If traditional methods such as plunging, boiling water, chemical reactions from baking soda and vinegar, or using makeshift tools like wire hangers have failed to clear a blocked drain, it may indicate a more persistent obstruction. In such cases, mechanical intervention becomes necessary. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is the drain snake; a reliable solution for dislodging deep or stubborn blockages.
A drain snake, also referred to as a drain eel or plumber’s eel, is a handheld plumbing tool used to clear persistent blockages in household drains. It demands greater precision and physical effort compared to simpler methods like boiling water or plunging.
A drain snake consists of a long metal cable with an auger tip designed to break through tough blockages lodged inside your drain. The opposite end features a handle that is manually rotated to feed and retrieve the cable.
You can use a drain snake to unblock sinks in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, or clean shower drains and floor drains throughout your home. But keep in mind that incorrect use of a drain snake can damage your pipes. Our expert plumbers Gold Coast explain the right way to use one in this guide.
1. Prepare the Area and Tools
Organise your work area to control mess and keep surrounding surfaces clean. Use the checklist below to get started.
- Clear the space under or around the sink or drain. Remove bins, cleaning supplies, or mats that could get in the way.
- Place a bucket or basin under the trap (U-bend) to catch water or sludge if you’re removing any pipe sections.
- Lay down old towels or rags around the work area to absorb spills and protect flooring or cabinetry.
- Ventilate the area if you’re working in an enclosed space with strong odours from stagnant water.
| Tools | Description |
| Drain Snake (manual/power) | A coiled metal cable with an auger at the tip, used to break through or retrieve blockages from inside pipes. |
| Work Gloves | Protect your hands from bacteria, grime, and accidental contact with sharp debris or metal edges. Choose waterproof, rubber-coated gloves. |
| Bucket | Used to catch wastewater or debris when disconnecting the trap or during snaking. |
| Adjustable Wrench or Channel Locks | Needed if you have to remove the P-trap or loosen fittings under the sink. |
| Cloth or Rags | Useful for wiping down the snake cable, cleaning up spills, or drying wet surfaces after the job. |
2. Insert, Rotate, & Retrieve
Feed the cable slowly into the drain opening. If you’re using it after removing the trap, insert the cable directly into the stub-out pipe.
Once you feel resistance, tighten the thumbscrew (if present) and start cranking the handle clockwise. This helps the auger grip and break up the clog.
Now, stop cranking and pull the cable out gently, bringing the clog with it. Be prepared for mess and clean the cable as it exits.
3. Flush and Test the Drain
Once the cable is out, run hot water to flush remaining debris. Reassemble any removed parts and confirm the drain flows freely. Turn on the tap and see if your plumbing system is all clear again.
If turning on the tap doesn’t clear the blockage, the issue may lie further along the sewer line, or the blockage may be too compacted for a manual drain snake to clear. At that point, professional drain cleaning, using tools like high-pressure water jetting or CCTV inspection might be necessary.
Gold Coast’s Trusted Experts in Drain Cleaning
The licensed Gold Coast plumbers at Drain Masters Plumbing are blocked drain cleaning specialists with the training, qualifications, and hands-on experience to handle every type of drain issue. Our fully equipped service vehicles carry advanced drain cleaning tools far beyond the standard hardware store drain snake, including drain inspection cameras and high-pressure water drain jetting equipment.
We clear even the toughest blockages quickly and effectively. Contact Drain Masters Plumbing today for proven solutions that last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sink drain keep growing mould?
Mould grows in sink drains due to a combination of moisture, warmth, darkness, and organic residue. They are the perfect breeding ground for fungi. Bathroom sinks collect soap scum, hair, toothpaste, and skin cells, which get trapped in the drain and feed mould growth.Â
How to keep a bathroom sink from clogging?
Keep debris out of the drain and maintain regular cleaning. Use a drain strainer to catch hair and other materials that don’t dissolve. Avoid rinsing solidified toothpaste, face scrubs, or shaving foam down the drain without enough water.
Once a week, flush the drain with hot water. Once a month, use a natural DIY drain cleaner like a mix of baking soda and vinegar, followed by a hot water rinse. If clogs persist despite preventive care, it may be time to call licensed Gold Coast and Tweed Heads plumbers to assess the pipework for deeper blockages.
Does WD-40 unclog drains?
No, WD-40 is not designed to unclog drains, and using it for that purpose is not recommended. It is a lubricant and water-displacement product and not a dissolvent for hair, grease, or organic buildup.Â
