How To Use An Electric Eel Drain Snake Cleaner

Blocked drains – to put it mildly – are frustrating, messy, and always seem to strike at the worst possible time. Whether it’s a backed-up sewer line or a completely blocked bathroom drain, one of the most powerful drain cleaning tools in the plumbing world is the electric eel drain cleaner – sometimes referred to as a motorised drain snake.

These tools are designed to cut through stubborn blockages like:

• Tree roots
• Grease build-up
• And compacted debris that ordinary plungers or chemicals can’t touch.

An electric eel is a motorised machine that spins a flexible steel cable into your pipes to physically break up the blockage and restore flow. But before we get any deeper into how to unleash the full power, we’ve got something important to say:

A quick legal warning for Queensland homeowners!

In Queensland, the use of powered drain-clearing tools like electric eels – or electric drain snake machines – is often considered regulated plumbing work. This means that under Queensland law, only a fully licensed plumber can legally use an electric eel plumbing tool or equivalent device for clearing blocked drains. Similar laws may apply in other states and territories across Australia.

That said, understanding how to use a drain snake or electric eel is still valuable. It helps you recognise:

• What the pros are doing
• What to expect during a service call
• And why it’s sometimes worth paying for professional help.

How to use an electric eel drain cleaner

Still curious? Here’s how a licensed plumber would typically use an electric eel to clear a stubborn drain:

Step 1: Set up the machine safely

The plumber eel machine is set up near the affected drain – either inside the home (for internal blockages) or outside (for clearing outside drains) near the inspection point or clean-out access. The operator:

• Checks the area is dry and safe
• Wears protective gear
• And makes sure power cords are kept clear of water.

Step 2: Select the right cutting head

Different blockages need different attachments. For example:

• A cutting blade for tree roots
• A claw head for grease or paper
• A corkscrew head for general debris.

The selected head is fitted to the end of the cable.

Step 3: Insert the cable into the drain

The operator feeds the cable slowly into the pipe while the machine is off, ensuring it follows the path of the plumbing. This prevents damage to the pipe walls or fittings.

Step 4: Power on and begin cutting

With the machine on, the plumbers electric eel begins rotating. The cable spins inside the pipe, and the cutting head works its way through the blockage. The operator:

• Applies steady, gentle pressure
• Too much force can damage older pipes.

Step 5: Reverse and repeat as needed

The machine may be run forward and in reverse to break apart stubborn blockages. Once clear, the cable is slowly retracted.

Step 6: Flush the drain

The cleared drain is flushed with water (or a hose) to ensure all debris is removed and flow is restored.

What about a non-motorised drain snake?

If you’re not a licensed plumber (and therefore not totally sure if you can legally use a sewer eel, plumbers eel, or similar motorised tool), don’t worry – there’s still a hands-on unblocking drain option you can try at home.

A manual drain snake is a long, flexible tool – often around 1 to 3 metres long – with a hand crank and a coiled tip. It’s ideal for minor blockages in sinks, showers, or short sections of pipe.

How to use a manual drain snake at home

Here’s a simple guide for using a non-powered eel plumbing alternative:

Step 1: Get one from a hardware store

Most big-name hardware stores stock affordable drain snakes in the plumbing aisle.

Step 2: Insert into the blocked drain

Push the tip slowly into the plughole or drain opening. Twist the handle to help it move forward.

Step 3: Work through the blockage

As you crank the handle, the tip spins and may grab or break up the blockage. Be gentle but persistent.

Step 4: Pull it out correctly

You might bring gunk or hair with you – gloves and a bucket are your best friends here.

Step 5: Flush with hot water

Pour hot water or a natural cleaning solution down the drain to clear remaining debris.

Manual snakes are great for small blockages, and if they don’t do the trick – well, it’s time for a bigger tool (and a licensed pro to operate it!)

Why it’s worth calling a professional

While the idea of hiring a plumber might sound expensive, it often works out to be far cheaper than trying to DIY a serious drain issue – especially if you risk damaging your pipes or accidentally using the wrong tool.

Professional plumbers don’t just bring an eel plumbing machine. They bring:

• Experience in identifying the blockage type and safest solution
• Advanced equipment like CCTV drain cameras and hydro-jets
• Access to sewer lines and pipework the average person can’t legally touch
• Fast results that last longer than temporary DIY fixes.

Plus, many plumbers carry multiple tools – not just a drain eel, but also drain jetters, pipe locators, vacuum systems, and more – so they’re ready for whatever your blockage throws at them.

Get expert drain cleaning in Brisbane

If your shower’s draining like a slow creek or your toilet’s threatening to flood the bathroom floor, don’t reach for the wrong tool. Brisbane Drain Cleaning has the right gear – whether it’s a plumber eel, sewer eel, or an even more powerful system – and the expertise to fix the problem fast.

We’re fully licensed, fully equipped, and available 24/7 across Brisbane Northside, Brisbane Southside, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland Bay, and beyond. No drama, no mess, just clear drains done right the first time with a 100% workmanship guarantee. Contact Brisbane Drain Cleaning today for affordable, professional help with any blocked drain issue. We’ll bring the tools – and the peace of mind.