how to use a drain auger - insert into tub drain

How To Use A Drain Auger (Unblock Your Drain in 2 Steps!)

ByDino Pelle

Have you ever thought about unblocking a clogged drain but weren’t sure how to use a drain auger? Then this is the article for you!

Today, I’m going to talk about augers (also called plumber’s snakes or drain snakes): what they are, how to use them correctly, how to select one, and a couple of cautions. Let’s get started.

What is a Drain Auger?

A drain auger is a tool used to remove clogs and debris from a drain. Its long, snake-like cable is why an auger (in the plumbing world) is also called a plumber’s snake or drain snake.

Drain augers are manually powered (which is the main difference between them and power augers). The flexible metal cable — which comes in varying lengths and is often contained in a drum — is turned by hand after being inserted. The twisting and turning action of the cable allows the corkscrew to break up or stick to the obstruction in the drain.

There are other, similar types of augers as well. For instance, a toilet auger, as its name implies, is made specifically for a toilet. But it won’t work well on longer drainpipes. A manual drain auger costs as little as $10 to $50 or hundreds of dollars for professional models that are powered.

what is a drain auger
This manual drain auger has a cable with a coiled, corkscrew end, a drum that houses most of the cable, and a handle that is cranked. The cranking motion allows the cable to twist inside the pipe while you are pushing and pulling the cable through the blockage.

Selecting a Drain Auger

Drain augers are useful when a clog is too much to clear with natural remedies (see below) or a plunger. The best augers have a coiled cable that wraps inside a housing called a drum. You might see the drain auger called a drum auger for that reason.

It will also include a crank. This makes it easier to spin the cable inside the drain. This motion will help break up clogs and clear the blockage.

how to use a drain auger - coiled cable
The drain auger includes a corkscrew tip on the end of the coiled cable. This allows it to break through blockages and for debris to stick onto the tip while pulling out the cable.

How to Use a Drain Auger

When using a drain auger, you can go through the drain or remove the trap, depending on where you think the clog is located. If the clog is closer to the drain opening, enter through the drain. If you believe it’s located further down the drain, then enter through the trap.

To use the auger, loosen the setscrew and push the auger cable into the drain or pipe. When you feel resistance, you are probably up against the clog.

Pull an extra 6 to 8 inches of cable out of the drum (the housing for the cable) and turn the crank on the auger. Apply moderate force as you push the auger into the drainpipe. Sometimes, that’s all you need to clear the blockage.

When the free cable has worked into the pipe, loosen the setscrew and pull out another 6 to 8 inches. Firmly move the snake back and forth until the blockage is removed. Pour water down the drain to make sure the pipe is cleared of its clog. If water continues to back up, you need to insert the auger further into the drain and repeat the process.

how to use a drain auger - remove the trap
For clogs that are located further down the pipe, you will need to insert the drain auger’s cable into the pipe in the wall. To do this, remove the trap and other pieces of plumbing that lead into the wall.

1. Getting Started

  • Place a drop cloth or dishpan below the drain opening and wear gloves.
  • Remove the trap and elbow, as well as the pipe that leads to the wall.
  • Loosen the setscrew of the auger and push the auger cable into the drainpipe until you feel resistance.
  • Extend 6 to 8 inches of cable from the housing to work with, then tighten the screw.
  • Crank the auger handle clockwise, pushing it in until the auger moves forward.
  • Once it is past an obstruction (like a bend in the pipe), you might be able to push the cable in without cranking it.

2. The Push & Pull Technique

  • Use a push and pull motion to clear our any obstruction.
  • Often the blockage will come out with the cable.
  • Sometimes, the auger clears the line by pushing the blockage through to a larger pipe further down.
  • Repeat the process after pouring water down the drain to test if the block has been removed.

Be Careful When Augering

Always use gloves and goggles (safety glasses) to avoid skin contact with bacteria. Do NOT use chemical drain cleaners; they can burn skin, damage eyes, and corrode your pipes.

Much better solutions are natural remedies, like boiling some water and pouring it down the sink. Boiled water is much hotter than tap water and will dissolve sliding coating the walls of your drainpipes. Do this once every 2 or 3 months and you’ll avoid most clogs.

are chemical drain cleaners safe - time lapse of sulfuric acid on steel pipe
A drain cleaner can do as much damage to your pipes as they do to your skin or eyes. Avoid them. Use natural remedies instead for preventative maintenance.

Use care while feeding the drain auger’s cable into the drain. It is possible to push the trap apart or damage it if you push the auger too hard.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use a drain auger isn’t difficult. In fact, it’s quite easy. In addition to the step-by-step instructions, keep in mind the extra precautions: no chemical cleaners, .

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help unclogging or unblocking a drain.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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