resistance at bends, slowly retract the snake slightly and rotate gently until it naturally moves through.
7. Rushing the process
Patience is crucial when using a drain auger. People frequently become frustrated if they don’t immediately reach the clog and start twisting aggressively.
Instead, slowly feed the snake through the pipe, carefully feeling for obstructions. Slow, steady progress always yields better results than rushed attempts.
When DIY isn’t enough – How pros handle tough clogs
It’s important to realise that drain snakes sold for DIY use differ significantly from professional plumbing tools. Professional plumbers use powered plumbing snakes – confusingly also known as plumber snakes – which are often powerfully motorised and capable of handling serious clogs far beyond standard DIY versions.
Professional tools include:
Motorised Drain Snakes: These heavy-duty snakes quickly cut through tough blockages, roots, and hardened debris.
High-Pressure Water Jetters: A powerful alternative that blasts water to clear blockages completely, leaving pipes spotless.
Advanced CCTV Cameras: Used to visually inspect the inside of your pipes, identifying precisely what’s causing your blockage.
When facing persistent clogs, professional plumbers not only remove the blockage but also diagnose underlying issues in your plumbing system. This proactive approach can save you considerable trouble and money in the long run.
When to call Fix-It Right Plumbing
While knowing how to use drain snake tools can help solve simple plumbing issues, some clogs are beyond any and all DIY methods. Repeated blockages, stubborn drains, or signs of severe plumbing problems require professional intervention, and Fix-It Right Plumbing is here to help!
Whether you’re looking for Melbourne blocked drain plumbers, Geelong drain cleaning experts, or Canberra drainage specialists, our friendly team of expert plumbers is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to handle even the toughest clogs effectively and efficiently. We:
- Assess your plumbing thoroughly
- Clear blockages safely
- And offer solutions to prevent future issues.
Don’t let your plumbing problem worsen – contact the professionals to get it done right the first time. If you’re ready for reliable and professional plumbing help, call Fix-It Right Plumbing today to experience hassle-free plumbing solutions you can trust.
