Cobra 84250 84000 Drum Auger, for Use with Most Sink, Shower and Tub Drains,Black , 1/4 in X 25 Ft

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If these options fail, consider removing the P-trap to insert the snake beyond this problem spot. Then replace the P-trap once the pipes have been snaked. Q. How often should you snake your drain? The kit includes three 19.6-inch ABS-plastic sink snakes with toothed heads for removing hair clogs from the sink drain and shower drain. Two 24-inch retrieval tools have a four-claw head with a plunger mechanism that opens and closes the claw to grab such items as earrings and rings. And for tougher, deeper obstacles, there’s a 39-inch steel drain snake that can handle clogs within about 3 feet of a drain. There are two different types of heads at the tip of a drain snake’s cable: cutting heads and coil or toothed heads. Some drain snakes allow for switching out the heads, but most have one fixed head.

Drain snakes are simple tools, but they must be used properly so that clearing a drain is an easy task. Keep reading for information about how a drain auger or snake works, what types of snakes are used by professionals, and gain answers to other common questions about these plumbing tools. Q. How does snaking a drain work? If homeowners would rather not call a plumber for a costly visit, it’s important to have the right drain auger or snake. So take the time to properly consider the best drain snake for the home. Think about whether a manual or electric model would be best, and consider the type of drain snake head that would be most effective. Keep in mind these factors and the additional product features detailed below when shopping. Manual vs. ElectricThe Ridgid Power Spin tool is a solid option for clearing common clogs throughout the house. Its manual crank sends the 25-foot ¼-inch cable twisting and turning into pipes while the screw-shaped head chews through semisolid obstructions, yet can also catch and retrieve hair, paper, and other fibrous gunk. Power through recurring and difficult clogs with the Populo electric drain auger. This battery-powered drain snake uses a 25-foot reinforced flexible steel cable to clear clogs with ease. The cable can move through drains ranging from just ¾ inch to 2 inches in diameter, including sinks, toilets, and shower drains. Durable metal screw head is great for catching the vast majority of typical gunk found down the drain

The tool can be operated by hand or attached to a drill. The 1/4-in.-dia. high-carbon steel cable provides adequate leverage for the majority of household clogs. Cameras are added to the end of the snake so that users can see everything in the drain and diagnose issues visually as opposed to going by “feel.” A camera will also help the user know if clogs are completely or just partially cleared. It’s advised to snake the drain at least once a year to help reduce the potential for clogs. Why Trust Bob VilaTypically, professional plumbers will have more than one snake. These include short toothed drain snakes for removing hair clogs, standard metal drain snakes that can take care of most nearby clogs, and powerful electric drain snakes that can reach 50 feet in length to banish clogs buried in the middle of the drain system. Q. How do you unclog a drain with a snake?

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Don't waste your money on a plumber. Instead try this inexpensive, easy-to-use Family Handyman Approved power drum auger.

A snake made solely of ABS plastic will likely be less expensive than a metal model and also somewhat shorter than a standard drain snake. Due to their short reach and great flexibility, ABS plastic snakes are typically only used for removing clogs that are not very deep or difficult to power through; for example, they should be fine for banishing clumps of hair from a shower drain.