A hand auger — also called a drain snake — is one of the most effective DIY tools for clearing a blocked sink, basin, or shower drain. For most straightforward blockages caused by hair, soap scum, or food debris, a homeowner can tackle the job confidently with the right technique and a bit of patience.
What Is a Hand Auger?
A hand auger is a flexible metal cable coiled inside a drum or handle, with a corkscrew or hook tip at one end. As you feed the cable into the drain and rotate the handle, the tip breaks up or hooks onto the blockage, letting you pull it out or push it through. Hand augers are available from Bunnings and Mitre 10 and are a worthwhile addition to any homeowner's toolkit.
What You'll Need
- Hand auger (typically 5–15 m cable length for household use)
- Rubber gloves
- Old towels or rags
- A bucket
- Adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench (if removing a P-trap)
- Torch
- Disinfectant spray
Step-by-Step: How to Snake a Drain
1. Prepare the Area
Lay old towels around the base of the sink or basin to catch any water or debris. Put on your rubber gloves — drain blockages can harbour bacteria and unpleasant waste.
2. Remove the Drain Cover or Strainer
Unscrew or pop out the drain cover. For a bathroom basin, you may need to remove the pop-up plug assembly. Keep the screws somewhere safe.
3. Try the Auger Directly Through the Drain
Feed the auger cable slowly into the drain opening. Most hand augers have a locking mechanism on the drum — loosen it to let cable out, then tighten it before you start rotating. Turn the handle clockwise as you push forward. You'll feel resistance when you hit the blockage.
4. Work Through the Blockage
Once you feel resistance, continue rotating the handle clockwise while applying gentle forward pressure. The tip will either break up the clog or hook into it. Avoid forcing the cable — if it kinks or coils back, pull it out slightly and try again at a different angle.
5. Remove the Blockage
Slowly pull the cable back out while still rotating clockwise (this keeps the hook engaged). Have your bucket ready — you may pull out a clump of hair, grease, or debris. Dispose of it in the bin, not back down the drain.
6. Flush with Hot Water
Run hot water for a minute or two to flush any remaining debris through. If the drain is still slow, repeat the process. You can also remove the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink) to clear a blockage closer to the wall — just place your bucket underneath first to catch the water.
7. Clean Up
Wipe down the auger cable with a rag and disinfectant before retracting it into the drum. Spray the area around the drain with disinfectant and wash your hands thoroughly.
Tips for Success
- Go slowly. Rushing can cause the cable to kink or scratch your basin.
- Rotate consistently in one direction (clockwise) to keep the tip engaged.
- For shower drains, you may need to remove a few screws to access the drain properly.
- If you hit a bend and can't advance, pull back slightly and try feeding the cable at a slightly different angle.
- Avoid using a hand auger after pouring chemical drain cleaners down the drain — the chemicals can splash back and cause burns.
What Drains Can You Snake Yourself?
| Drain Type | DIY-Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | Yes | Grease blockages may need hot water flush too |
| Bathroom basin | Yes | Hair clogs respond well to augers |
| Shower/bath | Yes | Remove drain cover first |
| Toilet | Use a toilet auger | Standard hand augers aren't designed for toilets |
| Outdoor/stormwater | Caution | May need a longer electric eel |
| Sewer main | No | Licensed drainlayer required |
When to Call a Professional
Some drain blockages are beyond DIY. You should contact a licensed drainlayer if:
- The blockage keeps returning despite snaking
- Multiple drains in the house are blocked at once (this suggests a main sewer line issue)
- You can hear gurgling from other fixtures when water drains
- There is sewage backing up into your home
- The drain is cracked, collapsed, or root-invaded (a CCTV drain inspection can confirm this)
Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) rules, work on sanitary drains and sewer connections is restricted work that must be carried out by a licensed drainlayer. Attempting this yourself could be illegal and may void your home insurance. You can find qualified local drain cleaners and drainlayers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: If you suspect a drain issue is linked to your gas or electrical services (for example, near a hot water cylinder), stop work immediately and call the appropriate licensed professional.
For rental properties, landlords should also be aware of their obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards, which include maintaining drainage in good working order.
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