How To Use an Auger To Unclog a Drain

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is an auger, also known as a snake

If a sink in your Nassau Bay, TX, home has stopped working, there may be something blocking your pipes. A clogged drain does not only affect the flow of water in your house, either. Over time, the clog could cause pressure to build up in the pipe. The pipe could then burst and flood your house.
To avoid the need for water damage restoration services, you should thus remove any clogs from your sink immediately. Luckily, all you need is an auger, also called a snake.

Auger Use

You can rent this plumbing tool for just a few dollars. Then, just follow the below steps to clear the drain.

1. Put the Auger Into the Drain
One end of the snake should go into the opening of the drain. Turn the handle on the drum to push the auger into the pipe. Keep going until you feel resistance from the clog.

2. Rotate the Snake
The auger's rotation should chop up the clog. If you do not feel the clog breaking up, try pulling the auger out of the clogged drain. The snake should take the clog with it.

3. Run the Water
Once you remove the snake, run the sink to make sure the clog is gone. If the clog did not come out of the pipe with the auger, it may just flush down the drain.

Clog Prevention
Now that you have cleared your drain, you should take steps to prevent the problem from happening again. Start by purchasing a strainer that collects foreign materials before they go down the drain.
You can also prevent kitchen sink clogs by properly utilizing your garbage disposal. Turn on the cold water while the disposal runs, and leave the water on for a minute after you shut off the disposal. This should flush the garbage into the main drainpipe rather than the smaller sink one.
Over time, a clogged sink could lead to a damaging pipe break. Therefore, should reduce the number of clogs in your sinks and use an auger to break up clogs that do develop.