## Trying to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink with a Snake but Not Having Any Luck?
While plunging and chemical drain cleaners might be the first tools that come to mind when dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, they may not always get the job done. If you’ve already tried these methods to no avail, it’s time to consider using a drain snake. A drain snake, also known as an auger, is a flexible tool that can be inserted into your sink’s drain to break up and remove clogs.
### Choosing the Right Drain Snake
If you decide to use a drain snake, it’s important to choose the right one for the job. There are two main types of drain snakes: hand-cranked and electric.
* **Hand-cranked drain snakes** are less expensive and easier to use, but they can be more difficult to maneuver around tight bends in your drain.
* **Electric drain snakes** are more powerful and can clear clogs more quickly, but they are also more expensive and can be more difficult to control.
If you’re not sure which type of drain snake to choose, consult with a plumber.
### How to Use a Drain Snake
1. **Gather your materials.** You will need a drain snake, a bucket, and a pair of gloves.
2. **Put on your gloves.** This will help protect your hands from dirt and chemicals.
3. **Insert the drain snake into the drain.** Slowly feed the snake into the drain, turning the handle clockwise.
4. **Work the snake around the bends in the drain.** As you feed the snake into the drain, be sure to work it around any bends or obstacles.
5. **Feel for the clog.** As you work the snake around the drain, you will eventually feel it hit the clog.
6. **Break up the clog.** Once you have felt the clog, start turning the handle counterclockwise to break it up.
7. **Pull the snake out of the drain.** Once the clog has been broken up, slowly pull the snake out of the drain.
8. **Flush the drain with water.** Once the snake has been removed, flush the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining debris.
### Tips for Using a Drain Snake
* **Be patient.** It may take some time to clear a clog with a drain snake.
* **Don’t force the snake.** If the snake gets stuck, don’t force it. Pull it out and try again.
* **Use a bucket to catch water.** As you work the snake around the drain, water will start to flow out. Be sure to have a bucket on hand to catch the water.
* **Wear gloves.** This will help protect your hands from dirt and chemicals.
* **Don’t use a drain snake on a toilet.** Drain snakes can damage the wax seal on a toilet.
### When to Call a Plumber
If you are unable to clear the clog with a drain snake, it’s time to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to clear the clog and prevent it from coming back.
## Preventing Clogs in Your Kitchen Sink
The best way to prevent clogs in your kitchen sink is to avoid putting things down the drain that can clog it. This includes:
* Grease and oil
* Coffee grounds
* Egg shells
* Pasta
* Rice
* Vegetables
If you do accidentally put something down the drain that could clog it, be sure to flush the drain with hot water immediately. You can also use a drain strainer to catch any debris that could clog the drain.