
- Place a drop cloth or dishpan below the drain opening and wear gloves.
- Remove the trap and elbow, as well as the pipe that leads to the wall.
- Loosen the setscrew of the auger and push the auger cable into the drainpipe until you feel resistance.
- Extend 6 to 8 inches of cable from the housing to work with, then tighten the screw.
- Crank the auger handle clockwise, pushing it in until the auger moves forward.
- Once it is past an obstruction (like a bend in the pipe), you might be able to push the cable in without cranking it.
How do you use an auger on a drain snake?
Loosen the screw to your drain snake's or auger's cable housing. Use your hand to carefully insert the head of the cable into the drain and through the pipe. Using your hand, turn the manual crank or turn the motor on to feed the cable further into the drain line.
How to use a drain auger on a gas grill?
How to Use a Drain Auger Step 1 – Prepare the Area Beforehand Step 2 – Remove the Grill or Cover over the Drain Step 3 – Insert the Metal Cable into the Drain Step 4 – Try to Pull the Clog Out of the Drain Step 5 – If You Cannot Pull Out the Clog, Try to Break it Down and Flush It
How do you remove an auger from a kitchen sink?
Instructions. 1 Remove the Sink Stopper. Remove the stopper from the sink, as applicable. Loosen the setscrew on the collar of the auger, pull out the cable, and ... 2 Push the Cable Into the Drain. 3 Turn the Auger Handle. 4 Remove the Cable. 5 Remove the P-Trap (as Needed)
How do I choose the right auger for my plumbing?
Choose an auger, also called a pipe snake. Consider factors such as the age of the house and what plumbing problems you've had before. While a simple auger may not be adequate for every situation, a power auger requires you to lug a heavy spool around to clear the smallest drain clogs. [7]

How do I use a drain auger?
0:091:19HouseSmarts DIY Smarts "Using a Drain Auger" Episode 79 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep feeding it through the pipe until you feel it contact the clog then tighten the thumb screw toMoreKeep feeding it through the pipe until you feel it contact the clog then tighten the thumb screw to hold the snake in place. Put some pressure on the augur. And crank clockwise.
How do you use a kinetic drain cleaning tool?
3:1210:20How to Use Canister Style Drain Cleaning Augers- PART 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile pushing down. And you notice that it starts to feed in the rotation of the cable. Allows us toMoreWhile pushing down. And you notice that it starts to feed in the rotation of the cable. Allows us to go around bends and go a little further. It's also applying a cleaning action to the drain.
How do you unclog a sink with an auger?
2:154:53How to Use a Drum Auger | Clogged Drain? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext i'm demonstrating augering a bathtub through an overflow. Port. If you need a more detailedMoreNext i'm demonstrating augering a bathtub through an overflow. Port. If you need a more detailed video on how to unclog a bathtub or sink please see my video links at the end of this.
What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?
Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you'll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.
How do you unclog a drain if a snake doesn't work?
If the auger still doesn`t work, call a plumber. If you can`t remove an obstruction in a sink drain by using an auger inserted into the drain, tackle the clog through the U-shaped trap under the sink.
How do you get a snake past the P trap?
How to Get Past Corners With Drain AugersPlace the cable of the drain auger at the beginning of the drain opening.Turn the handle for the drain auger clockwise to start the cable through the drain.Pull the cable back a little when you reach a corner by turning the handle counterclockwise.More items...
Can a drain snake break a pipe?
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.
How do you snake past a 90 degree turn?
The proper way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push very slowly without cranking. If you try to force it, it can bend back on itself and actually come out of the drain. Push gently and slowly, and if the auger is the right one for the job, it should slide smoothly through the pipe.
How do you snake a clogged drain?
1:412:15How to Snake a Clogged Drain | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's always better to run the snake down through the overflow. And through the trap but otherwiseMoreIt's always better to run the snake down through the overflow. And through the trap but otherwise the process is the exact. Same who knew that a simple tool like this could save you some headaches.
Is auger better than plunger?
Like we mentioned above, you'll probably want to tackle a minor clog with a plunger first. For more stubborn clog, an auger is your next best bet. To use the auger properly, situate the curved end of the auger handle pipe so that it's facing the same direction as the drain.
Should I buy a drain auger?
Store‑bought drain snakes vs. First of all, a drain snake is a good item to keep handy in a home. A basic hand-crank drain snake (a.k.a. a drain auger) is a much better option for getting rid of a minor clog than resorting to chemical drain cleaners. In fact, you should never use these chemicals on your drains!
Do drain augers work?
A plumber's snake or drain auger is a tool that “snakes” down into pipes to remove clogs. Snaking a pipe is the middle ground between plunging and calling in the big guns like professional, powered drain augers. Plumber snakes are more powerful DIY drain-clearers than plungers but also more difficult to use.
How do you use kinetic high pressure air sink drain Unblocker?
1:066:20Profi High Pressure Drain Pipe Cleaning System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse it once a month with some liquid detergent run it down your drains. And this prevents any build-MoreUse it once a month with some liquid detergent run it down your drains. And this prevents any build-up. So prevent you from getting to that your magic spot that we were just at here.
How does a kinetic water ram work?
The Kinetic Water Ram uses a burst of compressed air that drives a shock wave (kinetic energy) through water to break up stoppage. It's particularly useful when the stoppage is on the far side of a drum trap or series of tight bends, since the shock wave can travel around bends without losing its force.
How do you use hot power drain cleaner?
Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer.
How do you use a power snake to unclog a drain?
2:396:01Drain Cleaning 101 - Drum Style Power Snake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I started the machine. And then what I do is I just pull maybe about a foot or sole of slot outMoreAnd I started the machine. And then what I do is I just pull maybe about a foot or sole of slot out of the machine and gently put pressure down into the pipe.
What is a drain auger?
Drain auger is a long rope-like tool used for unclogging the drain pipes. There are different variations of it, but it essentially looks like a mix of flexible cable, drill or vine opener. It is a long rope-like tool with a piercer on its end, which can drill through the material which is blocking the pipes. It is also called “drain snake” ...
How to unclog a drain with an auger?
1. Reach the clog. First of all, when you open the drain, check its entrance, in case there is anything blocking the way, but is reachable with the hand. That way, you can save some time by removing some of the clogging with your hands, even before you start using the auger.
How to get a clogged pipe out of a can?
In some cases, the clog simply refuses to be pulled out. In that case, you should try to tear it apart with the auger and then pour some hot water down the pipe , with the hope that it will catch the remaining clog and flush it out of the pipe.
What is manual auger?
Manual auger is a simple, yet very useful tool which is capable of getting to even the furthest clogging in your pipe. It has a piercer on the far end of the tool and a handle which you can use to control the piercer and drill through the material which is blocking the pipe.
What are the different types of drain augers?
We can distinguish two main categories of drain augers: manual or hand augers and electronic auger. You can probably guess the differences, but anyway, let’s get into it.
Why is it important to clean a drain pipe?
The clean drain would make your life easier. Longer shower times, which means more time to relax. That is why it is important not just to know how to clean a drain pipe, but also how to prevent it from being clogged. Now that you are aware of all of this, you can take a better care of your drain.
When should you turn the handle on an auger?
When the auger cord is completely released, you should turn the handle to pull it back. Theoretically, most of the clog which was drilled through should now pin to the auger cord and be pulled out of the drain.
What Is a Drain Snake and Drain Auger?
A drain snake (also called a plumbing snake) is one of the best tools to clear a drain line. Snakes can handle a small, 1.25-inch to 2-inch-wide drain. Augers are the same as drain snakes, but they deal with 1.5-inch to 3-inch-wide drains.
What is a cable drain auger?
Cable drain augers: This manual auger has a corkscrew end on the head of a long cable. You manually turn the crank to push the auger through the pipe until it attaches to the clog. It’s perfect for clogs stuck deep inside drain pipes.
Why Do Drain Pipes Clog?
Drain clogs are a part of indoor plumbing. Most blockages are easy to avoid, but that doesn't mean the problem will never occur.
What to use to prevent clogs in drains?
In addition to snaking, invest in a Shroom product. Their hair catchers, clog cleaners, and drain protectors are the best items to use if you want to prevent clogs from forming.
What snake to use for clogs in drain?
The best snake for clogs deep inside a drain is the Husky Drain Auger. With 50 feet of rust-resistant cable and spring steel wire, you can get to clogs a standard drain snake can't reach. It's best to use this long snake for the main sewer, laundry, or driveway drain.
What is an auger in a toilet?
Toilet augers: A toilet auger is designed to push through obstructions in the bowl. You can use it with either a manual crank or a drill to produce more power. The auger has a flexible cable to snake through the toilet's plumbing easily.
How to move flexible cable?
Even with difficult clogs, you can move the flexible cable with a power drill or manual crank until it dislodges enough of the clog to allow water to flow down the drain freely.
How to stop an auger from stopping?
Hold the auger upright by the handle, with the shank perpendicular to the ground. Begin turning the handle or start the motor. If a powered auger stops suddenly, immediately release the throttle or hit the kill switch stop the motor. Dig down about 12 inches (30 cm).
How to raise an auger?
Dig down about 12 inches (30 cm). Raise the auger out of the hole and dump the dirt off the blades. If you don't regularly dump off the dirt, the auger will become too heavy to raise easily. It may even get stuck in the hole.
What is an auger?
An auger is a tool used to bore holes, and has a threaded shank and handle. Augers bore holes in the ground, through materials like wood or ice, and even in packed material clogging water pipes. This article gives instruction in using the 2 most common kinds of augers: post-hole augers and drain augers. Steps.
What is a hand crank auger?
A hand-cranked auger is a long cable with a threaded bit that pushes down into the drain until it contacts the obstruction. A hand-crank turns the bit, which bores into the obstruction. A power auger may come with its own motor or it may be attached to a drill that uses a motor to spin the bit.
How to stop a kink in a drain?
Push the cable into the drain until it hits the obstruction and stops. Leave 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) between the drain and the crank so you can operate it easily. If you have too much cable between the drain and the crank, it may kink. ...
How deep is a post hole?
Return the auger to the hole and continue digging and dumping the dirt. Most post-holes are about 3 feet (1 meter) deep. Augers can dig much deeper, however, if you use extension rods.
What is an auger called?
Choose an auger, also called a pipe snake. Consider factors such as the age of the house and what plumbing problems you've had before. While a simple auger may not be adequate for every situation, a power auger requires you to lug a heavy spool around to clear the smallest drain clogs.
What is a sink auger?
The sink auger is also called a "drum auger" or "canister auger" because of its configuration. It consists of a flexible cable with a corkscrew end (the business end). The cable is coiled within a drum canister.
How to clean sink auger cable?
Wipe off the cable as needed while pushing it back into the auger drum. Rinse the corkscrew end thoroughly. Sink auger cables are stainless steel, which technically doesn't rust, but you can get a rust-like coating on the cable, due to material and water left on the cable. If desired, you can rinse the entire used portion of the cable (while running the water while you retract the cable), then let the cable air-dry before feeding it back into the drum.
How to get auger through bends?
If so, tighten the setscrew and crank the auger slowly while pushing on the cable. A couple of turns should help the auger end get through the bends in the pipe.
What is the best drain cleaner?
Before you lose your wits and pour in a (usually ineffective) liquid drain cleaner, turn to the best drain-cleaning tool of all: the sink auger. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no chemicals. It's just the thing for clearing clogs in sinks and bathtub drains . The sink auger is also called a "drum auger" or "canister auger" because ...
Can you use a drain snake on a toilet?
Do not use a standard drain snake on toilets because it can get stuck and can damage the porcelain. Use a toilet auger instead.
