Having to deal with a drain can really get on your nerves sometimes!
Whether you’re dealing with a draining sink or a blocked toilet situation – a plumbing snake (also called a drain auger) can come to your rescue when facing stubborn clogs head-on!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essentials of using a plumbing snake, from knowing the time to pull it out to understanding how to handle it efficiently in any situation that comes your way!
Let’s dig into the specifics!
What Does a Plumbing Snake Do?
Plumbers often use a plumbing snake, a coiled tool meant for clearing drains and pipes of obstructions that standard plungers can’t handle alone due to their depth or resistance level.
They typically feature a long cable made of metal with a corkscrew-shaped end designed to dislodge or fragment blockages.
There are different types and sizes of plumbing snakes, such as manual hand crank models and electric versions designed for more challenging tasks.
They all share the aim of maneuvering through the pipes to remove any blockages without causing harm to the system.
When is the Right Time to Use a Plumbing Snake?
Sometimes, a clogged drain can be fixed without using a plumbing snake. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick and you can’t use chemical drain cleaners, then it might be time to give the plumbing snake a shot. Plumbing snakes come in for:
- Slow-draining sinks
- When the drains, bathtubs, and showers get blocked.
- Toilets that stay clogged despite using a plunger.
- Main sewer blockages (though it might require tools).
If your drains keep getting clogged all the time and you’ve tried using a drain snake to fix it, but it’s still a problem, it’s an idea to get advice from a professional plumber to figure out what’s causing the issue underneath.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Plumbing Snake
Step 1: Make Sure You Have All the Tools
Before you begin clearing the drain clog with a snake tool, ensure you have all the tools such, as:
- A plumbing snake (manual or electric)
- Towels or old rags (to catch water and debris)
- Rubber gloves (for hygiene and safety)
- A bucket (for collecting dirty water)
Make sure you have these things on hand to help things run smoothly and neatly.
Step 2: Insert the Snake into the Drain
The first step is to insert the snake’s tip into the drain opening.
Make sure to take out the drain stopper if you’re dealing with a sink situation.
Slowly push the cable into the drain as you turn the handle clockwise.
If you face any resistance, avoid pushing, as this may indicate that the snake has hit a blockage or a curve in the pipe.
Step 3: Rotate and Push
When you sense the snake encountering an obstacle, keep turning the handle while exerting pressure.
This movement could dislodge the clog or snag onto the blockage.
Occasionally, maneuver the snake back and forth to free up the obstruction.
Step 4: Retrieve the Snake
Once you’ve cleared the blockage in the pipe with the snake tool and pulled it out of the drain, carefully remember to have your bucket or towels nearby because debris and dirty water might also be discharged along with the cable.
After clearing the clog in the drainpipe with a plumbing snake, let hot water flow down the drain for a few minutes to make sure everything is unclogged and to get rid of any leftover dirt or grime.
After that, ensure the blockage is fully cleared and rinse away any lingering debris particles.
Are Electric Drain Snakes Worth the Investment?
When faced with tasks or stubborn blockages in your pipes that require muscle power to clear them out effectively and efficiently, it might be worth considering using an electric plumbing snake instead of a manual tool.
Electric plumbing snakes are designed to be stronger and more potent than their counterparts, making them capable of tackling jobs like cutting through dense tree roots or clearing other major obstructions in your plumbing system.
Dealing with electric snakes can be challenging for newcomers to plumbing tasks, as it can pose risks to your pipes if not handled carefully enough.
When in doubt, it’s better to leave the job to a professional plumber who has experience with this type of equipment.
Advantages of Utilizing a Drain Auger
Affordable Option
One significant benefit of utilizing a plumbing snake is its cost-saving potential on pricey plumbing services expenses.
Instead of contacting a plumber for every clog situation you encounter at home you can manage obstructions by yourself.
A Sustainable Choice
It’s better to use a plumbing snake instead of chemical drain cleaners to unclog drains, as it is safer for the environment and your pipes.
Versatile Tool
Using a plumbing snake is handy for clearing types of blockages in sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs throughout the house.
This tool is quite versatile and is an addition to any homeowner’s set of equipment.
Mistakes to Steer Clear of When Using a Plumbing Snake
Forcing the Snake
One frequent error individuals often make is pushing the snake forcibly through a blockage in the plumbing system, which can result in harm to the pipes or even break the snake tool itself!
It’s advisable to use a gentle and rotating motion to guide the cable smoothly through your plumbing.
Using the Wrong Type of Snake
When it comes to plumbing snakes, not all are the same in quality and function. Be sure to pick the size and type based on the task at hand!
For instance, a toilet auger is ideal for unclogging toilets, whereas a drain auger works best for sinks and tub clogs.
Neglecting Routine Upkeep
Using a tool, like a plumbing snake, is effective for dealing with blockages; however, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t replace the need for drain upkeep.
To avoid blockages in the future, ensure you clean your drains regularly, either by flushing them with water or using an environmentally friendly drain cleaner.
Knowing the Time to Seek Help From an Expert
While plumbing snakes and augers can effectively address blockages, there are instances when it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional plumber for repair.
If you’ve attempted to clear the blockage with a snake without success, or if you’re facing a problem, consulting a plumber for an assessment of your plumbing system is advisable.
If you think there’s an obstruction in your sewer line, you should contact a plumber right away to avoid potential damage to your home caused by sewer line blockages if left unattended.
Keep Your Drains Clear with Plumbing Snakes
Having a plumbing snake is crucial for homeowners who want to take care of their plumbing system and deal with clogs effectively to ensure smooth drainage flow at home.
Remember that some blockages may be too tricky to handle on your own; it’s best to seek professional assistance from a plumber if unsure how to proceed.
Having trouble with more than a blocked drain and in need of assistance to maintain a cozy home?
Consider reaching out to NW Maids.
We offer expert house cleaning services that will make housekeeping a breeze for you and give you time to concentrate on what counts in your life.
Get in touch with NW Maids today for a free estimate!
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