What is a drain snake / auger?

A drain snake, also called an auger, is a flexible metal cable wound in a tight coil that plumbers feed into pipes to clear blockages. The tool works by either breaking apart the clog (hair, grease, soap buildup, or other debris) or snagging it so it can be pulled back out. The cable is stiff enough to push through the pipe but flexible enough to navigate bends and turns without getting stuck.

Two main types serve different situations. A hand auger, often called a plumbing snake, is operated manually and works well for smaller clogs in bathroom drains, kitchen sinks, and accessible sections of pipe. The user feeds the cable down the drain while turning a crank handle to rotate the tip. A motorized closet auger (named for its traditional use on toilet clogs) has an electric motor that spins the cable, making it more powerful for tougher blockages deeper in the drain line or in more stubborn situations.

Drain snakes are typically 25 to 100 feet long depending on the job. The cable itself may have a variety of tip designs, such as a hook, auger bit, or brush head, to handle different types of obstructions. For drain and sewer cleaning, professional plumbers use these tools as a first-line mechanical solution before considering more invasive options like excavation or hydro-jetting.