Unclogging a drain using a plumber's snake
Use a plumber’s snake as your second attempt (try a plunger first) to clear a clogged drain. You can purchase a plumber’s snake at any local home care center. A plumber’s snake works by uncoiling a long cable down a pipe to remove or dislodge a clog. To use a plumber’s snake properly, follow these steps
Insert the end of the cable into the clogged drain
Turn the handle on the plumber’s snake, uncoiling the cable so it descends into the drain
Stop turning the handle when it becomes difficult to turn
Pull out the cable. Make sure you turn the handle in the same direction when removing it as you did when inserting it. This will usually keep any matter attached to the cable from coming loose before it’s removed
Clean the end of the cable, and put it back down the drain
Continue this process until the drain is clear. Adding water to the plumbing fixture during this process can help. Water acts as a lubricant, helping to wash away the clog once you’ve begun to break it up
!TIP
If you partly open the drain with a plunger or snake, pouring boiling hot water (no hotter than 140°F for plastic pipe) down the drain may finish the job. If not, open the trap under the fixture, and put a bucket or pan under it to catch water. Try using a piece of wire, such as a coat hanger, to help dislodge the clog, or the plumber’s snake again