Plumbing Snake

What is a plumbing snake?

A plumbing snake is a tool which is used to unclog drains and sewers. It consists of a long flexible cable with an auger on one end and either a handle or a motor on the other. Plumbing snakes can be either electrically powered or manual.

What's It Used For?

Plumbing snakes are typically used to unclog drains and sewers. The head of the sewer auger is fed down the drain on the end of the drain cable. Once the blockage is reached, the head of the device is rotated. The corkscrew shape of the auger will bite into the blockage and ideally the material clogging the drain can be retrieved then discarded. Alternatively the obstruction would be broken up and the drain cleared. This is not ideal as the material may travel further down the drain before causing a blockage again.

Electric Plumbing Snake:

An electric version uses an electric motor to power the head of the device. These models are more expensive and depending on the size of the motor, may be more suited to commercial use.
A good compromise may be the use of an attachment to a power drill. This type of drain snake fits as a standard attachment to a power drill and uses the drill's electric motor to power the auger.

Manual Plumbing Snake:

A cheaper solution for home use might be a manual model. This hand powered model is suitable for most smaller clogs around the home. Smaller clogs and infrequent use would normally not make an investment in an electric model a viable option. There is even a plastic drain snake available.

Plumbing Snake Rental:

Another option might be rental. If you have a bigger job to do, one for which a standard 1/4 inch cable will not be suitable, you may want to consider renting a larger device. Most tool rental companies carry them. The model you'll need will greatly depend on the job at hand (ie. the nature and location of the blockage).

However, some of the larger models aren't suitable in the hands of a novice. Because of the size and power of some of these drain augers, a beginner could do more damage than good. If this is the case, you might be better off calling your local plumber or rooter specialist to get you drain cleaned.

Read more about how to use a plumbing snake.

Plumbing Snake: Types and Uses

Plumbing Snakes come in different shapes and sizes. In this article, I will discuss what the different varieties of plumbing snakes are and what they can be used for. They range in size and price from a simple hand powered drain auger for occasional use to heavy duty motorized models for use by professionals on the big jobs.

Hand Powered Plumbing Snake

The Hand Auger
A Hand Auger, sometimes known as a Hand Spinner, is a hand powered plumbing snake suitable for clearing obstructions from basin, bathtub and shower drains. They consist of a length or cable (normally 1/4") with a handle to rotate the device and an auger end at the other.

The Toilet Auger
The Toilet Auger or Closet Auger is a special type of plumbing snake designed specifically for use in unclogging toilet fixtures. The cable is short (it's reach is about 3 ft) and is hand powered using a small handle. The a section of the cable is normally coated to prevent damage to delicate porcelain surfaces.

Both the Hand Auger and Toilet Auger are suitable for use around the home by home handymen (or women).

Motorized Plumbing Snakes

Hand Held
Similar to the Hand Auger discussed above is the powered hand held auger. The main difference is that this drain snake is powered by a small electric motor. The motor can be built into the unit, or the unit may come as an attachment to a power drill.

Drum Auger
A Drum Auger is a heavy duty plumber's snake suitable for use by professionals. This electrically powered auger stores it's cable on a drum and normally has removable blades. This type is good for removing large obstructions like tree roots and has much greater cable length and therefore greater reach.

Learn more about what a plumbing snake is.

The Plumbing Snake And Other Handy Plumbing Tools

We've talked about plumbing snake usage - what they are, how to use them, what types there are, etc. But what else do you need in your toolbox to tackle those domestic plumbing jobs? This article will discuss some of the other tools a home handyman might like to have tucked away ready for the next plumbing repair job.

So what tools do you need?

A Plumbing Snake

As I said at the opening, I've already discussed plumbing snakes at length. If you need a refresher or have seen the articles yet, you might like to review them here.

• What's A Plumbing Snake
• How To Use A Plumbing Snake
• Plumbing Snakes: Types and Uses
• Plumbing Snake or Chemical Cleaner

A Plunger

A plunger is used to clear minor blockages in drains. It normally consists of a wooden handle with a rubber cup on the end. The plunger works by placing the rubber cup over the opening of the drain then working the handle up and down to alternately create pressure, then a vacuum against the blockage. If successful, the blockage will be dislodged and the drain will be cleared.

A Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is a type of adjustable wrench with toothed jaws. It's designed for turning threaded pipe fittings. A pipe wrench can be especially useful when clearing or cleaning the trap (the U-shaped pipe below the sink or basin). This may be necessary when other methods to clear a drain have been unsuccessful. Also may be required when something of value has been dropped down the sink.

Other Tools

Some tools which may be handy for more advanced jobs include a hacksaw, pipe cutter, adjustable spanner and locking pliers.

Click here for more information about how to use a plumbing snake.