When that flimsy plunger and little hand snake isn’t getting the job done there’s only one answer: More Power!  --At least that's what Home Improvement's Tim "The Toolman" Taylor would say.  For Tim, shortly after that declaration is made, things usually don’t turn out so well.  However, when "more power" is applied properly (i.e. renting a power snake), it can be an effective way to clear up the clog.

Be cautious
Power drain snakes do pack more punch and you should always be prepared for that. If you get too overzealous while putting it down the drain, you could end up punching a hole in your pipe. At that point, you’ll have a problem much bigger than your clog (remember our friend Tim?). Also, always remember to wear work gloves and eye protection. This job has the tendency to get messy.

Getting started
Before you turn the machine on, feed the snake a couple of feet down the drain to help get you started. Also, if you can, keep water running down into the pipe. Having running water can help flush the blockage down and out. Once the cable is down there, make sure the engine is in the forward position and start it up.

It’s all down the drain
Once the snake is operating, use the foot pedal to slowly move the snake down the pipe a foot at a time. When the snake reaches the blockage in the pipe, let it work its magic and remove the blockage for you.