How to Unclog a Drain with a Plumbing Snake

Snakes are the workhorse tool for drains that plungers can't fix. A clogged drain usually means hair, soap buildup, or something solid is blocking the line, and a plumbing snake—also called a drain auger—lets you reach past the trap and deep into the pipe where plungers can't touch. The difference between a snake and other methods is mechanical: instead of pressure, you're physically breaking apart or snagging the clog. Done right, a snake clears a drain faster and more reliably than anything else in your toolkit. You'll know it's working when the water starts draining freely and the cable stops meeting resistance.

1. Clear the Way First. If you have a pop-up stopper in a sink or vanity, unscrew the overflow plate on the back and pull the stopper assembly out. For shower or tub drains with a cover plate, unscrew or pry it off. If there's a hair trap screen, remove that too. Set everything aside somewhere you won't lose it.
2. Feed and Center. Place your bucket under the drain opening to catch any water or debris that comes back up. Feed the first 12 inches of the snake cable straight into the drain, making sure the tip is centered. The cable should go in smoothly; if you feel resistance immediately, you're hitting the trap bend, not a clog.
3. Crank Steady, Feed Slow. Start turning the handle of the snake clockwise in steady, moderate rotations. As you crank, slowly push the cable forward into the drain with your other hand. The rotating cable will break up soft clogs and snag hair or debris. Keep the pressure even—you're not forcing it; you're working it through.
4. Break the Blockage. As you feed cable, you'll feel the difference between open pipe and obstruction. When the cable hits resistance, stop pushing and keep cranking. The rotation will catch hair, break apart soap buildup, or bore through organic matter. You may feel the cable suddenly drop through—that means you've broken the clog. Keep cranking for another 20-30 seconds to make sure you've cleared a full path.
5. Pull Out Slow. Once you feel the clog break and the cable moves freely, begin backing the snake out slowly while still turning the handle. The rotation helps pull debris up and out of the drain. You may see hair, buildup, or solid material come out with the cable—that's working as intended. Continue retracting until all the cable is back in the drum.
6. Scald the Line Clean. Once the snake is fully retracted and cleaned off, pour hot water (nearly boiling is fine) down the drain steadily for 30 seconds. The water will clear any small particles the snake loosened and confirm the drain is flowing. You should hear the water draining freely and not backing up.
7. Put It Back Together. If you removed a pop-up stopper assembly, reinstall it in reverse order—slide the rod back through the overflow hole, reconnect the clevis strap to the lever, and screw the overflow plate back in. For shower covers or trap screens, reinstall those now. Test the mechanism or run water to make sure everything works.
8. Verify Full Clearance. Run water from the faucet or fixture above the drain you just cleared. The water should drain quickly and completely. If it's slow, the clog may not be fully cleared—you can snake it again. Watch the drain over the next day; if it starts backing up again within 24 hours, the clog has returned or there's a deeper blockage.
9. Dry and Store Right. Rinse the cable and drum under running water, wiping the cable clean with a rag. If there's heavy buildup, use an old toothbrush to scrub debris off the cable. Let it air-dry before coiling it back into the drum. Store it in a dry garage or basement.