How to Use a Drain Auger

When simple isn't enough

Drain clogs are a terribly common plumbing problem that can often be fixed without the need to call in the professionals. Plungers or clog removing chemical solutions are a good start, but for tough clogs, it may be necessary to use a drain auger.

A drain auger is essentially a flexible drill that can work itself through a clog and push it through. Drain Augers come in different lengths to accommodate any drain system. It is important to have the right length to avoid kinking in the pipe.

Snake's nest

There are a few different designs depending on the sophistication of the unit. Simple drain augers are simply a length of a tightly wound spring with a crank handle at the end. While often adequate for most jobs, these lack the power of the better designs.

Another design is an extension of the basic model and has the cable wound on a spool that has a crank handle on the side. These automatically force the cable forward as it turns the auger head.

Professional drain augers often connect to a power drill to quickly and powerfully push the cable forward into the drain. It can then be reversed to pull out the obstruction.

Curing the common clog

Drain augers, no matter what model is chosen, are easy to use, but are rendered useless when the user does not know how to operate one. Here's a demonstration of proper use:

1. Loosen the lock on the auger and slowly push the cable into the drain until it hits the obstruction.

2. Tighten the setscrew to re-lock the auger cable so that there is six to eight inches of cable between the crank unit and the drain. If more cable is used than is necessary, it will kink.

3. Crank the handle clockwise and push the cable further in. Some units will automatically move the cable forward but others require a manual push. The auger may simply push the obstruction through but otherwise, it will burrow into the clog.

Continue cranking the auger until it becomes tight. The cranking and pulling may bring the clog to the surface without much force, however.

4. If the clog is not pushed through, work the drain auger into the clog and try pulling it out. This may need to be repeated several times until the entire clog is removed. Test the toilet or water supply to verify that the drain is clear.

5. If the drain is cleared but the drain is still sluggish, try going deeper with the auger or call a professional plumber.

Basic models are cheap, often costing under twenty dollars, and can save a fortune in plumbing bills. Drain augers are used far less than plungers, but still deserve a place in any do-it-yourself arsenal.

More information on augers & plungers