Try Snagging the Snake with a Retrieval Tip The first option would be to try to snag the broken snake with a larger snake that has a snake retrieval tip (it kind of resembles a corkscrew that has expanded). These are specifically designed for retrieving broken snakes.
Comments Section I would remove the strainer, pull out the broken snake, reseal and re-install the strainer. Yup. And there's a tool that makes that easy. Plumbing grabber flexible claw tool. - or disconnect the pipe underneath and fish it out.
Make sure that you've securely tightened the thumbscrew (the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). If the thumbscrew is loose, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. The cable rotation is how the drain snake picks up debris, so if it can't do this, your auger won't work.
It is important to understand that if the snake is stuck in the sewer line it is lodged in a joint or a broken section of pipe, and a fully functional sewer should not have a separation large enough for a snake to get stuck.
To remove the stopper, you'll need to go under the sink and unscrew the pivot rod arm connected to the sink drain pipe. You may need pliers or a wrench to help twist the arm off. Pull out the arm, including the round plug attached to it. Then, return to the sink and pull the stopper out.
START BY REMOVING YOUR P-TRAP
It's typically a good rule of thumb to remove this P-trap before you insert the plumbing snake to make it easier to get into your drain pipe. If you were to leave the P-trap in place, you would have to remove the inside of the drain and try to go around the P-trap curve.
The rigidity of a drain snake, combined with aggressive handling, can cause cracks or even break pipes entirely.
Time Frame Expectations
A tougher clog that needs methods like a drain snake or the vinegar and baking soda trick might take anywhere from fifteen minutes to half an hour. If you're dealing with a more stubborn or complicated blockage, you'll likely need a professional plumber.
Try turning the crank in the opposite direction if you think the plumbing snake is getting caught in a corner. This causes the head to bob up and down, but since you're turning counterclockwise, no debris can gather.
On average, the cost to snake a drain can range from $100 to $300. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices may vary depending on the factors.
Mix ½ cup of table salt and ½ cup of baking soda in a cup or bowl and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, or overnight if it's a stubborn clog, and then wash it down with a pot of hot water.
The answer may be that you are either using the wrong kind of drain snake, or you are trying to force it through a P-trap, or you are forcing the snake cable through the pipe too quickly or the clog is just too darn big.
If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.
Damaging a Pipe's Interior
This is especially true in aged pipes where there may be corrosion. An older pipe is often galvanized and not held to the same standards as modern pipes. The snake can scrape the pipe's interior. In rusty pipes, improperly snaking can lead to leaks or, worse, busted pipes.
Try Snagging the Snake with a Retrieval Tip The first option would be to try to snag the broken snake with a larger snake that has a snake retrieval tip (it kind of resembles a corkscrew that has expanded). These are specifically designed for retrieving broken snakes.
Whether you're struggling with plumbing blockages or trying to prevent them, United Rentals has a variety of plumbing snake rentals to help. Our electric plumbing snakes for rent are compact yet powerful enough to tackle tough clogs. Clear drainage and pipes with ease to ensure the proper flow of fluids or sewage.
Snaking your shower drain can be done at least once a month to remove residue and hair, and professional cleaning of the whole draining system should be done once a year.
Drain Snaking Can Impact the Clog If Done Incorrectly
Drain snaking requires proper knowledge and skills to do it right the first time. When done incorrectly, the materials of which the clog consists can wrap around the snake and become lodged in the pipe.
If your clog is still stubbornly in place, consider a drain snake. There are cheap plastic ones and hand-cranked metal models, either of which might snag the offending blockage with no need for a plumber. But if you still can't get to the root of the problem, it's time for professional assistance.
Yes, they can, though it isn’t common. While snakes are good swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time, they don’t often infiltrate your home via the pipes.
Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.
Use Boiling Water
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Boiling water helps break down grease and soap holding the clog together to clear the blockage.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make sure you clear any standing water in the sink first, then pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow this with a cup of vinegar, and immediately put the rubber stopper in the drain. The mixture will fizz, and push the clog down. Follow with hot water from the tap to finish flushing.