What Does a Plumber Use to Snake a Drain? (Tools Explained)

Got a slow-draining sink or a backed-up shower? You’re not alone—clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing issues in the U.S., affecting over 35 million homes annually according to the American Housing Survey. If you’ve ever asked, “What does a plumber use to snake a drain?”, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the exact tools professionals rely on, how they work, and whether you can tackle the job yourself—or when it’s time to call in the experts.

What Is a Drain Snake?

A drain snake—also known as a plumber’s auger—is a flexible, coiled metal cable designed to break up or retrieve clogs deep within pipes. Unlike chemical drain cleaners (which can damage pipes over time), snaking is a mechanical, eco-friendly, and highly effective method used by licensed plumbers nationwide.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), over 80% of professional plumbers prefer mechanical snaking over chemical solutions for persistent clogs because it’s safer for pipes and more reliable long-term.

What Does a Plumber Use to Snake a Drain? (Top 3 Tools)

Professional plumbers choose their tool based on the location, severity, and type of clog. Here are the three most common devices:

1. Hand-Crank Drain Auger (Closet Auger or Sink Auger)

• Best for: Minor clogs in sinks, tubs, or toilets
• Length: 15–25 feet
• How it works: You manually rotate a handle to feed the cable into the drain. The tip hooks or breaks apart hair, soap scum, or debris.
• Pro tip: A toilet auger has a protective sleeve to avoid scratching porcelain.

2. Electric Drain Snake (Motorized Auger)

• Best for: Tough clogs in main sewer lines or deep within walls
• Cable length: 25–100+ feet
• Motor power: Typically 250–1000 watts
• Why pros love it: It spins automatically, reducing physical effort and reaching clogs up to 100 feet away—ideal for tree roots or collapsed pipes.

💡 Real-world example: In a 2022 case study by Roto-Rooter, an electric snake cleared a 75-foot sewer line clogged by tree roots in under 20 minutes—something a hand auger couldn’t handle.

3. Hydro Jetting System

• Not a snake, but often used after snaking
• Uses: High-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour pipe interiors
• Best for: Preventative maintenance or removing grease, scale, and mineral buildup
• Note: Requires professional operation—never DIY due to risk of pipe damage.

For more on drain cleaning methods, see Wikipedia’s overview of plumbing tools .

How Do Plumbers Snake a Drain? (Step-by-Step)

While DIY snaking is possible for minor clogs, pros follow a precise process to avoid damage:

1. Assess the clog
   • Use a camera inspection (for main lines) to locate the blockage.
   • Determine if it’s organic (hair, food) or structural (roots, pipe collapse).
2. Choose the right tool
   • Sink clog? Use a 25-foot hand auger.
   • Sewer backup? Opt for a 75-foot electric snake.
3. Insert and feed the cable
   • Gently push the snake into the drain until resistance is felt.
   • Rotate the handle (or let the motor spin) to hook or break the clog.
4. Retrieve debris
   • Pull out the cable slowly—often with hair or gunk wrapped around it.
   • Flush with hot water to clear residue.
5. Verify flow
   • Run water for 60–90 seconds to confirm full drainage.
   • If slow, repeat or consider hydro jetting.

⚠️ Warning: Forcing a snake too hard can scratch or puncture PVC or older cast-iron pipes. That’s why licensed plumbers are trained in torque control and pipe materials.

Hand Snake vs. Electric Snake: Which Is Better?

Verdict: For occasional clogs, a hand auger is cost-effective and safe. For recurring or severe blockages, an electric snake—or a pro—is worth the investment.

When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?

Snaking seems simple, but mistakes can cost hundreds in pipe repairs. Call a licensed plumber if:

• Water is backing up into multiple drains (sign of a main sewer line clog)
• You’ve snaked twice and the clog returns within days
• You smell sewage (possible vent or trap issue)
• Your home is over 30 years old (older pipes are fragile)

The National Association of Home Builders reports that DIY plumbing errors cause nearly 12% of all insurance claims related to water damage. When in doubt, call a pro.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I snake my own drain safely?

A: Yes—for minor sink or shower clogs. Use a hand auger, wear gloves, and never force the cable. Avoid snaking toilets with a sink auger (use a closet auger instead).

Q2: How much does it cost to have a plumber snake a drain?

A: On average, $100–$275 for a standard drain, per HomeAdvisor (2023 data). Main sewer line snaking can cost $200–$500, depending on location and severity.

Q3: Does snaking damage pipes?

A: Not if done correctly. However, aggressive use—especially with metal cables in PVC or corroded pipes—can cause scratches or punctures. Professionals use camera-guided snakes to minimize risk.

Q4: How often should drains be snaked?

A: Only when clogged. Preventative snaking isn’t needed. Instead, flush drains monthly with hot water and baking soda/vinegar to reduce buildup.

Q5: What’s the difference between a drain snake and a drain cleaner?

A: A snake is a physical tool that removes clogs mechanically. A drain cleaner is a chemical (like Drano) that dissolves organic matter—but repeated use can corrode pipes.

Q6: Can a drain snake go through a P-trap?

A: Yes, but carefully. The P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under sinks) can be navigated by gently rotating the auger. Some plumbers remove the trap first for easier access.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what does a plumber use to snake a drain—from simple hand augers to powerful electric machines. While minor clogs can be tackled at home, complex or recurring issues demand professional expertise to protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.

Pro tip: Keep a basic hand auger under your sink—it’s cheaper than a plumber for small jobs and eco-friendlier than chemicals.

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Remember: When water won’t flow, knowledge is your best tool.