Renting one of these for 1 day may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, and require an additional deposit.
Look for a PVC pipe that’s about the thickness of your leg and has a circular plug with a cube shape sticking out of its top. If you’re unsure what to look for, check out videos online to get an idea.
If you’re unsure which bit to use, start with the bit that looks like a “U. ” This one is effective at breaking up clogs quickly. The specific way to attach a bit will vary depending on the model of drain cleaner you’re using. The bits and all necessary tools will be included with the drain cleaner you rent.
Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll also want to clear the area around the clean-out of anything that can get damaged by water.
Opening the clean-out gradually like this will help ease the pressure in the line. This will prevent water from gushing out of the line. Stand as far back as you can as you’re loosening the plug to avoid getting wet or hit by the clean-out plug if it shoots off.
The cable will be heavy, so moving it around and feeding it down the drain will take some muscle. Take care not to strain yourself. Many drain cleaners can feed the cable down the drain automatically. If the model you rent is automatic, turn on the machine and then step on the foot pedal to feed the cable down the pipe. [7] X Research source
This process might take a little time, so stay patient and keep at it! When you see the water begin to bubble, that’s a sign that you’re starting to break up the clog. You’ll know when you’ve cleared the drain when you hear a loud gurgling sound and then see the water drop down from the top of the open drain line.
You can feed the entire length of the snake down the drain if you’d like to do a thorough job.
