Step 6 · Use a Plumber's Snake (Auger)

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

If the drain is still slow, use a plumber's snake (also known as a drain auger) for deeper, more stubborn clogs. Feed the auger's cable end into the drain pipe. Continue pushing the cable down until you feel resistance, which indicates you've reached the clog. Tighten the thumbscrew on the auger's handle to lock the cable in place. Now, turn the handle crank clockwise while applying gentle forward pressure. This will cause the auger tip to either break up the clog or hook into it. If you hook it, pull the snake back slowly to retrieve the obstruction. You may need to repeat this process a few times.