Besides a plunger, a simple hand-operated drain snake (also called a drain auger) is extremely useful. It’s basically a flexible metal wire or coil that you feed into a drain to physically break up or pull out clogs, especially in bathroom basins and shower drains.
Hair and soap scum are the main villains there. Chemical cleaners often don’t fully solve the problem and can be harsh on pipes and the environment. A small drain snake lets you hook and remove the actual blockage. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
They’re inexpensive, don’t take much space, and, once you learn how to use one, you’ll be able to handle many common clogs yourself without waiting for a plumber.
Combined with a decent plunger, this little tool covers a lot of everyday plumbing emergencies in a typical home.
