Drain Snake

A drain snake is a mechanical device consisting of a long, flexible steel cable or coil wound on a motorized drum or hand crank. The tip is typically fitted with a cutting head, hook, or bulb that breaks apart clogs, snags hair and debris, or punches through mineral buildup. The operator feeds the cable into the pipe while rotating it—either by hand crank or electric motor—so the head churns against the obstruction until it clears or the blockage pulls free.

Snakes come in several sizes and styles. Hand-crank augers work on drains up to about 30 feet and cost less, but take muscle and patience. Powered units (often called sectional augers or drum machines) run on electric motors and handle longer runs, tougher clogs, and larger diameter lines. Cable diameter ranges from 1/4 inch for sink drains to 3/4 inch or larger for main lines. Many contractors keep a small 25-foot hand auger in their van for quick sink and tub calls, and maintain one or more motorized machines for toilet, floor drain, and sewage line work.

Always wear gloves and eye protection when running a snake; debris can spray from the drain. Keep your hands clear of the rotating cable or crank handle. If the snake binds hard in the pipe, shut it down immediately—a stuck cable can wrap your hand or throw an operator crank with serious force. Never force a snake into a line; if it won't feed smoothly, the stoppage may be caused by a misaligned fitting or structural problem that a snake won't fix.