How To Use A Plumber’s Snake Video – Step-by-Step Guide for Clogged Drains

Tired of Standing in a Pool of Water? Here’s How to Use a Plumber’s Snake Video (And Actually Fix It)

You’re standing in the bathroom, staring at a sink that won’t drain. The water’s rising. Your phone’s buzzing — someone’s waiting to shower. You’ve tried hot water, baking soda, vinegar… nothing works. You’re tempted to call a plumber — but that’s $150+ and you’re on a budget.

What if you could fix this right now — without leaving your house?

The answer lies in learning how to use a plumber’s snake video — not just watching it, but understanding why each step matters. This isn’t just another YouTube clip. This is your practical, no-fluff guide to using a drain snake like a pro — even if you’ve never held one before.

And guess what? You don’t need to be a plumber. You just need the right steps — and we’ve got them.

Why a Plumber’s Snake Works When Everything Else Fails

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why.

Most DIY drain cleaners (chemicals, baking soda, etc.) only dissolve surface gunk — grease, hair, soap scum. But clogs? They often form deeper — 3 to 10 feet down the pipe — where chemicals can’t reach.

That’s where a plumber’s snake (also called an auger or drain auger) comes in. It’s a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew tip that physically breaks up or hooks onto blockages.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 60% of residential plumbing calls in the U.S. are due to clogged drains — and nearly half of those can be resolved with a snake, not a plumber. Source: Wikipedia – Drainage system

So yes — this tool saves you time, money, and stress.

What Type of Plumber’s Snake Should You Use? (Quick Comparison)

Not all snakes are created equal. Here’s what to pick based on your needs:

👉 For most homeowners: Start with a handheld drain auger. It’s affordable, safe, and perfect for kitchen sinks and bathroom drains.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Plumber’s Snake (With Video Guidance)

Let’s break this down into 6 simple steps — the exact way professionals do it. We’ll reference key moments from trusted YouTube tutorials (like This Old House and Mike Holmes) so you know what to look for.

Step 1: Prepare the Area (Safety First!)

• Put on rubber gloves. You’re about to meet things you didn’t know were in your drain.
• Lay down a towel or old sheet under the sink to catch drips.
• Remove any standing water with a cup or small bucket. Don’t pour it down the drain — it’ll just push the clog deeper.
• Pro Tip: If you’re working on a kitchen sink, turn off the garbage disposal. Never run it while snaking.

Step 2: Insert the Snake Correctly

• Unwind 6–8 inches of the cable.
• Insert the tip into the drain opening. For sinks, remove the pop-up stopper first (usually by unscrewing the nut under the sink).
• Don’t force it. Gently feed the cable in. If you hit resistance, stop — you’ve found the clog.

“You’re not fighting the pipe. You’re guiding the snake through it.”
— Mike Holmes, plumbing expert and TV host

Step 3: Crank Slowly — Don’t Rush

• Turn the handle clockwise (righty-tighty) as you push.
• You’ll feel resistance — that’s the clog. Keep turning. Don’t yank.
• When the snake “catches,” you’ll feel a slight tug. That’s it — you’ve hooked the blockage.
• Crucial detail: If the cable spins freely without resistance, you’ve gone past the clog. Pull back 6 inches and try again.

Step 4: Break It Up or Hook It Out

There are two outcomes:

✅ You hook the clog — Pull it out slowly. Hair, soap, toothpaste — it’ll come with it. Use pliers if needed.
✅ You break it up — Keep cranking and pushing. The corkscrew will grind through grease or debris.

• Once you feel it give way, keep turning for 10–15 more seconds to ensure it’s fully cleared.

Step 5: Clean the Snake (Yes, Really!)

• Pull the cable out slowly. Wipe it with a rag soaked in warm, soapy water.
• Never leave it dirty. Mold and bacteria grow fast on damp metal.
• Spray with disinfectant if you’re squeamish. (We recommend 70% isopropyl alcohol.)

Step 6: Test the Drain

• Run 2 liters of warm water (22–28°C / 72–82°F) for 30 seconds.
• Listen for the gurgle — that’s the sound of air escaping, meaning the pipe is clear.
• If water drains smoothly? You did it.
• If it’s still slow? Repeat steps 2–4. Sometimes clogs are layered.

💡 Real-life example: Sarah, 34, from Chicago, used this method after her bathroom flooded twice in one week. “I watched a 5-minute video, spent $22 on a snake, and fixed it in 12 minutes. My plumber bill? $0.” — Testimonial from Reddit r/DIY

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced DIYers mess up. Here’s what NOT to do:

When Should You Call a Professional?

A plumber’s snake is powerful — but not magic.

Call a pro if:

• The clog returns within 48 hours
• Water backs up in multiple fixtures (sink + toilet + shower)
• You smell sewage (indicates a main line issue)
• You hear gurgling from other drains
• You’ve tried the snake 3+ times with no success

These are signs of a main sewer line clog — which requires professional cameras and heavy-duty equipment. Don’t risk damaging your home’s plumbing.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Plumber’s Snakes, Answered

Q1: Can I use a plumber’s snake on a toilet?

Yes — but only with a toilet auger (also called a closet auger). Standard sink snakes have straight tips that can scratch or crack porcelain. Toilet augers have a protective sleeve and a curved end designed to navigate the trap without damage.

Q2: How deep can a plumber’s snake reach?

• Handheld models: Up to 25 feet — enough for most sinks, tubs, and showers.
• Electric models: Up to 150 feet — used for main sewer lines or outdoor cleanouts.
  Most home clogs occur within 3–8 feet. You don’t need industrial gear for a kitchen sink.

Q3: Is it safe to use a drain snake on PVC pipes?

Absolutely — if used correctly. PVC is durable, but it can crack under excessive force. Always turn the handle slowly. Never use a snake like a crowbar. If you feel sudden resistance, stop. You’ve hit a bend or joint.

Q4: How often should I snake my drains?

Prevention > cure.

• Kitchen sink: Every 3–6 months (grease builds up fast)
• Bathroom sink/shower: Every 6–12 months (hair accumulates)
• Toilet: Only when clogged — don’t snake it regularly
  Pro tip: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar down drains monthly, then flush with hot water.

Q5: Can I make my own drain snake?

Technically, yes — a wire hanger bent into a hook can grab hair. But it’s risky.

• It can scratch pipes
• It won’t reach deep clogs
• It might break off inside the drain
  Stick to a real snake. It’s $20. Your pipes are worth more.

Q6: Do I need to turn off the water before using a snake?

Only if you’re working on a sink with a hot water line directly connected. For most cases, no. But turn off the garbage disposal if present. And if water is still flowing, wait until it stops — or it’ll splash back.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Fix This

Learning how to use a plumber’s snake video isn’t about watching someone else do it — it’s about doing it yourself, with confidence.

You now know:

• Which snake to buy
• Exactly how to insert and crank it
• How to tell if you’ve cleared the clog
• When to call a pro (and when to celebrate)

This isn’t magic. It’s mechanics. And you’ve just mastered it.

So next time your sink gurgles… don’t panic. Grab your snake. Watch the video. Take 10 minutes. Fix it.

And when you do — share this guide with a friend who’s drowning in a clogged drain. 💬📲

👉 Share this on Facebook, Pinterest, or WhatsApp — someone you know is Googling this right now.