How to Operate a Sewer Snake

Clogged pipes can flood the home if they are not cleaned as soon as they are blocked. A plunger or chemicals may not work. The best tool to use is a powered sewer snake, which is also known as a plumber’s snake, auger or drain snake. They are effective when it comes to working through a blockage in a drain.

How to Operate a Sewer Snake

1. Mop up any water around the area. Allow it to dry before using the sewer snake.

2. Plug the sewer snake into an electrical outlet. Use a heavy duty cord if an extension cord is needed. This will keep the motor on the sewer snake from becoming overloaded.

3. Put on gloves that are made of heavy-duty leather.

4. Place the sewer snake as close to the drain as possible.

5. Place the cable on the sewer snake into the drain. Feed the cable until it meets resistance cause by the blockage.

6. Pull out more cable. 1 foot of cable should be enough. Make sure the cable forms an arch.

7. There should be a thumbscrew where the cable comes out of the machine. Tighten the thumbscrew to prevent more cable from going down the drain at one time.

8. Flip the switch on the sewer snake to the forward position. Both hands should be on the cable while your foot flips the switch.

9. The machine will start to push the cable in a forward position. Allow the machine to do the work without forcing the cable.

10. When all of the cable is in the drain, turn off the machine. Unscrew the thumbscrew to loosen it so you can pull out 1 foot of cable.

11. Tighten the thumbscrew and turn the machine back on with the switch.

12. Continue the steps above until the clog is clear.