A drain snake (also called a plumber's auger) is a flexible, coiled metal cable that can break up or retrieve blockages deep inside your pipes. For most everyday blockages — hair, soap scum, food scraps — a drain snake is a practical DIY fix that can save you a call-out fee. That said, there are situations where the job must be handed to a licensed professional, and it's important to know the difference.
What Is a Drain Snake and What Types Are Available?
A drain snake is a long, flexible steel cable wound around a drum. You feed it into the drain, rotate it, and it either breaks up the blockage or hooks onto it so you can pull it out.
There are two main types available at NZ hardware stores:
- Hand-operated (manual) snake — a compact drum you wind by hand, typically 5–15 metres long. Good for bathroom basins, showers, and laundry tubs.
- Electric or drill-powered snake — a longer, more powerful cable (15–30+ metres) suited to kitchen sinks and tougher blockages. Some models attach to a standard power drill.
You can buy or hire drain snakes from Bunnings or Mitre 10. Hiring is a cost-effective option if you only need it once.
Tools and Safety Gear You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following:
- Drain snake (manual or powered)
- Rubber gloves (heavy-duty)
- Safety glasses
- Old towels or rags
- A bucket
- Torch or headlamp
Safety note: Drain water can contain bacteria and pathogens. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you suspect the blockage involves sewage backup, stop and call a licensed drainlayer — sewage work carries health risks and may involve restricted work under NZ law.
Step-by-Step: How to Snake a Drain
1. Prepare the Area
Lay old towels around the drain opening to protect your floor. Place a bucket nearby to catch any water or debris. Remove the drain cover or plug — most unscrew or lift out easily.
2. Insert the Snake
Feed the end of the snake cable into the drain opening. Go slowly — don't force it. If you hit resistance early, you may have found the blockage, or the cable may be hitting a bend in the pipe.
3. Rotate and Advance
Turn the drum handle (or trigger the drill) clockwise as you push the cable forward. The rotation helps the tip navigate bends and bite into the blockage. Keep steady, even pressure — don't crank aggressively or you risk kinking the cable or damaging older pipes.
4. Break Up or Hook the Blockage
You'll feel increased resistance when you reach the blockage. Keep rotating — the auger tip will either:
- Break through soft blockages (hair, grease, soap), or
- Hook into the material so you can pull it back out.
If the cable spins freely without resistance, the blockage may be further along or in a different branch of the pipe.
5. Retrieve the Cable
Once you feel the blockage give way, slowly pull the cable back out while continuing to rotate clockwise. This helps bring debris with it rather than leaving it in the pipe. Have your bucket ready — the cable will be messy.
6. Flush the Drain
Run hot water down the drain for a minute or two to flush away any remaining debris. Check that water drains freely. If it's still slow, repeat the process or try a different entry point.
7. Clean Up
Wipe down the snake cable before winding it back onto the drum. Rinse with clean water and dry it to prevent rust. Dispose of any retrieved debris in the rubbish (not back down the drain).
Common Blockage Causes in NZ Homes
| Location | Common Cause | Snake Suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Shower/bath | Hair and soap scum | Yes |
| Bathroom basin | Hair, toothpaste buildup | Yes |
| Kitchen sink | Grease and food scraps | Yes (with care) |
| Laundry tub | Lint and detergent | Yes |
| Outdoor/stormwater drain | Leaves, roots, silt | Possibly — call a pro for roots |
| Sewer line | Root intrusion, collapsed pipe | Call a licensed drainlayer |
What a Drain Snake Won't Fix
A drain snake is great for soft blockages but has limits. It won't resolve:
- Tree root intrusion — roots require specialist cutting equipment or pipe relining
- Collapsed or cracked pipes — a physical defect that needs excavation and repair
- Grease buildup deep in sewer lines — may need hydro-jetting
- Blocked stormwater or sewer mains — these are often council infrastructure
If you've snaked the drain twice without success, it's time to call in a professional.
When to Call a Professional
Some drainlaying work in New Zealand is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means it must be carried out by — or under the supervision of — a licensed drainlayer. Restricted work includes installing, altering, or repairing drains that connect to the public sewer or stormwater network.
Using a drain snake on your own internal household drains is generally fine as a DIY task. However, call a licensed drainlayer if:
- The blockage keeps coming back
- You notice sewage odours or backflow from multiple fixtures
- Water is pooling in your yard (possible broken pipe)
- You suspect tree root intrusion
- The blockage is in an outdoor drain or sewer line
- You're unsure what type of pipe you have (older NZ homes may have clay or cast-iron pipes that are easily damaged)
A qualified local drainlayer can also use a CCTV drain camera to pinpoint the exact problem. You can find licensed drainlayers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For guidance on NZ building and plumbing standards, MBIE Building Performance is a reliable starting point, and BRANZ publishes practical technical guidance for homeowners.