Snake the Drain — Use a Drain Snake to Clear the Clog
Part of project
Clogged Shower Drain: How to Clear Standing Water · Step 3 of 3
In this video
Put on protective gloves. Insert the head of a drain snake into the open pipe and manually feed it forward until you encounter resistance, which indicates the clog. Work the snake back and forth to try and break it up. For additional power, you can attach a power drill to the snake's crank handle. Run the drill slowly in the forward direction to rotate the snake's head and chew through the blockage. After several attempts, slowly retract the entire length of the snake from the pipe.
Goal: Break up the clog with a snake
- Using a power drill will cause the snake to rotate and can splatter sewage. It's crucial to wear safety glasses and be prepared for a mess.
- If the snake seems to pass through the clog without clearing it, the blockage is likely soft (e.g., grease, toilet paper), and a different tool like a drain bladder may be more effective.
Used in this video
- Drain Snake (Tool Type: Drain snake, Cable Length/Size: Long (>50 ft)) — Physically breaking up or pulling out the clog in the drain pipe.
- Power Drill (Tool Type: Drill, Power Source: Electric) · optional — Attaching to the drain snake to provide rotational force to break up the clog.
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FAQs
Do I need a special type of plunger for a shower drain?
Yes, a cup plunger (like THEWORKS 5 in. Red Bellows Plunger) is ideal for flat drains like showers and sinks, as it creates a better seal than a toilet plunger. Ensure the plunger fully covers the drain opening to generate effective suction.
What should I do if the drain snake gets stuck or won't reach the clog?
If your drain snake gets stuck, try rotating it counter-clockwise while gently pulling back to dislodge it; avoid forcing it. If the clog is beyond the 25 ft reach of your snake, or you still can't clear it, the issue might be deeper and could require professional assistance.
The water is still draining slowly after I've plunged and used the drain snake. What did I miss?
A slow drain often indicates that the clog wasn't fully removed or there's still a partial blockage. Re-plunge vigorously or re-insert the drain snake to ensure all debris is broken up. Flushing with hot water multiple times can help clear any remaining residue.
Are there any methods to try before buying a drain snake, or for preventing future clogs?
Before using a snake, you can try pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, or a baking soda and vinegar solution (wait 30 mins, then flush with hot water). To prevent future clogs, regularly use a hair catcher over your drain and flush with hot water after showers.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Snake the Drain — Use a Drain Snake to Clear the Clog
Part of project
Clogged Shower Drain: How to Clear Standing Water · Step 3 of 3
In this video
Put on protective gloves. Insert the head of a drain snake into the open pipe and manually feed it forward until you encounter resistance, which indicates the clog. Work the snake back and forth to try and break it up. For additional power, you can attach a power drill to the snake's crank handle. Run the drill slowly in the forward direction to rotate the snake's head and chew through the blockage. After several attempts, slowly retract the entire length of the snake from the pipe.
Goal: Break up the clog with a snake
- Using a power drill will cause the snake to rotate and can splatter sewage. It's crucial to wear safety glasses and be prepared for a mess.
- If the snake seems to pass through the clog without clearing it, the blockage is likely soft (e.g., grease, toilet paper), and a different tool like a drain bladder may be more effective.
Used in this video
- Drain Snake (Tool Type: Drain snake, Cable Length/Size: Long (>50 ft)) — Physically breaking up or pulling out the clog in the drain pipe.
- Power Drill (Tool Type: Drill, Power Source: Electric) · optional — Attaching to the drain snake to provide rotational force to break up the clog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special type of plunger for a shower drain?
Yes, a cup plunger (like THEWORKS 5 in. Red Bellows Plunger) is ideal for flat drains like showers and sinks, as it creates a better seal than a toilet plunger. Ensure the plunger fully covers the drain opening to generate effective suction.
What should I do if the drain snake gets stuck or won't reach the clog?
If your drain snake gets stuck, try rotating it counter-clockwise while gently pulling back to dislodge it; avoid forcing it. If the clog is beyond the 25 ft reach of your snake, or you still can't clear it, the issue might be deeper and could require professional assistance.
The water is still draining slowly after I've plunged and used the drain snake. What did I miss?
A slow drain often indicates that the clog wasn't fully removed or there's still a partial blockage. Re-plunge vigorously or re-insert the drain snake to ensure all debris is broken up. Flushing with hot water multiple times can help clear any remaining residue.
Are there any methods to try before buying a drain snake, or for preventing future clogs?
Before using a snake, you can try pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, or a baking soda and vinegar solution (wait 30 mins, then flush with hot water). To prevent future clogs, regularly use a hair catcher over your drain and flush with hot water after showers.
Video Transcript
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Video Transcript
(134 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.