No matter how much you try to avoid it, hair and other debris find their way down your drain. If you’re noticing a slower draining sink or shower drain, the build-up is likely to have gotten to the point where it needs to be cleaned out. That’s when it’s time to head to the store and get yourself a plumber’s drain snake!

How To

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, be sure to put on a pair of clothes you can get down and dirty in. The process can get a little messy, so be sure you’re prepared and move any cherished bath mats and guest towels out of the way!

Step One

Put the end of the snake into the drain opening. Manually thread it down, being careful not to force it too hard as this could damage the pipe or drain entrance.

Step Two

Using the handle, turn and uncoil the snake in a consistent motion — not too fast and not too slow! As the snake moves down, it rotates around the edges of the pipes, ready to take on any blockage. Continue giving more slack, then rotating again, then giving more slack. Repeat until you reach the next step.

Step Three

Once you feel some resistance, you’ve most likely reached the clog culprit! Continue rotating back and forth to break through the obstruction as much as possible. When you feel you’ve accomplished this, reel the snake back up the pipe slowly. Oftentimes, the obstruction will come up as well, so if you’ve got a weak stomach, prepare yourself!

Step Four

Turn on your water and assess the draining situation. If all looks clear, you’ve done it! If there’s still some slow draining, repeat the snaking process again.

Give the Professionals a Call!

If you’re still having trouble or if you’re not too confident with your plumbing skills, give us a call! We’re the professionals for a reason after all! Contact AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for plumbing advice at (516) 217-2196 or schedule an appointment online.