Why Do You Need The Best Drain Snake?

Whether you’re a seasoned plumber, a novice DIYer, or just someone who lives in a home with a tub and toilet, you’ve probably dealt with blocked drains at some point. A drain snake is the go-to answer for the most common plumbing problems, such as hair blockages and extra toilet paper, and is the item you’ll turn to—or wish you had—when plumbing fails or the clog is farther down the drain beyond the trap. 

Augers or plumbing snakes are other names for drain snakes. A basic portable toilet auger or manual drain snake would certainly serve for everyday home use. However, if you’re utilizing the drain snake professionally or for a high-volume, multi-unit property, you’ll need something more robust that can handle larger, more demanding tasks.

We’ve used a number of drain snakes in the past, both professionally and at home, and although they’re not very glamorous, they can be a godsend when a blocked drain has to be cleaned quickly.

What Is a Drain Snake and How Does It Work?

A drain snake or auger is inserted into the drain or toilet until it comes into touch with whatever is causing the obstruction. The snake or auger subsequently dislodges or breaks up the block, allowing the clog to flow down the drain safely.

What To Consider In Buying The Best Drain Snake?

A simple no-frills manual auger of six feet or less in length is typically sufficient to remove clumps of hair from a tub or sink. A motorized machine is a superior option for harder tasks, such as those involving oil, heavy clogs, or debris farther down the drain, or those needing a cable length of more than six feet, since it offers more power and will likely address the problem more quickly and effectively. Although operating a manual option requires more physical effort, it may be a good choice for those who are unfamiliar with snakes and augers because there are fewer things that could go wrong, such as the snake becoming stuck, and there is less chance of accidentally damaging something, such as the porcelain or pipes.

Many snakes and augers are designed to clean drains (in sinks and showers), not toilets. Choose a snake or auger made especially to traverse the trap of a toilet for toilet blockages. We always suggest reading the manufacturer’s instructions first and, if available, viewing any supplied instructional videos on how to operate a snake or auger, particularly if you’ve never used one before.

Best Drain Snake FAQs

Drain snakes are basic tools, but they must be used correctly in order to clean a drain. Continue reading to learn how a drain snake works, what kind of snakes experts use, and answers to other typically asked questions about this plumbing equipment.

Q: What is the process of snaking a drain?

A: A drain snake is a physical instrument fed into the drain instead of a plunger to push water and air down the pipes. When the snake comes into contact with a clog, it rotates against it to break it up or grabs the mass and pulls it out.

Q: What kind of snakes are used by plumbers?

A: Professional plumbers will usually have more than one snake. Short, toothed drain snakes for eliminating hair clogs, conventional metal drain snakes for clearing most local obstructions, and strong electric drain snakes that may exceed 50 feet in length to clear clogs buried in the center of the drain system are just a few of the options.

Q: How do you use a snake to unclog a drain?

A: Snaking a drain is a straightforward procedure. Place the snake in the drain and gently feed it further into the system until it meets resistance. Rotate the snake against the obstruction until the flexible cable can pass freely through the pipes at this point.

If the obstruction persists, try gently pulling the snake out. Solid obstructions are likely to get entangled with the snake, enabling material to be dragged out of the drain rather than pushed down. Run the water at full power for a few minutes after removing the snake to ensure that the obstruction has been cleared or broken up.

Q: What is the best way to get a snake through the P trap?

A: There are a few methods to get around the drainage system’s P trap. A slim, flexible snake will have little trouble moving through narrow spaces. If that snake isn’t firm enough to break up heavy clogs, try a thick snake with a hand crank or mechanical crank function that physically twists the snake so that it can be directed down the correct path.

If none of these methods work, remove the P trap and insert the snake beyond the issue area. After the pipes have been snaked, reinstall the P trap.

Q: How frequently should you snake your drain?

A: It’s a great idea to snake the drain at least once a year to help prevent blockages.

Final Tips On Using The Best Drain Snake

When dealing with a minor blockage or clog, hiring a professional plumber may be expensive, therefore a little investment in a drain snake might save you money. These gadgets, also known as plumbing snakes or drain augers, are used to clear blocked sinks and other drain problems quickly and effectively. They might be utilized instead of or in addition to a chemical drain cleaner.

Before choosing the best drain snake to unclog your house drainage system, think about the usual debris that clogs your drain. Drain augers are available in both motorized and manual versions, and various head designs are available for a range of clog-clearing choices. Some devices even include LED lights and cameras to assist in locating the obstruction for quick and easy drain cleaning.