A drain snake, more commonly referred to as a plumber’s auger is among the tools that a professional plumber cannot do without especially when the sinks, tubs, or any other plumbing fixtures are clogged. If applied correctly, it is very useful in eliminating blockages in your drainage system without having to harm your pipeline. 

However, misuse can cause scratching, pipe bursting or even the clog becomes worse. This short guide will help you understand how to use a drain snake properly in order to avoid any potential dangers.

Understanding Your Drain Snake

A drain snake is an apparatus that comprises a flexible coiled metal that has an auger head on the end of it. It is either manually or mechanically, rotated in order to bore and unblock them. The drain snakes can be of the following types:

• Hand and power drain snakes: Used more frequently for minor clogs in sinks, and bathtubs among others.
• Drum augers: Used for deeper clogs; more vigorous and efficient than cabled machines.
• Power augers: For heavy-duty and available as motorized for professional workers and for large blockages.
• Toilet augers: It is commonly used with a plastic cover on their end in order not to scratch the porcelain surface of toilet bowls.

Before Operating the Drain Snake

There are a few things it is necessary to do before using a drain snake and they include:

1. Shield the area: If there is any possibility of water dripping from the pipe or discharge of any materials, ensure there is a basin and towels to contain the mess.
2. Wear gloves and safety glasses: This ensures that your hands are protected from the negative effects such as getting dirty or reaching out to your face in the process of boarding up the windows.
3. Clear all the blocks that are visible: sometimes it may be helpful to try to use a plunger that may help in improving the clog situation.
4. Inspect the pipe: Some of the pipes used are very old or made of very weak materials and hence require special attention.

How to Use a Drain Snake Safely

1. Insert the Cable Slowly

• Feed the cable into the drain slowly and gently. Sawing the cable by force creates a high risk of producing internal kinks and scratches on the pipe.

2. Use the Handle or Power On the Motor

• To use a manual snake tool users should execute continuous and methodical rotations of the handle. The auger technology enables efficient grabbing and relocating of debris in order to break through clogs.
• The speed control on an auger motor should be set to its lowest setting to protect the pipes from damage.

3. Feel for Resistance

• When you hit resistance while clearing the drain do not create extra pressure. To solve the clog, move the snake in various ways while extending the pipe with delicate movements.
• When the snake stops moving users should retract it modestly and reapply the maneuver.

4. Retrieve the Cable Carefully

• When the clog is ready for removal you should draw the snake gradually from the drain while cleaning it to avoid making a scene.
• Small groups of hair or debris should be disposed of appropriately before you perform the process again.

5. Flush the Drain

• Allow a stream of hot water to run for several minutes to guarantee the elimination of pipe blockages.
• A mixture of baking soda and vinegar will succeed in removing debris that remains after using the snake.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• To prevent broken pipes and snake entanglement do not force the tool too much into the pipe system.
• Standard drain snakes should never be used for toilets because a toilet auger is the correct tool for this purpose.
• After use clean the snake thoroughly then let it dry because this maintenance protects against rust development while increasing its operational life.
• Drain maintenance should be performed regularly because failure to do so leads to repeating clogged pipes and disposal of grease should be avoided along with hair and non-degradable objects.

When to Call a Professional

After using your drain snake properly yet clogging continues it likely indicates deep blockages and potential pipeline problems and penetration from tree roots. You should contact a certified plumber for professional inspection because unresolved problems are unsafe to handle by yourself.

The combination of proper drain snake usage steps allows you to maintain your plumbing system without facing any damage. A drain snake proves itself useful for clearing drains when a proprietor handles it carefully and performs appropriate maintenance work.