What Is a Plumbing Snake?
Clogged drains? It happens all the time. Hair, food, and other debris can easily get lodged in your drains and lead to a back up sink, toilet, or shower.
And while it usually isn't all that big of a deal, there are certainly times when the issue doesn't resolve itself and requires you to take action. That's where a plumbing snake (also known as a drain auger) comes in.
Plumbing snakes are essentially a flexible cable (often made from metal for durability) that allows you to reach deep into your drains and remove whatever might be blocking the system from flowing freely.
There are instances where using a snake can be helpful (like for minor clogs), and there are other instances where it's important to reach out to a professional for drain cleaning help (like deep sewer backups and recurring issues).
Elite Plumbing Team is here to help you learn how to use a plumbing snake and learn when it's a good time to contact us for professional help.
How Does a Plumbing Snake Work?
Similar to a corkscrew, plumbing snakes swivel around inside drains. Most have spines on them that catch onto debris as they move their way through drains, grabbing hold and allowing you to remove them once it's time to pull the snake back up.
Common Clogs to Use a Plumbing Snake On
Not every clog has an easy solution. Plumbing snakes work best for:
Clumps of hair
Breaking up soap scum
Dislodging food buildup
They can be useful for other clogs caused by soft or flexible materials, but these are the cases that typically can be fixed with just a plumbing snake.
Types of Plumbing Snakes
Handheld/manual drain snake (best for sinks, tubs, showers)
Toilet auger (specifically designed to protect porcelain)
Drum or motorized snake (more powerful—often used by professionals)
When Should You Use a Plumbing Snake?
Signs a clog may be snake‑worthy:
Slow drainage
Gurgling sounds
Water backing up in one fixture only
When not to use a snake:
Multiple drains clogged at once
Sewage smells
Recurring clogs
Water backing up through floor drains
These are signs of a deeper plumbing issue where Elite Plumbing Team can help with our drain cleaning services.
Tools & Supplies You'll Need
Plumbing snake (type depends on fixture)
Rubber gloves
Bucket
Old towels
Flashlight
Adjustable wrench (if removing drain covers)
Disinfectant or cleaning solution
Step‑by‑Step: How To Use a Plumbing Snake (General Method)
Different fixtures may require different methods. It's important to understand the basics before tackling anything too advanced. Here's how we recommend getting started for most general clogs:
Prepare the Area
Clear the space
Lay towels
Put on gloves
Insert the Snake Slowly
Feed the cable into the drain opening
Stop when you feel resistance
Rotate to Break or Grab the Clog
Turn clockwise
Apply gentle pressure
Retrieve or Break Up the Blockage
Pull back slowly
Repeat if necessary
Test the Drain
Run water to check the flow
Watch for slow drainage or backups
If the clog persists, it's time to get expert help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you have used a plumbing snake before or not, there are some common mishaps we see that can lead to more harm than good. Here are some things we recommend avoiding:
Using too much force
Using the wrong type of snake
Pushing the clog deeper
Forgetting to clean and disinfect tools
Ignoring repeat clogs
Safety Tips When Using a Plumbing Snake
At the end of the day, this is plumbing that we are talking about. Oftentimes, it's not a sanitary job. We recommend taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and your home.
Wear gloves and eye protection
Avoid mixing with chemical drain cleaners
Stop if you feel excessive resistance
Don't over‑rotate the cable
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you don't feel comfortable or can't seem to fix the clog, it's time to call in the professionals.
When clogs keep coming back, there's visible water damage, or there's even a potential main sewer line issue, it's important that you get in touch with the Elite Plumbing Team to avoid any additional damage.
How Elite Plumbing Team Can Help
At Elite Plumbing, we offer professional drain cleaning services that keep the drains in your home flowing smoothly. We use video camera inspections that allow us to track down the exact site of the problem, and from there, we are able to build out a plan of action.
We are here for your residential and commercial plumbing needs, offering 24/7 service. If your drains are clogged, reach out to our experts for help!
