How to use a plumbing auger to clear a deep clog?

 
Safety Preparations
 

• Before beginning, wear protective gloves and eyewear to prevent contact with dirty water or debris.
• Ensure the area around the drain is clear and that you have a bucket and old towels ready in case of spills.
• Read the instructions provided by the auger's manufacturer to understand any specific safety features or operational details.

 
Preparing the Work Area
 

• Clear around the sink or drain area to give yourself sufficient space to work without obstructions.
• Lay down old towels or plastic sheeting to protect the floor from water damage and debris splatter.
• If the clog is in a shower or bathtub drain, ensure you remove any drain covers or stoppers to allow full access.

 
Setting Up the Plumbing Auger
 

• Uncoil the auger cable and check that it slides freely through its protective casing.
• Test the mechanical parts by slowly turning the handle to ensure there are no snags or blockages in the cable.
• Decide on the best insertion point based on the location of the clog; for deep clogs, ensure you have enough cable length to reach the obstruction.

 
Inserting the Auger Cable into the Drain
 

• Insert the end of the auger cable into the drain slowly and steadily.
• As you feed the cable into the drain, maintain a gentle turning motion with the handle. This helps the cable navigate any bends in the piping.
• Continue pushing the cable until you feel resistance, which likely indicates that you’ve reached the clog.

 
Breaking Through the Clog
 

• Once resistance is met, continue rotating the handle to work the cable into the clog. The twisting motion helps dislodge or break apart the blockage.
• If the cable seems stuck, avoid forcing it; instead, gently pull back or try readjusting the cable’s angle while continuing the turning motion.
• Proceed slowly and remain mindful of your surroundings to prevent damaging pipes or forcing debris deeper into them.

 
Clearing and Retrieving the Cable
 

• When you have broken through the clog or hooked the debris, carefully pull the cable back out while continuing to rotate it. This helps remove any attached material.
• If significant resistance is met while retracting, reinsert the cable and work it further into the clog to loosen it before attempting another retrieval.
• Be patient during this process as deep clogs may require several cycles of insertion and retraction to fully clear the blockage.

 
Cleaning Up the Drain Area
 

• After successfully removing the clog, run hot water through the drain to flush out any remaining debris and to ensure the pipe is clear.
• Clean and disinfect the auger cable according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its condition for future use.
• Dispose of any collected debris properly and ensure all tools used are washed and dried thoroughly.

 
Post-Operation Considerations
 

• If water does not drain properly after using the auger, repeat the process carefully or consider using additional cleaning methods like a bio-cleaner to eliminate residual buildup.
• If the problem persists after multiple attempts, it may be best to consult a professional plumber as the clog might be too severe or located in a hard-to-reach area.
• Regular maintenance, such as periodic flushing with hot water or chemical-free drain cleaners, can help prevent future deep clogs.

 

Note: The detailed steps above are applicable whether you're managing a project at St. Louis or Nashville.